GCE AL 2013 results: NE Provinces gain top results due to four years of peace-UGC chief

December 26, 2013, 8:43 pm


By Shamindra Ferdinando, the island

Prof. Kshanika

Chairperson of the University Grants Commission Prof. Kshanika Hiriburegama yesterday observed that the Northern and Eastern Provinces did so well at the GCE Advanced Level examination in 2013 due to restoration of peace.

Prof. Hiriburegama told The Island that it was a clear sign that schools were able to function without hindrance since the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009.

Northern Province achieved the highest success rate of 63.3 percent while the Eastern Province recorded 60.1 per cent. Sabaragamuwa was placed second.

The Northern Province comprises Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar districts. The Eastern Province consists of Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts.

Prof. Hiriburegama said: "Education is the backbone of a country and primary factor for development hence this year’s Advanced Level results is a clear sign of post-war progress in the field of education."

Responding to a query, Prof. Hirimburegama said that education had always been a priority for the northerners, particularly those living in the Jaffna peninsula. Those genuinely interested in post-war stability would be pleased by the Northern Province beating all other provinces to take the top post.

Earlier former Commandant of the elite Special Task Force (STF) Senior DIG Nimal Lewke in an interview with The Island said that the Tamil political leadership, Western powers as well as the LTTE rump should re-examine their position on the post-war situation.

Lewke said that the nation topping examination results meant that the eradication of the LTTE was having a significant positive impact on the northern and eastern communities.

Prof. Hirimburegama expressed the belief those foreign governments much concerned about post-war developments here would see the overall performances of the northern and eastern districts as a positive sign.