The Northern Province has initiated a new project aimed at providing additional educational support to marginalized students preparing for the GCE Ordinary Level Examination. In this regard, a discussion was held this evening – on Monday, 17 November 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat, chaired by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
Online classes have already commenced in the Analaithivu and Ezhuvaithivu areas with the technical support of Jaffna Hindu College. In line with the Governor’s instructions, steps are now being taken to expand this initiative across the entire province. According to data from the Provincial Department of Education – Northern Province, approximately 2,500 students across all 13 educational zones in the province are currently at risk of not achieving a pass at the upcoming GCE O/L examination.
Speaking at today’s discussion, the Governor emphasized that improving educational standards is a top priority for the province. He instructed officials to identify schools equipped with smart boards or smart TVs and to conduct online classes through these facilities. Participation in these online sessions should be made mandatory for marginalized students, and a responsible teacher must be present at each school to supervise the classes. He further noted that students’ attendance should be properly recorded and that parents must be informed about the schedule and importance of these classes.
The Principal of Jaffna Hindu College noted that unit-based teaching and assessments for Mathematics and Science are already in progress, and that other subjects can also be covered as needed. He added that the experience gained during the Covid period would further strengthen the effective implementation of this initiative.
The Assistant Directors of Education highlighted the need to include additional subjects in the programme. The Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Education emphasized that clear guidelines must be issued to principals and teachers regarding the implementation of the project, and noted that it is the responsibility of school principals to ensure that the targeted students are connected to the classes.
The Provincial Director of Education urged the Assistant Directors to take full responsibility in guiding marginalized students toward success, especially with only two and a half months remaining before the examination.
During the discussion, it was also decided that classes will commence next Wednesday (19.11.2025), incorporating the schools and students who are prepared to begin immediately.
The discussion was attended in person by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education of Northern Province, the Provincial Director of Education – Northern Province, and the Deputy Directors of Education from each zone, while the Principal of Jaffna Hindu College joined via videoconference.
