High Commission of India, Colombo is to award Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships to 100 Sri Lankan students, selected from all the 25 districts, on 3rd December, 2010. High Commissioner of India Mr. Ashok K. Kantha will give away the scholarships along with the Chief Guest for the occasion Hon. Mr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minster of Education. Hon. Mr.Vijith Vijayamuni, Deputy Education Minister will grace the event as the Guest of Honour.

The students have been selected based on the criteria of merit-cum-means and on the basis of their performance in ‘O’ level examinations 2009. They were then scrutinized by way of interviews conducted jointly by High Commission of India and Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka.

The selected scholars will receive a financial assistance of Rs.1,500/- per month for a period of two years, enabling them to successfully pursue their ‘A’ level Courses. After completing their ‘A’ level, the students selected for Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship will also be eligible to apply for about 80 slots under various scholarship and self-financed schemes awarded by the Government of India. Under the schemes, students can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various reputed institutes and universities in India

The Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme for Sri Lankan students, which is being awarded for the fifth consecutive year, was conceived jointly by the governments of the two countries. Most of the students getting this scholarship have gone on to excel in their chosen fields of study at the under graduation level as well as at higher levels.