The Supreme Court today granted an extension for the Education Minister and other respondents mentioned in a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition. The petition had been filed by a group of students who sought the postponement of the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, allowing them more time to prepare.
The respondents have been given until November 7 to submit their objections. This decision was reached during a hearing held before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justices Murdhu Fernando, Kumudun Wickramasinghe, and Priyantha Fernando.
Additionally, it was determined that the petition would be taken up for further consideration on November 23. This decision came after a request made by Attorney-at-Law Lakshan Dias, who was representing the petitioners.
The FR petition had been filed by three Advanced Level students who were advocating for the postponement of the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, originally scheduled to begin on January 4, 2024.
The students argued that, based on the general examination criteria, they were entitled to a 495-day period to complete their syllabi. However, due to various factors, including last year's electricity crisis and frequent power cuts, they claimed to have had only 300 days for their studies. Consequently, they contended that they would be at a significant disadvantage if required to take the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination under these conditions.
The respondents in the petition include the Minister of Education, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, the Commissioner General of Examinations, and the Attorney General.
