Face mask not mandatory when sitting the O/Level Exam

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The Department of Examinations says wearing a face mask is not mandatory for students sitting the 2021 GCE Ordinary Level Examination.

However, the Department students must wear a face mask when entering and leaving the exam halls.

Speaking at a media briefing, the Commissioner of Administration and Investigation Amith Jayasundara said they obtained the advice of the Director-General of Health Services pertaining to holding the exam amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Jayasundara stated that students must wash their hands prior to entering classrooms and wear a face mask until their seated.

He added in the event a student tests positive for COVID-19, the student must inform the principal immediately.

Jayasundara said principals have been issued instructions over handling such students adding that virus-positive students will be able to write the exam from a separate classroom at the same centre.

Meanwhile, Commissioner General of Examinations LMD Dharmasena said private applicants could face delays in receiving their admission cards.

He said 20 percent of admission cards were dispatched by the Exam Department on Monday and 80 percent prior to that.

Accordingly, he said students who have not received the admission card can download the card by entering the ID number on the Exam Department website or by contacting the hotlines provided by the Department in order to obtain a fax of the admission card.

Dharmasena said all school applicants would have received their admission cards by now.