Gamini Dissanayake Foundation:

BoC donates 10 scholarships

Waruna PADMASIRI

Bank of Ceylon Chairman Dr. Gamini Wickramasinghe presented ten scholarships to the Gamini Dissanayake Institute of Technology and Vocational Studies valued at Rs 300,000 as part of its corporate responsibility program.

BoC Chairman Dr. Gamini Wickramasinghe presenting a cheque for Rs 300,000 to Srima Dissanayake, chairperson Gamini Dissanayake Foundation to present ten scholarships at the Gamini Dissanayake Institute of Technology and Vocational Studies. Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe

Wickramasinghe said that BoC appreciates the work of the Gamini Dissanayake Foundation, especially to uplift English knowledge and Information Technology competency in rural areas.

Speaking at the occasion Srima Dissanayake thanked the bank for their support received over the last five years. She said the foundation has been functioning for seventeen years. The Vocational Training Institute was moved to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy as there was a greater need in the area for their assistance.

About 120 students follow diplomas in Information and Technology as well as English. The students are from low income families and are selected from A-level qualified students in the area who do not qualify for university entrance. A large number of students from estates study at the institute.

The Gamini Dissanayake Institute receive funds from private donors, corporate sector and individual donors. Srima Dissanayake said that the organisation does not receive any foreign funding.

In addition to the technical knowledge, the students receive training in personal development, self discipline and social responsibility. The institute also provides career guidance to its students to find good employment opportunities in the market.