Sri Lanka launches August 2026 national exams for Grade 5 and Advanced Level students

The Department of Examinations in Sri Lanka has announced the schedule for two major national assessments in August 2026. The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination will be held on Sunday, 9 August, with candidates required to bring admission cards, stationery and identification, and to arrive early. Authorities have urged parents to ensure smooth entry and to avoid crowding at centres.

The G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will begin on Monday, 10 August and run until 5 September, covering 282,310 school and private candidates across 2,532 centres, 326 coordinating centres and 32 regional collection centres. Security measures involve the Sri Lanka Police, Tri‑Forces, the Disaster Management Centre and other agencies. Prohibited items include mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices and unauthorised notes. Candidates must present a certified signature on their admission card and a valid ID such as a National Identity Card, driving licence or passport. Lost cards can be re‑issued online with a certified signature.