The High Commission of India is proud to launch the Mahatma Gandhi scholarship scheme for Sri Lankan students studying at the ‘A' level. 100 scholarships will be granted every year proportionately among meritorious students from southern, western, central, eastern and northern regions of Sri Lanka.

The scholarship will consist of a grant of SLR 1,500/- per month. In order to compete, a student should be between 15 and 20 years of age; should have minimum aggregate marks of 70% at the ‘O' level exams; his/her parental income should be below SLR 240,000/- per annum and he/she should have confirmed admission to Class XI.

The High Commission of India and the Ministry of Education, Government of Sri Lanka, will select the students for grant of scholarships. Applications will be sought through advertisements in Sri Lankan newspapers every August. A total of 300 students will be short-listed on the basis of merit and called for interviews. Short-listed candidates will be paid conveyance charges for appearing at the interview subject to production of journey ticket upto a maximum amount of SLR 500/-. The suitability of the candidate and his financial status/background will be verified during the interview.

The scholarships will be disbursed in two annual instalments. The first instalment will be paid on selection and the second instalment will be disbursed after the scholar produces proof of his/her having got 50% marks in Class XI exams.

According to the High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka, Mrs. Nirupama Rao, "the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme is intended to assist talented young Sri Lankans from all regions of Sri Lanka in the pursuit of their educational goals. Through the years, the Government of India has actively participated in the extension of scholarships to Sri Lankan students for study of various disciplines in Indian universities. The Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust or CEWET, with which the High Commission is closely associated, has also assisted needy students in the plantation sector of Sri Lanka. The new Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme will further cement friendship and understanding between India and Sri Lanka".

Colombo