The Government of India has launched an enhanced financial assistance scheme for meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds at Sri Lanka’s Eastern University, further strengthening educational cooperation between the two countries.
The initiative was officially launched by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, under an Indian grant designed to uplift students from low-income families and promote higher education opportunities in the Eastern Province.
A similar scholarship program was previously implemented during the last academic year, providing LKR 5,000 per month to 100 selected students based on academic merit and economic need. Following its success and positive feedback from students, families, and university officials, India decided to enhance and expand the scheme.
During the state visit of Sri Lankan President H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India in December 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the program would be strengthened and extended to cover students at both Eastern University and the University of Jaffna.
Under the new scheme, LKR 7,500 per month will be provided to 100 first-year undergraduate students, continuing throughout their degree program. Over time, the initiative will support up to 400 students simultaneously as new batches are added each year.
Speaking at the launch event, High Commissioner Jha emphasized that the program is part of India’s broader development partnership with Sri Lanka, aimed at supporting the socio-economic advancement of the Eastern Province.
Prof. P. Peratheepan, Vice Chancellor of Eastern University, and student representatives expressed their appreciation to the Government of India, noting that the scholarship program has significantly reduced students’ financial burdens, improved class attendance, and contributed to better academic outcomes.
The enhanced scholarship scheme reaffirms India’s commitment to inclusive development and regional cooperation, building on its longstanding support for education, skill development, and livelihood initiatives across Sri Lanka.
