Language proficiency play vital role in university admissions

"I have sought Cabinet approval to award marks for proficiency in Sinhala and Tamil languages" -SB

Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake has sought Cabinet approval to award marks for proficiency in the Sinhala and Tamil languages when admitting students to universities under the special category, Daily Mirror learns. Accordingly, Sinhala students with proficiency in the Tamil language at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and vice versa, would get additional marks when seeking enrolment i n universities after their Advanced Level studies.

Five marks would be awarded for a student who gains a distinction or ' A' for Sinhala or Tamil at the Ordinary Level Examination, if it is not his or her mother tongue. For a ' B' grade, four marks would be given, and for a ' C' grade three marks. Only two marks would be awarded to students with 'S' grade.

The Cabinet paper has been formulated in conformity with the recommendations by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). The expert committee, assigned for the implementation of the LLRC recommendations, considered this move aimed at recognising the Sinhala proficiency of Tamil language students.

Students are admitted to universities under normal and special provisions. The small percentage reserved under the special provision is for the admission of students who excel at extra-curricular activities at national and international level. The language proficiency would also be considered under this category.

Source : DailyMirrorwww.lankauniversity-news.com