NDB Capital Holdings launches Scholarship Trust

Friday, 3 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

An appreciation for the free education system

NDB Capital Holdings PLC (NCAP) launched the ‘NDB Capital Scholarship Trust’ recently as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Program. The Trust was established with the intension of contributing to the country’s education system by providing assistance to those who need it most.

NCAP CEO and Chairman of the Trust Vajira Kulatilaka stated: “NCAP is a knowledge-based organisation and we whole-heartedly believe that access to higher education is a critical resource to help ensure economic prosperity for the country. As beneficiaries of the country’s free education system, we fully understand the value created through education and our duty to give back to the society. NDB Capital Scholarship Trust will provide students the opportunity to build the skills and knowledge to promote development in Sri Lanka and we will continue to contribute towards the country’s sustainable growth.” Main targets The Trust is funded by NCAP and aims to provide grants, scholarships and other forms of financial and career development assistance to the needy and deserving Sri Lankan university students. The Trust mainly targets supporting students whose family resources might prevent them from continuing their university studies. While grants are primarily based on financial need, merit factors including academic work, leadership qualities and extracurricular activities will also be taken into consideration. All awardees of financial assistance would be further benefited from the career guidance program which is a unique differentiator of the scholarships. “The Trust provides scholarships and other support to help students further their education and skills; we hope this will help students prepare for productive careers, and they will help the country to thrive both economically and socially. Going forward it is our expectation that the immediate and long-term impact will make a real difference in the lives of the Sri Lankan university students,” said Darshan Perera, CEO of NDB Investment Bank Ltd. and a Trustee of the Scholarship Trust. Supporting students in need The Trust will announce its first team of awardees in early 2014. Recipients will be supported for up to four years of an undergraduate academic program at a government university. In addition to the financial grants, the Trust will also provide career counselling, internships, leadership training programs and guidance required to address job market challenges. The company believes that the total scholarship pool will amount to a phenomenal investment in the lives of the country’s young generation on the cusp of their careers. NCAP is eagerly looking forward to witness the development and the growth of the careers of the scholarship recipients and will continue to support students in need. NDB Capital Holdings PLC is a subsidiary of National Development Bank PLC.