Disabled university students receive scholarships

The President's Fund in Sri Lanka has launched a significant scholarship program, "Sarawiya Diriyo Abhiman," aimed at supporting disabled students pursuing higher education in state universities. The initiative, inaugurated at the Temple Trees with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presiding, seeks to acknowledge and empower these students.

Under this program, each eligible disabled student will receive a one-time scholarship grant of 100,000 Sri Lankan rupees. This financial aid is intended to alleviate some of the burdens associated with their educational journey. The inaugural ceremony recognized 236 disabled university students, with approximately 400 students expected to benefit overall.

Recognizing the challenges faced by students from the Northern, North Central, and Eastern provinces in traveling to Colombo, a separate event is planned for August to facilitate their participation and receive their scholarships. A notable aspect of the distribution process on the day of the inauguration was the personal delivery of scholarships to students, bringing the aid directly to them.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to rights and opportunities. She stated that the current government is formulating state policies based on the principle that all citizens, including those with disabilities, should possess the same rights. The "Sarawiya Diriyo Abhiman" program is presented as a unique social empowerment initiative that reaffirms this stance, celebrating the dedication and academic success of disabled students and reinforcing the message that physical limitations should not impede educational aspirations.

The program not only provides financial assistance but also serves as a national recognition of the students' perseverance and achievements. It underscores the government's dedication to inclusive education and social empowerment, aiming to create an environment where every student can pursue their academic goals without hindrance.