’Asidisi’ scholarship award ceremony for journalists to be launched tomorrow

Colombo, August 21 (Daily Mirror) - The scholarship award ceremony for journalists under the “Asidisi” Journalism Scholarship Programme will be launched tomorrow, marking the beginning of an annual initiative by the Media Division of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

The programme, designed to equip journalists with the knowledge, skills and professionalism needed to face the 21st century challenges, will be held under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with the participation of Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

The “Asidisi” scholarships will be awarded to journalists, freelance journalists, regional correspondents, web journalists and media technicians who have completed at least three years of service in recognised print or electronic media institutions, are aged between 18–55 years and possess a valid Journalist's Identity Card issued by the Department of Government Information.

Scholarship recipients will receive up to Rs. 200,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate studies and up to Rs. 100,000 for certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses in the media field at recognised universities or higher educational institutions. 

Beneficiaries may reapply for a second scholarship five years after completing their first course.

Payments will be made in three stages: 50% at the start of the course, 25% mid-way and the final 25% upon course completion with the submission of certificates.

The beneficiaries were selected following interviews conducted by a special committee appointed by the Ministry Secretary.