• Fernando calls for swift action to ensure accountability and transparency  

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) called for the immediate removal of the Commissioner General of Examinations due to recent incidents of examination fraud and the alleged failure to implement adequate measures in response. This demand was made by CTU President Priyantha Fernando at a press conference held in Anuradhapura yesterday (20).

Fernando highlighted two extremely serious cases of examination fraud that have occurred under the current Commissioner General’s supervision. According to him, these incidents have not been met with appropriate action, beyond the suspension of examination duties for those accused.

He expressed concern that the lack of strict penalties creates an environment where malpractice is tolerated. “The Commissioner General of Examinations must be immediately removed from his position and his service terminated,” Fernando stated. He emphasised the importance of accountability and criticised the leniency shown towards those involved in the fraud. “Since 2015, there have been 439 cases of serious examination fraud, and the harshest penalty imposed has been a lifetime ban from examination duties. This is simply not enough to deter such misconduct,” he added.

He also underscored the need for more stringent measures to address examination fraud and maintain the integrity of the education system. He called on the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action, stressing that only through strict penalties and a commitment to transparency could the credibility of the examination process be restored.

Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara and the Ministry of Education were unavailable to comment.