The controversy revolves around the inclusion of five politically charged questions in a General Knowledge paper for Advanced Level students during the second term exams at C.W.W. Kannangara Vidyalaya in Kalutara. These questions were reportedly linked to a specific political party, raising concerns over the potential bias in the educational process.
The Ministry of Education, led by Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, responded swiftly to the public outcry by launching a thorough investigation into the incident. According to the Ministry, while the exam paper was developed by the school itself, neither the Ministry nor any other government institution had a role in the creation or approval of the paper’s content.
The Ministry emphasized that the investigation aims to clarify how such politically sensitive material was included and to ensure that no external political influence affects educational materials. Jayasundara also pointed out that the issue had sparked widespread public debate, which necessitated formal action to uphold educational integrity and prevent any recurrence.
In her statement, Jayasundara reassured the public that once the investigation is completed, appropriate measures will be taken to prevent the inclusion of politically biased content in the future. The Ministry has promised that corrective actions will follow as per the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
This incident has highlighted growing concerns about the intersection of education and politics in Sri Lanka, with critics arguing that educational content should remain neutral and free from political influence to ensure fairness and impartiality for all students.
