28 February 2024 12:53 am
A student receiving the Sisudiri scholarship
150 high achieving students who excelled at the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination and the GCE Ordinary Level Examination were felicitated at the 15th “CDB Sisudiri Scholarship Awards” ceremony held at the BMICH in January. Under the aegis of CDB Chairman, Alastair Corera – who graced the occasion as Chief Guest – this annual scholarship programme awarded Rs 12,500 per year, for five years, to 100 students excelling at the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, which totals Rs 62,500 per student.
Annually, Rs 17,500 per student was presented to high achievers at the GCE Ordinary Level Examination for the duration of two years of their Advanced Level studies. This is a total of Rs 35,000 per student.
Each of these high achievers are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and selected from across the 25
districts in Sri Lanka.
The scholarship programme initiated by the CDB in 2008 has presented scholarships to over one thousand high achievers at an investment of over Rs 45 million. The programme not only focuses on celebrating excellent academics, but also ensures they remain in school to complete their full education. Quoting a National Youth Survey, UNICEF states that dropout rates increase once children pass the age of 14 with only 40.2 percent of adolescents continuing at school until the ages of 17-18. Having recognized this situation, the CDB began the scholarship programme with a long-term focus of nurturing the young brainpower the country has, using it to eventually contribute to the nation’s progress via a
holistic and complete education.
While congratulating the 150 students who excelled this year, Managing Director/CEO of CDB, Mahesh Nanayakkara explained to the scholars that investment in education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it’s about sculpting the future of our nation. The “Sisudiri” Scholarship embodies our commitment to fostering holistic growth, recognizing that true progress stems from nurturing minds, instilling values and creating opportunities. As we empower our youth today, we are sowing the seeds for a prosperous, enlightened and resilient nation for generations to come.”
He added that with social consciousness being an integral facet in the CDB Sustainability Agenda in which financial inclusion and community impact is key, “uplifting child education and literacy are fundamental to us. It is our responsibility as corporate stewards to empower the aspirations of the younger generation, highlighting our commitment to the UN Sustainability Development Goal 04 – Quality Education.”
Assistant General Manager of Marketing & Sustainability, Charitha Warnakulasooriya stated that CDB’s social consciousness is a holistic approach, which embraces the totality of a child’s life to ensure that financial disadvantages should not be a barrier to a child gaining a quality education. “Education is every child’s right and CDB recognizes that. We know that COVID and the economic crisis placed heavy burdens on families who were challenged to continue educating their children. This is not a choice they should have to make. The continuation of education devoid of disruption caused by financial constraints should be a priority, and this is where CDB steps in. By supporting these high academic achievers who form the backbone of the future of Sri Lanka, we are paving the way for better child education and literacy in the country.”