Aviva NDB awards scholarships to 10th batch of Year 5 Highfliers

The presentation of Aviva NDB Higher Education Scholarships to Year 5 students who qualified by topping the batch in each of the 25 districts in Sri Lanka in 2003 was held yesterday.

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 Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 84,000, 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 was Professor Sarath Wijesooriya, Professor of Sinhala at the University of Colombo.

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 recognises 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 Rs. 10 million to ensure the continuity of the scholarship. This fund has now grown more than five-fold through prudent investment and 225 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 5 class teacher and school principal of each of the students in a rare occasion where their dedication is acknowledged.