Today marks the commencement of the GCE Ordinary Level Examination 2023 (2024), with a total of 3,527 centers nationwide ready to host the candidates until May 15, announced Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara. A significant number of 452,979 candidates, comprising both school and private candidates, are anticipated to participate in this year’s examination. To ensure smooth conduct, 535 coordination centers and 33 regional collection centers have been established across the country.
In the event of natural disasters or inclement weather preventing candidates from reaching their examination centers on time, the Examination Department has established a hotline (117) for them to report their difficulties and receive necessary instructions. Notably, seven prison inmates, including six from the Sunitha School of Watareka Prison, will also partake in the examination. To facilitate their participation, a special examination center has been set up within Watareka Prison premises.
Security measures have been heightened with over 2,000 police officers deployed for examination-related duties. This includes armed officers safeguarding examination and marking centers, as well as managing the transportation and storage of answer papers and candidates. Traffic police officers will also conduct mobile patrols to ensure smooth traffic flow around examination centers. Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa urged the public to refrain from disturbing candidates during the examination period, particularly by avoiding the use of loudspeakers near examination centers.