Pakistan's support for education sector in Sri Lanka

Quiad e Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah deserves the commendation of every one in this region for his efforts to emancipate the people of sub continents from the shackles of colonialism. Pakistan government's support in the education of the needy Sri Lankan students shows its commitment toward the bilateral co-operation between the two countries.

The Pakistani Government is awarding the Jinnah Educational Scholarships since 2005 and so far 563 Sri Lankan students have benefited from this scheme. During the past five years Rs. 18 million worth of scholarships have been awarded to promote 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 stipend of SL Rs. 24,000 as assistance to follow higher studies. This Scholarship Programme which targets the needy and talented students irrespective of caste, creed and religion is very popular among the local population.

In addition to the Jinnah Educational Scholarships, every year the Pakistani Government offers fully funded scholarships in medicine, engineering, pharmacology and dentistry to Sri Lankan students to pursue higher education in Pakistan. Almost 300 Srilankan students have benefited from these prestigious scholarships so far and are now serving Sri Lanka in different capacities. This is a prestigious award gives an extraordinary opportunity to the Srilankan youth to experience a world-renowned educational system. In addition, it provides them with the chance to experience Pakistani life style and meet other students. Once they complete their studies under this prestigious scheme, they discover a lot of opportunities to develop their careers and become a future leader in their country.

Under its Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan has helped build the capacities of the medical and educational institutes in Sri Lanka. In addition, recently the Government of Pakistan has established Computer Centers in Kandy and Colombo districts. These centers have been established with the aim to enhance the computer skills and knowledge of the Srilankan youth to make them better equipped for their future careers.

All these programmes have benefited Srilankan students from all communities for past several years. It has created professionals amongst the young citizens for the future benefit of this country. This further cements the good relationship between the two great nations. It should be emphasized that Pakistan's support in the field of education towards the brotherly country of Srilanka definitely uplifts the intelligence of the people. Pakistan's continued support to Sri Lanka in enhancing younger generation's nation building capacities with better educational opportunities is indeed having a deep and far reaching impact for creating better equipped future leaders.

Only strong societies will have resilience to sustain the emerging challenges, as strong societies make stronger nations. Pakistan and Sri Lanka need to help each other to be stronger in the face of contemporary challenges.

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