Large number of beneficiaries:

Mahapola schols worth Rs. 1m this year

by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena

Chairman of Tharunyata Hetak, Namal Rajapaksa

Over one million rupees worth of Mahapola scholarships will be granted to 11,500 university students and those in other higher education institutions this year by the Mahapola Trust Fund (MTF). More than 160,000 students needing financial assistance to continue their higher studies had been granted Mahapola Scholarships during the last 28 years, said Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena.

The Mahapola Trust Fund was set up by the late Lalith Athulathmudali in 1981 for the development of education and to provide financial assistance to needy students to enable them to continue their higher studies.

The Mahapola Educational and Trade Fair, one of the popular events which used to be organised by the MTF, will be held this year at the Beliatta Ruhunu Vijayaba Maha Vidyalaya, from October 14 to 18.

The Trade Minister said the event will be organised by the MTF in co-operation with 'Tharunyata Hetak' led by Namal Rajapaksa. The Mahapola Fair had not been held during the last three years due to LTTE threats.

"The theme of the Mahapola Fair is 'Wisdom for the future, New Sri Lanka'. Security Forces, universities and higher education institutions as well as 400 public and private sector organisations will take part in the Mahapola Educational and Trade Fair, he said.

There will be many trade stalls selling a plethora of items including food and textiles at low prices.

The Government's achievements in the field of economic development and the victories gained by the Security Forces during the humanitarian operation will be showcased at the exhibition, he said.

The MTF, worth five billion rupees, provides financial assistance to over 80,000 needy students at present, at the rate of a monthly allowance of Rs. 2,500 each.

This costs the MTF around Rs. 850 million annually.

Former Mahapola Scholarship beneficiaries are today holding responsible positions both here and abroad, the Trade Minister pointed out.