Steps have been taken to launch a programme to improve the education of G.C.E. Advanced Level students under the direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Under the new programme, finances will be allocated from the President’s Fund to provide relief to the students to continue their education. The presentation of scholarships to children who are scheduled to sit for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in 2011 commenced this week.
This measure will strengthen the programme initiated by the President to secure the rights of education of all children. Scholarships are being offered to 8,218 students this year. 100 scholarships are being offered for each Educational Zone. Students will be provided financial assistance of 500 rupees each monthly for a maximum period of 24 months.
The President handed over the scholarship funds to the Provincial Chief Ministers at the Temple Trees. The students who have passed the GCE Ordinary Level Examination and whose families monthly income does not exceed 5,000 rupees are eligible to apply for the scholarships.