UGC experts stand by their method, but honour SC decision

June 26, 2012, 9:45 pm 

by Dasun Edirisinghe, the islnd

The UGC appointed experts panel, which prepared the combined Z-score for the two syllabi, yesterday insisted that they were still of the firm belief that their decision was the most fair method for students who sat the A/L examination in 2011.

Addressing a media conference at the UGC auditorium, flanked by Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake and UGC Chairman Prof. Gamini Samaranayake, a member of the experts panel, Prof. Sarath Kulatunga, said that they had calculated the Z–score separately and deeply investigated it first.

"But it was more unfair to students," he said adding that it was the reason to go ahead with their second method to merge the Z–score of two syllabi.

The experts committee included Prof. K. R. M. T. Karunaratne of Sri Jayewardenepura University, Prof. Sarath Kulatunga of Kelaniya University, Prof. Sarath Peiris of Moratuwa University, Dr. Sarath Banneheka of Sri Jayewardenepura University and Dr. Dilhari Atygalle of the Colombo University.

Prof. Kulatunga said they however honoured the Supreme Court decision.

UGC Chairman Prof. Gamini Samaranayake said that they would implement the Supreme Court order immediately, but would have to go to the Court again for some clarifications.

The Examination Department had the authority to calculate the Z–scores and issue the results, he said.

"But the Supreme Court issued the directive to us," Prof. Samaranayake said adding they would go to Court again to clarify whether it should be done by the UGC or the Examination Department.

He said that sometimes they might have to call for applications again for university admissions, but declined to comment further.

Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake said that their lawyers were now working on the matter.