Rs. 3.6m scholarships under Jinnah educational program

The Government of Pakistan through its High Commission has awarded SL Rs. 3.6 million educational scholarships to 150 Sri Lankan students of O/L and A/L under Jinnah Educational Scholarship Program on Friday.

Under the auspices of the Pakistan High Commission Colombo the award ceremony of Jinnah Educational Scholarships was held at Ananda College Auditorium. Bandula Gunawardene, Minister of Education, A.H.M. Fowzi, Minister for Disaster Management and Alavi Mowlana, the Governor, Western Province participated as Chief Guests.

The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Ms. Maryam Saeed, the Chairman of University Grants Commission Professor Samaranayake, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Embassy officials and other dignitaries participated in the ceremony besides a large number of students and their families.

The Government of Pakistan is awarding the Jinnah Educational Scholarships since 2005 and so far 563 Sri Lankan students have benefited from this scheme. During the past 5 years SL Rs. 18 million worth of scholarships have been awarded for promoting the Sri Lankan youth and the education sector in Sri Lanka.The scholarships are awarded on the basis of a strict criteria involving merit and need for financial assistance. Under the program each successful student receives a stipend of SL Rs. 24,000 as assistance for studies.