Examinations Commissioner W.N.J. Pushpakumara has been transferred to the Ministry of Education with immediate effect. 

The transfer comes in the wake of an investigation by the Ministry into the conduct of the Department. There were various allegations over the past few years over the functioning of the Department. 

The inquiry has been launched following a directive by Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

Ministry sources said the Examinations Commissioner asked for a transfer while the investigation was underway. They also added that the team handling the investigation also recommended that such a transfer would help the investigation. 

However, the Education Ministry sources said the transfer might not be a permanent one. 

Therefore, they said, an Acting Commissioner would be appointed to ensure the smooth functioning of the Department.