Supreme Court orders: ‘Release AL rankings before September 10’

A three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court yesterday directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to comply with the judgment dated July 25, 2012, and release the rankings of the students of the last GCE (AL) examination under both the old and new syllabi on an islandwide and district basis, considering both sets of candidates as two different groups.

The Court ordered to release the rankings before September 10.

The next call date was re- fixed for September 12 when the case is to be mentioned.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, Justice K Sri Pavan and Justice Gamini Ameratunge.

The Court further directed the first respondent, the Examinations Department to assist the second respondent cited as the UGC, to assist and give directions to release rankings in accordance with the Court directive.

The Chief Justice observed that out of the four proposed methodologies, the third methodology which is to increase the intake of students is the most viable.

“This is the third occasion the matter has come up before court. Hence, there is no provision for mistakes.

“The students’ interests is the foremost consideration.

“The court is of the view that every endeavour should be made by state universities in their next intake to accommodate an additional 4,928 in addition to the islandwide intake of 21,500 students.”

The Chief Justice at the outset observed that some documents relevant to the hearing have not been filed. There is to be a single judgment in respect of the several petitions filed.

Attorney at Law M Sumanthiran submitted that Islamic and Arabic Studies Faculties were not in favour of increasing the intake.

“The UGC has not complied with the earlier court order to formulate the Z score based on two different categories. A contempt case will be heard on the next date of hearing.

Attorney at Law Kuvera de Soysa appearing with Attorney at Law Sanjeewa Jayawardana for the petitioners submitted that the UGC had discussions with stakeholders including students and submitted the outcome to Court.

Attorney General Palitha Fernando appearing for the 1, 3, 4 and 5th respondents submitted that three meetings with the UGC were held.

Attorney at Law Faiz Musthafa appeared for the second respondent (UGC) while Attorney at Law Saliya Pieris appeared for 33 petitioners.

 

Courtesy: Daily News