COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka has awarded one-time scholarships of Rs. 100,000 each to 50 university students with disabilities under the government’s “Sarasavi Diriyo Abhiman” scholarship programme.

The third and final scholarship programme for the year was held at the Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies of Eastern University, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The programme, implemented by the President’s Fund, supports students with disabilities who have overcome physical and other challenges to pursue higher education.

The latest beneficiaries included students from Eastern University and South Eastern University. The three programmes held in Colombo, Jaffna and the Eastern Province have recognised nearly 400 students during 2026, according to the President’s Media Division.

Prime Minister praises students

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Amarasuriya praised the students for their determination and resilience in continuing their education despite challenges.

“I feel immensely proud of all of you. Each and every one of you teaches us a lesson about life,” she said, urging the students to continue moving forward without being discouraged by difficulties.

She also recognised the contribution of parents and teachers who supported the students throughout their educational journeys.

The Prime Minister said the Government’s vision of a “Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” should include everyone and stressed that no student should be left behind.

She said free education should go beyond providing textbooks and educational materials, adding that students should have access to an environment where they can learn with dignity and equality.

Sri Lanka plans more university hostels

Amarasuriya also highlighted accommodation shortages as a major challenge for university students.

She said the Government plans to provide hostel facilities for approximately 16,000 female students within three years, with instructions to ensure that the new facilities are accessible to students with disabilities.

Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne said the President’s Fund was also expanding its services beyond Colombo.

He said applications to the Fund increased by 59% in 2025 compared with the previous year, while applications during the first eight months of 2026 increased by 43.3% compared with the same period in 2025.

The Fund’s services have been digitalised and made available through Divisional Secretariats, while financial assistance for medical treatment has been expanded to cover treatment at all hospitals, he said.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti said supporting students with disabilities to pursue higher education was a matter of equal rights and opportunity.

He said the Rs. 100,000 scholarship would provide meaningful financial relief to students facing economic and physical challenges.