Verité Research trio win Chevening and Erasmus Mundus scholarships

Three employees of Verité Research, namely Deputy Director – Media and Politics Deepanjalie Abeywardana, Research Manager – VR Media and Team Leader – Parliamentary Research Rochel Canagasabey, and Lead Researcher – Economics Sumini Siyambalapitiya were awarded Chevening and Erasmus Mundus scholarships for 2023/24 recently.

Abeywardana, who will pursue an MSc in Media, Communications and International Journalism at the University of Glasgow with her Chevening scholarship, said that her journey with Verité Research over the past 10 years helped develop her passion for media research.

“I took a keen interest in media research after joining Verité. I have seen the positive changes taking place in Sri Lankan media, following our approach to educate and empower the local media and consumer alike. I am grateful I got the opportunity to grow at Verité, which has now opened a new avenue for me to take what I learnt to the global Chevening community – with whom I look forward to learning and sharing my experiences.”

Canagasabey, who will pursue an MA in Globalisation focused on Politics, Conflict and Human Rights at the University of Brighton with his Chevening, said that he joined Verité Research five years ago with no clear idea of the career path he wanted to pursue. “Verité has sharpened my skills, provided me with ample opportunities to grow, and mentored me in choosing my current career pathway. I am ever grateful for the values of curiosity and professionalism Verité has instilled in me, and for the trust they placed in me to pioneer several research initiatives.”

Both Abeywardana and Canagasabey will return to Verité Research upon the conclusion of their study programs in 2024.

Siyambalapitiya, who was awarded the Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, said that she is grateful for the mentorship she received and the passionate colleagues at Verité Research. 

“Since joining Verité two years ago fresh out of university, I have nurtured my intellectual curiosity, been provided with amazing opportunities and been challenged to always ask the important questions.”

The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and lets foreign students with leadership qualities study at universities in the United Kingdom. The Erasmus Mundus program provides European Union-funded scholarships to foreign students.

Verité Research is Sri Lanka’s leading interdisciplinary think tank, with its research focused on the areas of media, economics, politics and law.