Security beefed up for GCE O/L exams

Tough security measures will be in force for next week's G.C.E.(O/L) examination with additional police security, officials said.

Examinations Commissioner General Sanath Pujitha said that following a special meeting held to discuss security arrangements, they had decided to deploy three police officers to every examination coordinating centre, and utilise the services of about 500 police officers to provide security when question papers were transported to exam centres.

In addition, a police officer or two will be deployed at each of the 4,661 examination centres, while the assistance of police detectives dealing with mobile phone misuse has also been sought to check exam cheating, Mr. Pujitha said.

The Navy’s help has been sought for the conduct of the examination centres in the Northern Province islands such as Nainathivu, Kayts and Delft.

Examination supervisors have been advised to immediately bring to the notice of the Examinations Department or the Police if any attempt was made to disturb candidates sitting the G.C.E. (O/L) examination, the Commissioner General said.

He said that when exams were in progress, no outsider would be allowed to enter the examination hall.

Principals of schools where the examination is held will have to ensure that there are no other classes, sports events, meetings and other activities taking place in the school during the period of the examina- tion from December 3 to 12.

Candidates have been instructed to produce their National Identity Cards or passports or driving licences along with their admission cards at the examination hall.

In case of any discrepancy in the name or other details in the admission form, supervisors have been advised to contact the department on a special hotline.

All electronic devices such as smart watches and mobile phones have been banned and that in the event any candidate is found to be in possession of such devices, he or she would be slapped an exam ban of five years.

The hotlines of the examinations Department are 1911, 0112784208, 0112784537, 0113188350 or 0113140314.

(By Damith Wicremasekara)