The GCE O/Level examination started today despite the non-availability of railway services. 

President Maithripala Sirisena last night made a plea to striking railway workers urging them to return to work considering difficulties faced by the students sitting for the exam. 

The railway unions flatly refused the President's request and continued with their trade union action. 

Over 680000 students are expected to sit for GCE O/Level this year - of which a sizable proportion uses train as their primary mode or transport. 

The government said it had deployed additional CTB buses to facilitate students appearing for the exam.