BoC awards schols to 18 Plus account holders

The Bank of Ceylon (BoC) has awarded scholarships to 93 undergraduates studying in state universities.

UGC Chairman Prof. Kshanika Hiriburegama presents a  scholarship award. Chairman, (BoC) Razik Zarook and acting GM H M Mudiyanse look on.

The bank launched the scholarship scheme in 2002 and has awarded scholarships worth over Rs. 24.5 million to nearly 850, 18 Plus account holders todate. Of the 93 undergraduates, 20 were selected on special merit basis.

Out of the 18 plus account holders who had applied the highest scoring five were selected from each of the four streams, science, mathematics, commerce and arts. They will each receive a scholarship of Rs. 35,000. Seventy-three others were selected through a raffle draw and each of them were awarded a scholarship of Rs 30,000.

BoC 18 plus account holders need to maintain a balance of Rs. 5,000 in their accounts for one year from January 1 to December 31 before sitting the Advanced Level Examination to be eligible to apply for 18 Plus scholarships.

These scholarships are awarded in addition to all the other benefits that are offered to BoC 18 Plus account holders. Such benefits are, a gold coin that will be gifted on the wedding day (a minimum balance of Rs.100,000 to be maintained for 12 months before the date of marriage registration), a contribution of Rs. 500 to open a Ran Kekelu children's savings account for the first child (a minimum of Rs.10,000 to be maintained for 12 months before the birth of the first baby), 0.5% additional interest rate, free life and medical insurance cover (terms and conditions apply), an instant loan up to 90% of the account balance.