The Ministry of Education has issued a Circular making Grade 5 Scholarship Examination non-compulsory for students.

Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stated this issuing a press release.

Circular 08/2019 says only the students within the prescribed income limits will be facing the exam hereafter.

The Circular 08/2019 further mentions that promotional activities such as posters and banners based on the Scholarship Examination are prohibited hereafter.

Speaking to Ada Derana, the Education Minister said he has instructed the Secretary to the ministry to revoke the Circular which made the Scholarship Examination compulsory to all students in Grade 5.

The minister has taken the decision considering the recommendations of the committee appointed to look into reforming the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.

The committee consists of educationalists, child psychologists, pediatric specialists and other experts.

The committee has heeded how the exam was initially introduced to grant scholarships to students from low-income families and to provide them opportunities to enter central colleges with more facilities. The exam has now become stiff competition for admitting students for popular schools, the committee has said.

The committee has pointed out that tuition classes further stress out the students and pressurized them into upgrading their results in this competitive examination, hindering their cognitive development and socialization process.

It is reported that the government spends over Rs 13 million on scholarships, while nearly Rs 20 million is spent on the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.