The presentation of Aviva NDB Higher Education Scholarships to year five students who qualified by topping the batch in each of the 25 districts in Sri Lanka in 2003 was held recently.
The presentation of Aviva NDB Higher Education Scholarships to year five students who qualified by topping the batch in each of the 25 districts in Sri Lanka in 2003 was held recently. The students have entered advanced level class and are now entitled to receive the scholarship benefits and will receive a regular bursary amounting to a total of Rs60,000 to Rs84,000, depending on the degree course. Those who do not enter university receive a lump sum as a life-starter.
The chief guest at the presentation, professor Sarath Wijesooriya, professor of Sinhala at the University of Colombo delivered an inspiring speech to the young students and their parents.
"While you must endeavour to pursue academic excellence, you must also maintain and uphold our sublime cultural values of respect for your parents and only then can you strive for and achieve real success with the blessings of your elders," he said.
Managing director of Aviva NDB Insurance, Shah Rouf said: "I congratulate the scholarship winners who are of exceptional calibre and a pride to the nation. Your achievements deserve honour and recognition and Aviva NDB is pleased to encourage you in keeping with the innovative spirit of Aviva that has a history of over 300 years."
The company initiated the Higher Education Scholarship as far back as in 1994 and this is the 10th batch to benefit from this award and the total number of students who have qualified is now 375. The Higher Education Scholarship is unique because Aviva NDB unconditionally recognizes academic excellence on merit alone. Students who qualify are not required to be children of Aviva NDB policyholders.
More importantly, the company initiated a trust fund of Rs10 million to ensure the continuity of the scholarship. This fund has now grown more than five-fold through prudent investment and with this batch, 250 students have started receiving the scholarship.
Another unique feature of this scholarship award is the recognition of the contribution made by the teachers and principals in nurturing excellence. Certificates of appreciation have been presented to the grade five class teacher and school principal of each of the students in a rare occasion where their dedication is acknowledged.
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