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 (10 Dec), also directed the Samurdhi Commissioner General to prepare the new financial donation programme for university entrants.

The scholarship scheme initiated in 2006 as another concept in the Mahinda Chintana has so far provided Rs. 302 million to eligible students from Samurdhi beneficiary families to further their education. Students receive the scholarship for a period of two years 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.

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, reported Daily News.

“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.,” said the President.

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

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 were for education.

“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,” the President said.