Recently, exams scheduled for the 2025 A/L sitting on November 27 and November 28 were postponed. The decision was taken by the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka, under the direction of AKS Indika Kumari Liyanage, citing “prevailing adverse weather conditions and the resulting disaster situation across the island.
Heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and landslides disrupted transportation, threatened safety — making it impractical and unsafe to hold the exams as planned.
New Exam Schedule — When the A/L Will Resume
According to the latest update, the postponed A/L papers will likely now be held on December 07, December 08 and December 09, 2025. (need confirmation from Authority)
All candidates affected by the postponement have been informed to wait for the final timetable and official notice, which will come through the Department of Examinations and relevant educational authorities.
Also, the Department asked all provincial/zonal offices, and exam-centre coordinators to ensure the security of question papers already distributed — to prevent damage or leaks during the weather-related delays.
Why Postponement Was Necessary — Safety & Logistics
The decision stems from concerns over:
- Disruptions in transport — flooded roads, landslides, and travel restrictions making it difficult or dangerous for students and exam staff to reach centres on time.
- Risk to exam integrity — question papers and exam materials could get damaged or lost due to weather impacts; raising extra precautions was essential.
- The overall disaster conditions — with many areas impacted by flooding, landslides or other emergencies; holding large-scale exams amidst that wouldn’t be fair or safe for students.
In short: the safety of candidates, staff, and preservation of exam fairness took priority.
What Students & Parents Should Do Now
- Stay alert — Keep checking official announcements from the Department of Examinations (DoE) or school authorities. They’ll publish the final rescheduled timetable there.
- Prepare accordingly — Use the extra time to revise — treat the postponement as an unexpected bonus of extra preparation days.
- Check your exam centre info — In case your original exam centre is impacted, be open to possible reassignment (depending on instructions from DoE).
- Don’t panic about lost time — The rescheduled dates give all students the same amount of time; just adapt your study-plan to the new timetable.
Broader Context — Weather, Exams and Disaster Preparedness
Sri Lanka’s exam calendar — especially for major national exams like A/L — often coincides with unpredictable weather patterns. Months like November/December can have heavier rainfall, cyclones, or other hazards, which increases the risk of disruptions.
Given this climate context, the Department of Examinations and related agencies have contingency plans: delaying exams, securing exam materials, issuing alternative dates, and giving priority to student safety when disasters strike. That’s exactly what happened now.
For students and parents, such unpredictability underscores the importance of flexibility: staying informed, being mentally prepared for schedule changes, and making a calm, studied approach rather than panicking when circumstances change.
Final Thoughts — A Message to All A/L Candidates
To everyone sitting A/L: I know this postponement might feel frustrating or stressful. Maybe you had a tight revision plan or were mentally prepared for the original dates. But — consider this extra time as a bonus: a chance to revise once more, double-check weak topics, fine-tune your answers.
And remember: exam authorities postponed the papers for your safety and fairness, not to penalize anyone. As long as you stay focused, flexible, and use the time wisely — you can turn this delay into an advantage.
Good luck — stay safe, stay confident, and make the most of the extra time!
- Time Table Click Here
