The Pakistani Government awarded Rs.3.6 million worth educational scholarships to 150 bright Sri Lankan students of O/L and A/L under Jinnah Educational Scholarship Program.

The scholarships are awarded on the basis of a strict criteria involving merit and need for financial assistance. Under the program, each successful student receives stipend of SL Rs.24, 000 as assistance for following studies.

The Jinnah Educational Scholarship awards ceremony was held at Ananda College Auditorium, Colombo recently. Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Acting Pakistani High Commissioner Ms Maryam Saeed were among those who participated in the ceremony.

The Pakistani Government is awarding the Jinnah Educational Scholarships since 2005 and so far 563 Sri Lankan students have benefited from this scheme. During the past five years Rs.18 million worth of scholarships have been awarded by Pakistan promoting the Sri Lankan youth and the education sector in Sri Lanka.

In addition to the Jinnah Educational Scholarships, every year that Pakistani Government offers fully funded scholarships in medicine, engineering, pharmacology and dentistry to Sri Lankan students to pursue higher education in Pakistan.