The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Mr. Deputy Speaker, the answer is as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) The Commissioner General of Examinations issues an order prohibiting private tuition classes for five days prior to the GCE (O/L) and GCE (A/L) Examinations. (ii) Not applicable. (iii) Since the Ministry of Education does not presently intervene with private tuition classes, no such necessity has arisen. (iv) The Ministry of Education does not register private tuition classes. If they operate as businesses, they are registered as businesses. (v) Complaints have been received regarding this. (vi) Circular No. 2006/45 dated 2006.12.06 has been issued. It stipulates that teachers appointed to the Public Service are bound to complete the relevant syllabi within the stipulated time and to identify each student’s abilities and needs for effective teaching. Therefore, during official hours in school or outside school, there is no possibility to engage in private paid teaching. Violation will be dealt with under disciplinary procedures. (vii) Not applicable. (viii) Circular No. 2006/45 also informs that students sitting the GCE (A/L) Examination must have at least 80% attendance during the two-year period to ensure syllabus coverage, practical activities and remedial teaching. Under the proposed education reforms, focus will be placed on making education more practical, allowing more opportunities for self-study in the future.

¶ 03 (b) Not applicable.