Jinnah Scholarship Scheme 2009

The annual function for distribution of the Jinnah Scholarship among deserving Sri Lankan students of A Level, O Level and Bachelors programs (2006-07 results) was held in Colombo on May 14, 2009 under the auspices of the Pakistan High Commissioner Shaheen A Gilani. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha was the Chief Guest on this occasion.

The Government of Pakistan is funding the studies of deserving and top performing Sri Lankan students under this scheme. In 2007, during the launch of the Jinnah Scholarship Scheme, 85 students had received their stipends followed by 100 in the next year. However, in view of the importance of this project, which has served as yet another cementing block for bilateral friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Government of Pakistan this year has decided to grant Jinnah Scholarships to 158 Sri Lankan students, in the three categories.

Separate merit lists for O Level, A Level and Bachelors students are compiled, considering their results. Each successful student is given a stipend of Rs. 24,000 to assist in their studies.

In addition, Pakistan also offers sixteen scholarships to deserving students every year in medicine and engineering to pursue their higher professional education in Pakistan. High Commissioner Shaheen A Gilani, emphasised the importance of sharing bilateral capacities enabling socio-economic uplift of our peoples.

He reiterated Pakistan's continued support to Sri Lanka in enhancing our younger generations nation-building capacities with better educational opportunities. He stated that only strong societies would have the resilience to sustain against emerging challenges; strong societies make stronger nations. We need to help each other to be stronger in the face of contemporary challenges.

Chief Guest Education Minister Susil Premajayantha thanked the Government of Pakistan for their unconditional and unequivocal support to Sri Lanka in the socio-economic domain.