CDB presents scholarships worth Rs. 7 m to children of three-wheeler owners

Continuing a CSR initiative that fulfills a futuristic educational need of the community, Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) recently launched the 2012 edition of its CDB Sisu Diri Season 5 on 20 September 2012 under the patronage of Deshamanya Prof. J.B. Dissanayake, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Thailand.

The ‘CDB Sisu Diri Season 5’ program benefits children of three-wheeler owners who obtained the highest grades at National Grade 5 scholarships examination as well as a similar group of children who obtained the highest grades at the GCE O/L examination.

Winners of the Grade 5 scholarship will receive an annual cash grant of Rs. 10,000 each until they complete their O/L exams while the O/L scholarship winners will receive an annual cash grant of Rs. 15,000 each until they complete their A/L exams, thus leveraging the benefits in a productive manner during a period of time, The total value of scholarships given so far amounts to Rs. 7 million. At a ceremonial event 15 boys and 18 girls, accompanied by their parents received the scholarships.

Herchel Gunawardena, Chairman of CDB, Board of Directors and the Senior Management of CDB graced the occasion. Commenting on the initiative, Herchel Gunawardena, Chairman of CDB, stated: “Launched in 2008, the Sisu Diri program has now become a national event which assists needy children with their education. We have, since then, awarded more than 160 scholarships to students from various parts of Sri Lanka. We are delighted that this programme brought about a significant change in the lives of these deserving children.”

He added: “Five years down the line, this programme has immensely benefited numerous children and continues to fulfil the educational aspirations of many more. It helps them gain knowledge and thus be competent in their chosen fields of study,” he added.

“CDB is happy to continue this annual programme for the benefit of these children. Three-wheeler owners render a great service to the Sri Lankan society. Just as we all do, they too aspire to educate their children and see them do better in life. We are honoured to join hands with these parents and help them realise their dreams. As a reputed institution serving both rural and urban communities with 43 branches spread across major cities in the island, CDB looks forward to enriching people’s lives through a range of CSR activities in future,” concluded  Gunawardena.

Addressing the children, Prof. Dissanayake emphasised on the importance of learning all three languages, Sinhala, Tamil and English, as well as the importance of gaining knowledge of the history of one’s country and its connection to the culture. He added that as future leaders of Sri Lanka, the children should focus on improving these aspects whilst paying extra attention to becoming global citizens who converse fluently in English.

Prof. Dissanayake authored the book ‘Simple Tamil,’ which features simple steps to help children learn to read and write Tamil, Sinhala and English. CDB was the sole sponsor for the publication of this book.

D. A. Daminda Namal, a father of one of the winners, Dewendra Acharige Hashan Madusanka from KE/Dharmadarshi Vidyalaya, Gampaha, said, “These scholarships are invaluable and indeed a great blessing, given the hardships we undergo to educate our children. We parents are greatly indebted to the CDB and thank them for this meritorious gesture.”