Jan 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka Examinations Department, which recently came under severe criticism over the declining reliability of examinations, has decided to import high-tech printing machines that can be used for confidential printing of examination papers.

The Commissioner of Examinations Jayantha Pushpakumara said the Department is looking into import fully automated machines that can be handled by a minimal number of staff to maximize the security of the test papers. The machines are expected to carry out the process through printing and packaging.

He said that under this process after preparing the question paper in the computer it could directly be printed and kept secured. Only the preparer of the question paper has access to the paper, he added.

Sri Lanka police recently arrested and remanded a member of the printing staff of the Examination Department for leaking the G.C.E. Ordinary Level science paper to a tuition teacher who used it with his students sabotaging the examination process.

The Commissioner said it has been planned to introduce modern technology to the Examinations Department to streamline the Department's functions and make it more efficient public entity.

He said that measures will be taken to improve the printing section of the Department, develop the surveillance camera network, introduce uniforms to employees and increase the checks on employees.