July 25, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reiterated his dedication to promoting Buddhist education in Sri Lanka, despite various challenges.
Speaking at a scholarship award ceremony at Temple Trees on 24th July, he announced that 3,000 scholarships had been granted to student monks, Seela Mathas, and lay students across the country.
Part of the “Presidential Scholarship Program” 2024, organised by the President’s Fund, these scholarships provide financial aid to student monks studying up to the Piriven (Ordinary Level), Seela Matha, and lay students up to the G.C.E. (Ordinary Level).
An initial sum of Rs. 9,000 has been deposited into the accounts of these students, with monthly instalments of Rs. 3,000 to follow.
Further, students who pass the Piriven (Ordinary Level) or G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) exams and progress to the Piriven Pracheena or G.C.E. (Advanced Level) exams will receive Rs. 6,000 per month until they sit the exams.
The scholarships are valid for 24 months, with Rs. 18,000 credited on the ceremony day to cover outstanding instalments.
Unattended scholarship recipients will receive their payments directly into their bank accounts soon.
The selection process was overseen by the Pirivena Education Division of the Ministry of Education, with each Piriven Parivenadhipathi Thero or Institute Director involved in the selection.
The President’s Fund allocates nearly Rs. 300 million annually for this programme.
During the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the economic hardships faced in recent years and stressed the importance of supporting Buddhist education.
He mentioned other government initiatives like “Aswesuma” and “Urumaya” aimed at providing relief and support to low-income families and emphasised the need to preserve and enhance the Buddhist education system.
Key dignitaries, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, several ministers, MPs, and senior officials, attended the event.
