Remote school's only two candidates pass scholarship exam

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

Kadangamuwa Primary College in a remote Sri Lankan village achieved a 100% pass rate in this year's Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, with both candidates scoring above the required cutoff. This milestone highlights the impact of committed teaching staff despite logistical challenges and underlines the need for improved educational resources like smart boards to support student learning in rural areas.

Kadangamuwa Primary College, a remote school in the Galewela Educational Zone, recorded a milestone when both its candidates took the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination this year, achieving a 100% pass rate. The two students, Mithuli Ahasma Wanasinghe and Sithumi Supuni Dehansa Kumarasinghe, scored 157 and 158 respectively, exceeding the cutoff marks required for success.

The school, which serves a small community in a village characterized by limited transportation options and poorly maintained roads, has historically faced challenges due to its remote location. Travel for students and residents often requires walking significant distances. Despite these obstacles, the school has maintained a dedicated teaching staff committed to supporting student achievement.

Their class teacher, Rukshan Sugandana, who was in his first professional posting at Kadangamuwa Primary College, played a key role in preparing the students. Sugandana, a graduate of Mahaweli National College of Education, guided the students through Grades 4 and 5 and expressed pride in contributing to their success, acknowledging the training he received at Mahaweli National College.

Gayan Subasinghe, the principal of Kadangamuwa Primary College, highlighted the significance of this achievement. "In this school, there are only 20 students and six teachers. At a time when many teachers leave this school, the remaining staff have made immense sacrifices and contributions to protect this remote school," he said. This marks the first time the school has recorded a full pass rate in the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.

Both students expressed gratitude to their parents, teachers, and the school principal for their ongoing support. They also made a public appeal requesting the installation of a smart board to enhance learning resources for their fellow students.

The achievement stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of educators and students in remote areas, underscoring the importance of continued investment in rural education infrastructure and support.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.