NDB Capital Scholarship Trust successfully concludes 3rd round of scholarship awards

NDB Capital Scholarship Trust announced the awarding of its third round of scholarships to deserving students from the University of Moratuwa, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and University of Colombo recently. The awardees were selected from diverse backgrounds such as engineering, medicine, law and management studies through a transparent selection process. 

Since the commencement of the awards in 2014, the Trust has bestowed 32 scholarships worth approximately Rs. 10 million. The Trust plans to award more scholarships in 2017. NDB Capital initiated this program with the intention of supporting the deserving undergraduates to achieve their ambitions and giving back to the society. The need for such a program is apparent and it is believed that pairing financial support in the form of scholarships with the internships and career guidance ensure that students are better equipped once they graduate and become professionals.

Chairman of the Trust and NDB Capital Holdings Ltd. CEO Vajira Kulatilaka, while delivering the welcome note at the Scholarship Awards Ceremony 2016 said, “We believe the impact this scholarship program will have on you is immeasurable and you will use this opportunity to become a valuable citizen to this country.” Kulatilaka advising the scholarship awardees stated, “Keep with your passion for gaining knowledge and always follow your dreams to achieve success. Later in life, you will make more money, but always remember the true human values.”

NDB Chairman Ananda Atukorala said, “I am happy to be here today with you students and I believe giving this kind of financial assistance to advance your educational goals is of utmost importance as knowledge is everything.” He further stated, “Receiving this prestigious scholarship, you should be proud of your accomplishments while bearing in mind that you are the country’s future.” 

Funded by NDB Capital Holdings Ltd. (NCAP), the Trust is one of the largest Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of NCAP which is considered to be a prestigious and competitive scholarship among the university students. The Trust was established in 2013 with the intention of contributing to the country’s education system by providing assistance to those who deserve it most. While grants were primarily based on financial needs, merit factors including academic work, leadership qualities, extra-curricular activities and community work were also taken into consideration.

In addition to the financial grants for a period over four years, the Trust will also provide career counselling, internships, leadership training programs and guidance required to address job market challenges. The career guidance program for the awardees is an opportunity that will differentiate the scholarship awarded by NCAP from pure financial assistance generally awarded through scholarships. 

The Trust intends to expand the offering of scholarships to other Sri Lankan universities in the future covering a higher number of students. NCAP is committed to provide financial assistance as well as intellectual guidance to students with the support of its employees. The company believes that the investment in the education of country’s younger generation will provide both short and long term returns towards the country’s social and economic development.

NDB Capital Holdings Ltd. is a subsidiary of National Development Bank PLC.