President’s Fund - the main source for ‘Mahapola’ Scholarship Programme
[July 3, 2002 - 11.30 GMT]

The President Fund is the main source of funds for the ‘Mahapola’ Higher Education Scholarship Programme said Secretary to the President K. Balapatabendi. He was speaking at the Presidential Scholarship Awards at the BMICH in Colombo Tuesday. 

“The President’s Fund contributes Rs. 130 million annually to the ‘Mahapola’ to assist university entrants,” he said. 

The Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund (MHESTF) now administered under the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ministry was first created in February 1981, as a private trust with a personal contribution by a former education minister, the late Mr. Lalith Athulathmudali, to help needy undergraduates.  

“Its main focus is on the ‘poorest’ of the poor students who have the zeal to do higher studies,” Ministry spokesman, Jumar Preena said.  

Recipients of the scholarships come from all parts of the country and belong to different ethnic groups.  

“With the 7,000 scholarships awarded this year, Mahapola has given nearly 100,000 scholarships so far,” he added. 

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ravi Karunanayake, recently said that plans were taking shape to increase the number of scholarships and the monthly allowance. 

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Last Updated Date: July 3, 2002  - 11.30 GMT.