An event was held at the Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra on 14th April, 2022 to welcome Colombo Plan scholars who will pursue studies in Sri Lanka under New Colombo Plan Programme
The New Colombo Plan Programme annually provides around 10,000 undergraduates the opportunity to study and undertake internships in 40 countries across Asia and Pacific regions.
Addressing the gathering, the Acting High Commissioner thanked the Colombo Plan scholars for choosing Sri Lanka for their study programme. Highlighting the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Australia, she said Sri Lanka has maintained close relations with Australia since independence and both countires took initiatives to set up Colombo Plan. In 1951, the then Finance Minister of Sri Lanka, J.R. Jayawardena and Australia’s Foreign Minister, Sir Percy Spender initiated the suggestion for a regional organization for economic developments.
Joshua Gulli from Deakin University who will attend the University of Peradeniya, stated that this would be his first visit to Sri Lanka and that he was excited to visit the small but diverse island. “Besides its natural resources, the island can show evidence of 25 centuries of continuous civilization and culture” he added. Harine Somasundaram whose parents are from Jaffna, shared pleasant memories in Sri Lanka and said it was an honour for her to be part of the event at the High Commission especially on the Sinhala and Tamil New Year day.
The programme included Power Point presentation on Sri Lanka, screening of a video on touristic attractions in the country and welcoming the Sinhala & Tamil New Year with tasting a new year meal. The participants enjoyed traditional new year food and sweets prepared by the staff of the High Commission.
The Colombo Plan has been supporting member countries to enhance social economic development through educational programmes for over 70 years.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
20 April, 2022
