7,000 NICs for O/L students

by Ananda Kannangara

Seven thousand National Identity Cards (NICs) will be distributed among schools countrywide on Tuesday for students sitting the GCE (O/L) examination, scheduled to commence on December 10.

According to Education Department sources, over 539,000 students will sit the forthcoming examination in all districts including the North and East. Commissioner, Department for Registration of Persons (DRP), A. G. Dharmadasa told the `Sunday Observer' that of the 7,000 NICs, nearly 1,500 will be distributed in schools in the Northern district with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

"We have also set up a special counter at the Department at Keppettipola Mawatha, Colombo 5 for the convenience of all school and private candidates," he said.

Dharmadasa said this decision was taken following numerous complaints received by the Department regarding the delay in obtaining NICs by several private candidates and school principals.

He said this program benefits students, especially in rural areas, who usually face difficulties in obtaining NICs due to postal delays.