For children of Samurdhi beneficiary families:

Rs 5,000 university admission grant

*Quality education for future generation:

*Poverty should be no bar to education:

Rasika SOMARATHNA

Children of Samurdhi beneficiary families, who gain entry to universities will receive a Rs 5,000 financial donation from next year to meet their basic needs at the time of entry, according to a Presidential directive. President Mahinda Rajapaksa while presenting Sipdora scholarships to eligible students at Temple Trees yesterday, also directed Samurdhi Commissioner General Sarath Wijeweera to prepare the new financial donation program for university entrants.

All new University entrants from Samurdhi beneficiary families are to receive a one time Rs 5,000 donation, in addition to the Sipdora scholarship they receive for a two year period, from GCE O/L until the completion of GCE A/L.

The Samurdhi Social Security Fund presently provides around 6,300 Sipdora Scholarships to students from beneficiary families annually.

The scheme helps GCE O/L qualified students to continue their education unhindered up to Advanced Level by providing them with a monthly financial donation.

The scholarship scheme initiated in 2006 as another concept in the Mahinda Chinthana has so far provided Rs. 302 million to eligible students from Samurdhi beneficiary families to further their education.

President Rajapaksa addressing students, parents and teachers noted that all Government efforts were directed at rebuilding the nation and providing equal opportunities to all at education, employment, etc.

“When it comes to education there should be no financial or other barriers which prevent eligible students from furthering their education. That is why we are implementing these scholarships programs etc.”

“Equipping Sri Lanka’s future generation with quality education is one of the pillars we are going to build this country on.”

Education is the key essence to helping develop knowledge of the youth of our country. We need to empower our future generation so that they can face the world with confidence.”

“In addition to defence and health, the other major financial allocations made was for education. All this is done with our sons and daughters in mind. Our first priority is the Motherland and second the wellbeing of our future generation,” the President added.

President Rajapaksa also emphasized that despite various opposing sections spreading negative views on the Government at its inception, so far there had been no hesitation in implementing people-friendly policies.

“Ultimately the people would judge us on what we have done. Our development activities and other measures enacted for the wellbeing of the people are there for everybody to see,” he said.

“We can’t allow children to get affected by problems arising at home due to lack of money. That is why we have initiated scholarships programs such as these.”

“Our intention is to create a highly educated society. They should also have rich morale values and be erudite citizens in future,” he said. “We have the fullest confidence in our future generation. As the Government we are committed to supplement their needs and guide them in the correct path.”

“This country hereafter would not entertain difference such as ethnic, religious etc.

There are only two kinds of people, those who love the Motherland and those who don’t,” the President told the children who were listening to him in pin drop silence.