The Department of Examinations has announced strict prohibitions on conducting tuition classes and related activities during the upcoming 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination and the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.

For the Advanced Level Examination, scheduled from August 10 to September 5 at 2,532 centres, all tuition classes, subject‑related lectures, seminars, workshops, and the printing or distribution of model question papers were banned from midnight yesterday (04) until the end of the exam. 

According to the Commissioner General of Examinations, publishing or possessing posters, banners, handbills, or media claiming to provide similar questions is also prohibited.

Similarly, for the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, which will be held on August 9 at 2,723 centres, the same restrictions apply from midnight today (05) until the exam concludes. 

The Department said that any individual, institution, or party violating these orders will be guilty under the Public Examinations Act No. 25 of 1968. 

Complaints regarding violations can be lodged with the nearest police station, Police Headquarters, or the Department of Examinations via the following telephone numbers;

• Police Headquarters: 011‑2421111
• Police Emergency: 119
• Department of Examinations Hotline: 1911
• School Examinations Organization & Results Branch: 011‑2784208 / 011‑2784537 (Newswire)

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Authorities will convene a special discussion tomorrow (05) to review precautionary measures for upcoming national examinations in light of the adverse weather conditions sweeping across the island, it was reported. 

According to the state newspaper Dinamina, the meeting will involve representatives from the Department of Meteorology, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), and the Department of Examinations.

Meteorology Director General Ajith Wijemanna noted that although August is typically a period of low rainfall, active monsoon conditions have intensified showers. 

He said rainfall is expected to ease after August 6–8, with a significant reduction anticipated by August 10, when the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination begins.

The 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, while the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will run from August 10 to September 5, 2026.

It is reported that tomorrow’s meeting will focus on ensuring smooth conduct of exams despite weather disruptions, while also reviewing contingency plans to safeguard students and examination centers. (Newswire)

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has reminded mid‑career professionals that applications are closing soon for the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for the 2027–2028 academic year.

The fellowship, part of the Fulbright Exchange Program, is a fully funded, non‑degree, 10‑month opportunity in the United States designed to provide professional development and leadership growth. 

Selected fellows will benefit from academic study, professional affiliations, airfare, health insurance, and other support.

The program is open to mid‑career professionals with a proven record of leadership in the public or private sector. 

Fellows spend ten months in the U.S. expanding their expertise, building networks, and learning alongside American leaders in their fields.

Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2026.

Further details and application instructions are available on the Fulbright Sri Lanka website: fulbrightsrilanka.org/award/humphrey. (Newswire)

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The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the launch of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Scheme for Sri Lankan students, offering both fully and partially funded opportunities to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at top‑ranked Pakistani universities.

The initiative aims to strengthen academic ties and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Selected candidates will gain exposure to Pakistani society and values, while sharing their own culture with peers and community groups.

Scholarships are available across disciplines including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, architecture, fine arts, business, IT, agriculture, and media studies. 

Fully funded awards cover tuition, living allowances, hostel charges, and book costs, while partially funded scholarships cover tuition fees only.

Eligibility requires strong academic performance: at least 65% marks for medicine and engineering programs, and 60% marks for master’s and doctoral studies. Age limits apply: 23 years for undergraduates, 35 for postgraduates, and 40 for faculty members.

Applicants must submit online applications via HEC’s portal by June 25, 2026. All candidates will sit for an aptitude test conducted by HEC in collaboration with the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo and the Government of Sri Lanka.

The program mandates that graduates return to Sri Lanka to contribute to national development after completing their studies in Pakistan.

For inquiries, contact Project Director Jehanzeb Khan at info.paksl@hec.gov.pk. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has warned parents and students not to engage with unauthorized private agents claiming involvement in the newly introduced government scholarship programme for outstanding G.C.E. Advanced Level students.

Issuing a statement, the ministry announced that the programme will provide 200 high‑achieving students the opportunity to pursue Bachelor’s Degree programmes at internationally ranked universities abroad. 

The ministry further said that applications have been called for the second phase from students who obtained outstanding results at the GCE Advanced Level Examination -2025. 

The initiative is solely implemented and administered by the Ministry, with no partnerships or affiliations with private institutions or individuals.

Applications will be handled directly by the Ministry through a transparent, merit‑based process, and students are not required to use agents, the Education Ministry stressed.

The ministry further emphasized that it will accept no responsibility for dealings with unauthorized third parties, cautioning that any misrepresentation or fraudulent involvement will result in strict legal action under Sri Lankan law. (Newswire)

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced that applications are now open for the 2027 Fulbright Master’s Degree Scholarship Awards.

The program offers Sri Lankan students the opportunity to pursue a two‑year master’s degree at a higher education institution in the United States. 

The award covers tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance, enabling top students to study in their chosen field at a U.S. university.

According to the US Embassy, the scholarships are awarded to a limited number of outstanding Sri Lankan students selected for their academic excellence. 

Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2026, and further details, including application instructions, are available on the Fulbright Sri Lanka website: fulbrightsrilanka.org/award/masters-scholarship. (Newswire) 

Applications are now open for the 2027 @FulbrightPrgrm Master’s Degree Scholarship Awards!

Apply if you are seeking a two-year scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at a higher education institution in the United States.
This award covers tuition, textbooks, airfare, a… pic.twitter.com/vcKNH8qyta

— U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka (@USEmbSL) April 6, 2026

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The government’s new foreign scholarship programme for top-performing Advanced Level students officially commenced on 12 March 2026 at the Ministry of Education, Isurupaya, with 32 students selected in its first phase. 

The initiative, described by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya as a national investment in education and the country’s future, aims to develop highly skilled human resources essential for rebuilding the nation.

An allocation of Rs. 4,001 million has been earmarked for the project, which plans to award 200 foreign scholarships between 2025 and 2033.

Of the 32 students chosen for the 2025/26 academic year, nine have already secured admission to leading universities in Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney, Melbourne, Monash, and Auckland.

The programme requires students to pursue undergraduate studies at universities ranked within the top 500 globally by QS, THE, or ARWU rankings. Each student will receive up to Rs. 20 million annually, with a maximum of Rs. 80 million over four years to cover their full undergraduate programme.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized that the transparent selection process reflects the government’s vision of education as a cornerstone for national progress, ensuring opportunities for Sri Lanka’s brightest students to gain world-class exposure and contribute to the country’s future development.

PM Harini Amarasuriya’s full statement:

Today brings a great satisfaction to the Ministry of Education. As the first phase of a promise we made in our policy statement, scholarships have been awarded today to 33 students who achieved outstanding results in the Advanced Level Examination to pursue higher education abroad. Implementing this programme was not easy. We had to engage in extensive discussions regarding student selection, maintaining transparency, and identifying universities with higher academic standards.

This is not an ordinary scholarship programme. It is a programme that defines the future vision of our country. It provides students with the opportunity to study at some of the world’s leading universities. Therefore, students selected for this programme must demonstrate not only academic excellence but also leadership qualities, personality, and resilience.

To build our country, we need good citizens. We must create a human resource capable of taking the country forward. Countries such as Singapore, China, and Malaysia have progressed by investing in human resource development. We must also follow that path.

Beyond becoming graduates, these scholarship recipients should become individuals capable of making a meaningful impact on society and serving as part of the broader social transformation of our country. This is a long-term investment we are making. We expect you to support fellow students, lead teams, and demonstrate strong character.

No matter the challenges you face, including the climate changes, cultural differences, or missing loved ones, you must remain determined and not abandon your journey. Use such challenges to develop your leadership qualities. Even difficult experiences can become opportunities. Learn from new cultures, technologies, and systems of knowledge. Become innovative thinkers who can apply that knowledge to the development of our country.

Follow after many experiences as possible. Develop communication skills, empathy, teamwork, and the ability to understand others. Thereby, you will be able to deliver the change we expect for the nation. We will never be left alone. In any challenging situation, we are ready to intervene and support you.  We will facilitate the necessary coordination and assistance through embassies. If we are to take our country toward social transformation, it must be done through collective effort, protecting and supporting one another. We must create leaders who can guide not only Sri Lanka but the entire world toward a more humane future. (Newswire)

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The High Commission of India in Colombo has announced the opening of applications for 200 fully‑funded scholarships exclusively for Sri Lankan nationals for the 2026–2027 academic session. 

Issuing a statement, the High Commission of India said these scholarships, across various levels, are being offered for studies in prestigious Indian Institutes and Universities across subject domains, but not including Medical/Paramedical and Law courses. 

The scholarships offered exclusively for Sri Lankan nationals are for the 2026-2027 academic session.

The schemes under which these scholarships have been offered are as follows;

a) Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: This scheme covers Under Graduate/Post Graduate & PhD courses in various domains such as Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities and Arts, among others.

b) Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: Masters Degrees courses with preference to Engineering, Science and Agriculture.

c) Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme: Undergraduate courses in specifically in the field of Information Technology, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology.

d) Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship scheme: This scheme also covers Under Graduate/Post Graduate & PhD courses in various domains such as Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities and Arts, among others.

The Indian High Commission states that each of the above schemes covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course, a monthly sustenance allowance, and an annual grant for books and stationery. 

In addition, airfare to the nearest destination in India and an annual grant for educational tours to various parts of the country, apart from several other auxiliary benefits, are also offered. Selected candidates would also be provided with hostel facilities inside the respective campus.

The Government of India selects meritorious Sri Lankan nationals for the award of these coveted scholarships. The selection of candidates is done in consultation with the Ministry of Education of the Government of Sri Lanka. Necessary details will be available in the upcoming days on the website of the Ministry of Education at www.mohe.gov.lk.

Interested applicants and their parents are advised to approach the High Commission of India, Colombo (eduwing.colombo@mea.gov.in) or the Ministry of Education, Government of Sri Lanka to learn more about the eligibility criteria and selection procedure. (Newswire)

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According to the Education Ministry, the cut-off marks for admission to schools for Grade 6 in 2026 can be accessed via the ministry’s official website: www.moe.gov.lk. 

The allocated school can be checked through the portal: https://g6application.moe.gov.lk. (Newswire)

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The Department of Examinations says that the results of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination 2025 has been released.

Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2025 cut-off marks released

The exam, one of the most competitive assessments for primary students in Sri Lanka, was conducted last month with thousands of participants nationwide.

A total of 307,951 candidates sat for the examination at 2,787 centres across the country on 10th August. 

The results can be accessed online through the following official portals of the Department of Examinations:

* http://www.doenets.lk

* www.results.exams.gov.lk

Students will be able to check their results by entering their admission numbers. (Newswire)

Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2025 cut-off marks released

https://www.newswire.lk/bxxt

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The British High Commission in Sri Lanka has announced the opening of applications for the United Kingdom’s Chevening Scholarship programme. 

Issuing a statement, the British High Commission has reminded students interested in the Scholarship programme to send in their applications.

Applications will be accepted until 07 October.

The Chevening Scholarship programme offers fully-funded scholarships to undertake any master’s course at any UK university. 

For more details on applications, visit : http://chevening.org/apply (Newswire)

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Minister Anura Karunathilaka informed Parliament today that the sons and relatives of Presidents, ministers and Parliamentarians had benefited from the President’s Fund. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the Presidential Fund’s Scholarship had been used between 2005 to 2014.

It was disclosed in Parliament that the following persons of former MPs benefited from the President’s Fund;

• MP Harshana Rajakaruna – Son of former Gampaha District MP Sarath Chandra Rajakaruna
• I.N. Kodituwakku – Relative of former Colombo District MP Karunasena Kodituwakku in 2006
• V. Radhakrishnan – Relative of former National List MP V. Radhakrishnan in 2006
• Dinesh Dodangoda, through political affiliations in 2006
• K.K. Paranavithane in 2006

Minister Anura Karunathilaka revealed that the money for scholarships disbursed is as follows;

• Over Rs. 73 million in 2005
• Over Rs. 75 million in 2006
• Over Rs. 33 million for 42 individuals in 2007
• Over Rs. 11 million for 18 persons in 2008
• Over Rs. 03 million to four persons in 2009
• Over Rs. 03 million to three people in 2010
• Over Rs. 01 million to two individuals in 2011
• Over Rs. 03 million for 02 persons in 2012
• Over Rs. 400,000 to one person in 2014

Minister Anura Karunathilaka said that it has been proven that money from the President’s Fund had been used by children and relatives of Presidents, Ministers and MPs in the past. (Newswire)

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The Department of Examinations says all preparatory classes related to the upcoming Grade 05 scholarship examination will be prohibited from midnight on 06 August until the conclusion of the exam.

Issuing a notice, the department emphasized that organizing and conducting support classes for exam candidates, subject-specific lectures, seminars, workshops, printing and distributing model question papers containing speculative questions related to the scholarship exam are strictly prohibited.

The Exam Department further states that publishing or displaying posters, banners, leaflets, whether printed or digital, or sharing such materials via social media claiming to provide questions similar to or identical to those in the exam papers is entirely prohibited.

The 2025 Grade 05 Scholarship Examination is scheduled to be held on 10 August at 2,787 examination centres island-wide. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted to implement the scholarship programme to provide opportunities for students who have passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination (A/L) with high ranks to follow their first degree at foreign universities. 

According to the government, Rs. 200 million has been allocated in the budget proposal for 2025 to provide opportunities for students with the highest Z-score in the main subject streams of the A/Level examination to study in foreign universities.

The scholarship programme is being offered, aligning with the government’s objective of creating ‘civilized citizen-advanced human resources’. 

Under this scholarship program, it has been proposed to award scholarships to complete their degree program for a maximum of four years at universities ranked in the top 500 in international university rankings and that teach in English. 

Scholarships are planned to be awarded to 200 students, with a proposal to select 20 to 50 students for the year 2025 under the first stage of this program. Out of the applications, the selection of students will be made by the expert interview board comprising professors and doctors from the universities. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Prime Minister, in her capacity as the Minister of Higher Education, to implement the proposed scholarship program. (Newswire)

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Plans have been made to appoint a committee to consider whether or not to conduct the Grade 05 scholarship examination after the year 2029, Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne said. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Deputy Minister Madura Seneviratne said that it has been planned to appoint the committee to conduct a review in 2028 for this purpose. 

He further said that instructions have also been issued to the Department of Examinations regarding the conducting of the examination and creating question papers with less pressure on students sitting for the exam. 

The Deputy Minister went on to note that a decision will be made on conducting the examination after 2029, taking into account the report of the appointed committee and the reviews conducted by the Examinations Department.

He further stated that the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination will not be suspended all of a sudden.

The Deputy Minister added that steps will be taken to reduce the disparities between schools and reduce the pressure on children. (Newswire)

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Ninety (90) secondary school students from Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Nuwara Eliya who completed the US-funded English Access Scholarship Program graduated today (09 June), according to the US Embassy in Sri Lanka.  

The ceremony, held in Galle, featured US Ambassador Julie Chung and Professor Gamani Fonseka, Director of Smart International Professionals for Leadership Education (SIPLEE), who presented certificates to the graduates. 

The free two-year program, implemented in partnership with SIPLEE, provides intensive English language and leadership training to economically disadvantaged youth, expanding their educational and career opportunities while strengthening people-to-people ties between the United States and Sri Lanka. 

At the graduation ceremony, Access students showcased their growing confidence and English proficiency by serving as Masters of Ceremony, delivering speeches, performing a short play, and singing. 

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung praised their accomplishments, highlighting the program’s broader impact: “Programs like Access do more than teach English—they build leadership. These students are developing the communication skills, confidence, and global mindset that will help them succeed in any field they choose, from technology to public service. It’s about equipping the next generation with the tools they need to lead in Sri Lanka and beyond.” 

The United States supports initiatives like Access because empowering young people through education and opportunity creates a world that is stronger, safer, and more prosperous for both nations and the global community. 

About English Access: 

The English Access Scholarship Program is a US Department of State–funded global initiative that provides talented students from economically disadvantaged communities with free, two-year training in American English, leadership, and communication skills. In Sri Lanka, the program is implemented by local educators at five locations across the country and is funded through the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. Access not only strengthens students’ English proficiency but also builds their confidence, civic awareness, and understanding of American culture and democratic values. 

Since its launch in Sri Lanka in 2004, the program has empowered over 1,300 youth island-wide. Many Access graduates go on to pursue higher education, win competitive US exchange scholarships, and enter careers in education, technology, business, and public service—playing leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Access classes are led by experienced Sri Lankan English language professionals using interactive, student-centred teaching methods that emphasise real-world communication and personal development. (Newswire)

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Education Minister and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says there are no immediate plans to cancel the Grade 05 Scholarship Examination.

Addressing the Parliament today, the PM pointed out that the examination cannot be abolished immediately, as it could only be carried out in line with certain other reforms.

She further said that steps will be taken to minimise the pressure on students sitting for the examination, and that this will be done by 2028 and 2029.

PM Harini Amarasuriya made the remarks in response to a question raised by opposition MP Rohini Kumari Wijeratne in Parliament today. (Newswire)

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The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination for 2025 will be held on August 10, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner General of Examinations, H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara.

As per the announcement, applications for the exam will be accepted online from April 4 to April 30, 2025. The online application portal will close at midnight on April 30, and the department has stated that the deadline will not be extended under any circumstances.

Students eligible to sit for the exam must be currently studying in Grade 5 at a government school or a school approved by the government.

Only students from low-income families who are under the age of 11 as of January 31, 2026, will be eligible to receive the scholarship benefits. (Newswire)

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The Government of India has announced 200 fully funded scholarships for Sri Lankan nationals.

According to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, applications are called for 200 fully-funded scholarships for Sri Lankan nationals across various levels. 

These scholarships are being offered for studies in prestigious Indian Institutes and universities across subject domains, excluding Medical/Paramedical, Fashion Design and Law courses. 

The scholarships offered exclusively for Sri Lankan nationals are for the 2025-2026 academic session.

Accordingly, the schemes under which these scholarships have been offered are:

a)  Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: 

This scheme covers Undergraduate/Post Graduate & PhD courses in various domains such as Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities and Arts, among others.

b)   Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: 

Masters Degree courses with preference to Engineering, Science and Agriculture.

c)   Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme:

Undergraduate courses specifically in the field of Information Technology, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology.

d) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship scheme: 

This scheme also covers Undergraduate/Post Graduate & PhD courses in various domains such as Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities and Arts, among others.

Each of the above schemes covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course, monthly sustenance allowance, and annual grants for books and stationery. In addition, airfare to the nearest destination in India and an annual grant for educational tours to various parts of the country, apart from several other auxiliary benefits are also offered. Selected candidates would also be provided hostel facilities inside the respective campus.

The Government of India selects meritorious Sri Lankan nationals for the awarding of these coveted scholarships. The selection of candidates is done in consultation with the Ministry of Education of the Government of Sri Lanka. 

Necessary details will be available on the website of the Ministry of Education at www.mohe.gov.lk. 

Interested applicants and their parents are advised to approach the High Commission of India, Colombo (eduwing.colombo@mea.gov.in) or the  Ministry of Education of the Government of Sri Lanka to learn more about eligibility criteria and selection procedure. (Newswire)

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Nearly 16.05% of students have obtained above the cut-off marks in the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.

The Commissioner General of Exams announced that the highest mark obtained at the overall examination is 188, as per the results released yesterday.

Addressing the media today, he said eight students have received top marks in the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.

Accordingly, one student obtained 188, which is the highest mark, while 17 obtained between 186 and 187 marks.

Among the 319,284 students who sat for the examination in September last year, 51,244 have passed the examination. (Newswire)

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