Colombo witnessed a joyous occasion as 300 talented students hailing from every one of Sri Lanka’s 25 districts received the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship from Indian authorities. The high-profile event at the Education Ministry featured key dignitaries including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Deputy Minister Madura Senewiratne, and Acting Indian High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey.
Designed on a merit-cum-means basis, the scholarship disburses 2,500 Sri Lankan Rupees monthly to top performers—six from each district. This combined ceremony for 2021-2024 batches highlighted the program’s continuity amid challenging times.
In her address, PM Amarasuriya thanked India for the scholarships and broader contributions, felicitating the students and drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s ethos. She encouraged them to embody his values in their personal and professional journeys.
Dr. Pandey, while congratulating the awardees, described the scholarship as more than monetary support—a symbol of enduring responsibility. He hoped the recipients would champion Gandhi’s wisdom in education and beyond, shaping a brighter future.
India’s educational outreach in Sri Lanka is expansive. Annually, 210 scholarships cover diverse disciplines from STEM to indigenous medicine. The ITEC program provides over 400 funded training opportunities for officials.
Bilateral momentum continues with a 2024 MoU for training 1,500 civil servants over five years, signed during President Dissanayake’s India visit. PM’s April 2025 trip secured 700 yearly slots for professional development.
These initiatives reflect a deep-rooted India-Sri Lanka bond, empowering youth to lead with integrity and innovation, true to Gandhi’s vision.