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Ceylinco Life presents more ‘Pranama’ scholarships

A potentially future defining milestone was reached by another 170 young Sri Lankans recently, when they became the latest recipients of Ceylinco Life Pranama scholarships presented by the country's life insurance leader.

The company's eleventh annual Pranama scholarships presentation took place in Colombo recently worth Rs 8.5 million.

Since its inception in 2002, the Pranama scholarships programme has rewarded 1,464 students with scholarships worth more than Rs 75 million, in recognition of academic potential and achievements.

Addressing the ceremony, Ceylinco Life Managing Director and CEO R Renganathan pointed out that while the bulk of job opportunities are created by private sector businesses, there is a mismatch between the needs of employers and the graduates turned out by our universities. The Pranama scholarships scheme recognises the importance of academic excellence as well as extra-curricular pursuits including sports that promote teamwork and help produce balanced all-rounders, he said.

Prof. Rohan Jayasekera, Dean of the faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo who was the Guest of Honour at the event, paid tribute to Ceylinco Life for its commitment over a decade to encourage the future leaders of the country to strive for excellence.

Dinuka Edirisinghe, a second year student of the Faculty of Medicine, who has twice been recognized with Pranama scholarships for his achievements while in school, delivered an emotional and thought - provoking presentation on how this scholarships had motivated him to reach greater heights.

This year's Ceylinco Life Pranama Scholarship recipients included 32 students who excelled at the Year 5 scholarship examination in 2011. Each of them received Rs. 90,000 in instalments over five years.

Twenty five students who excelled at the G.C.E. (O/L) in 2010 each received Rs.72,000, payable monthly over two years. Another 25 students placed 1st in their districts at the G.C.E. Advanced Level received scholarships worth Rs.126,000 each, payable over a three year period, while 75 students placed 2nd,3rd and 4th in their districts at this examination were awarded Rs. 10,000 each. Ten national merit award recipients who had excelled at the national level in sports, aesthetics, invention and creativity also received Rs.35,000 each.

Additionally, special cash awards of Rs 25,000 were presented to each of the students who achieved the highest marks islandwide in mathematics, biology, commerce and arts at the G.C.E (A/L) examinations in 2011,

The selection of recipients for these scholarships is made under the supervision and guidance of the Department of Examinations, the company said.

The Ceylinco Life Pranama scholarships programme is one of the main components of the company's ‘Life Rewards,’ portfolio of special benefits.

MBSL extends its services to Hatton

MBSL Bank recently opened its new branch in Hatton, the Chief Guest, the Mayor of Hatton, A Nandakumar, Chairman of MBSL Bank M R Shah and CEO, Gamini Karunathilaka. Board of Directors at MBSL Bank, was also present.

Hatton is a town blessed with rich heritage and diversity and also famous for its vast tea-plantations. That assists tea in drawing foreign exchange to the country which is a major export category.

The Bank therefore help build business endeavours through its SME products to small and medium businessmen in and around Hatton. With its expertise and knowledge in SME financing services, the Bank offers many financing facilities including short term working capital loans and long term funding, which is a benefit to businesses enabling them to grow their businesses with MBSL Bank. In addition MBSL Bank offers customers a range of financial service, solutions and products to suit their needs such as corporate advisory, leasing, trade and project finance.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of MBSL Bank M.R. Shah stated “MBSL Bank is committed towards providing the much needed financing for both small and large businesses which is a vital component of our country's economy.

After a 30-year long conflict, the country is reawakening. We hope the Business Entrepreneurs will take the challenges of post war Sri Lanka.

The Chief Guest at the occasion A Nandakumar also added that from colonial times the town of Hatton has been a main contributor to Sri Lanka's economy through tea exports and he is happy to note that MBSL bank is there to lend a hand to the people of this town.