Who Received the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships in Sri Lanka?
Synopsis
On February 10, 300 students from all 25 districts in Sri Lanka received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships, recognizing their academic excellence and potential. This initiative, supported by the Government of India, aims to empower future leaders while promoting Gandhi's enduring legacy.
Key Takeaways
300 scholarships were awarded to students across Sri Lanka.
Monthly stipend of LKR 2,500 based on merit and need.
Recognition of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals is emphasized.
Additional educational programs offered by India.
Strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and India.
Colombo, Feb 10 (NationPress) A remarkable total of 300 Advanced Level students from every one of the 25 districts in Sri Lanka were honored with the distinguished Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education in Colombo, also saw the presence of Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Madhura Senevirathna, and Acting High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey.
According to the Indian High Commission, this scholarship initiative offers a monthly stipend of LKR 2,500 to Advanced Level students based on merit and need, specifically aimed at the top six students from each district. This year's event was particularly significant as it awarded scholarships to two groups concurrently, spanning from 2021 to 2024.
The Prime Minister expressed her appreciation to the Government of India for its support through the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships and other initiatives in Sri Lanka. In her remarks, she encouraged the students to contemplate the teachings and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing the importance of his ideals.
Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey congratulated the recipients, highlighting that the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship is not just a financial aid for deserving students, but a lifelong recognition. He urged the awardees to pursue excellence in their studies and to propagate the noble principles of Gandhi throughout their lives.
In addition to these scholarships, the Government of India provides around 210 annual scholarships in various fields including engineering, technology, arts, science, and indigenous medicine. There are also over 400 fully-funded slots available for Sri Lankan government officials under the ITEC scheme.
Furthermore, during the State Visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in December 2024, a memorandum of understanding was signed to train 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants over five years in India, and during the State Visit of the Prime Minister in April 2025, India proposed an additional 700 customized training slots each year for Sri Lankan professionals.
Overall, these capacity-building efforts by India aim to facilitate knowledge transfer and professional growth for approximately 1,000 Sri Lankan nationals annually, supplementing existing training programs such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme.
Point of View
The Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships represent a significant investment in Sri Lanka's future. This initiative not only supports deserving students but also reinforces the historical and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India. It's a commendable step towards fostering educational excellence and social responsibility among the youth.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships?
The Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships are awarded to outstanding Advanced Level students in Sri Lanka, providing financial support based on merit and need.
Who presented the scholarships?
The scholarships were presented by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, with the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Madhura Senevirathna, and Acting High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey in attendance.
How much financial support do recipients receive?
Recipients receive LKR 2,500 monthly under the scholarship program.
How many students receive this scholarship?
This year, a total of 300 students from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka received the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships.
What other programs does the Government of India offer?
In addition to the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships, the Government of India provides around 210 annual scholarships in various fields and additional training programs for Sri Lankan professionals.
