Grade 5 Scholarship Exam to Continue Until 2029

Speaking during a parliamentary session, the Deputy Minister stated that a special committee will be appointed in 2028 to review the future of the exam, which has long been a subject of national debate over its impact on young students.

Minister Senevirathna emphasized that while the exam remains in place, the Ministry is actively working on plans to reduce exam-related pressure on students and address disparities between urban and rural schools. These reforms aim to create a more equitable education environment and promote holistic development from early schooling.

The Grade 5 Scholarship Exam, introduced to provide access to better educational opportunities for high-performing students from disadvantaged backgrounds, has come under scrutiny for contributing to undue academic stress among children as young as ten.