30 years of Chevening: Forging friendships, strengthening relations
Monday, 9 September 2013 00:00
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The Acting British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Robbie Bulloch, last week hosted a pre-departure briefing for the Chevening scholars for 2012/2013 at Westminster House.
Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Chevening is the UK’s most prestigious scholarship scheme for foreign post-graduate students. It aims to enable current and future leaders, decision makers and opinion formers to study in the UK and make a positive contribution to their own countries upon their return.
The two successful Chevening scholars for this year are: Ms. Aishath Aileen Niyaz from the Maldives, who will be reading for an MSc in Development Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS); and Kanishka Ratnayake from Sri Lanka, who will be reading for an MA in Media in Development at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
The scholars were welcomed to the Chevening Scholarship Scheme by the Acting High Commissioner. Several Chevening alumni present at the briefing also shared their experiences with the group. The briefing was followed by the annual Chevening reception, where the new scholars met a host of Chevening alumni.
Speaking at the event, Acting British High Commissioner, Robbie Bulloch, highlighted that 2013 marks 30years since the scholarship scheme was established. He went on to say, “The Chevening Scholarship Scheme is a wonderful opportunity for talented Sri Lankans and Maldivians to study at world class universities in the UK. Another benefit of the scheme is the experience of a different culture and country and a deeper understanding of the UK – all of which serve to create lasting bonds.”
Many former Chevening scholars have gone on to be leaders in their fields, and indeed, even leaders of their countries. Notable Chevening scholars from Sri Lanka and Maldives include the Attorney-General of Sri Lanka Palitha Fernando; members of the Attorney-General’s Department and Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka; the Maldives Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Iruthisham Adam; and members of the Maldives Monetary Authority.
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. 2013 is the 30th anniversary of the Chevening program, which was established in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international scheme. Scholars come from 118 countries worldwide and over 600 Scholarships will be awarded this year. There are over 42,000 Chevening alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network. For further information and to apply for a Chevening Scholarship please see www.chevening.org.
Applications for 2014/15 Chevening Scholarships, the prestigious global scholarship program of the UK government, opened on Sunday, 1 September, 2013 and will continue until Friday, 1 November, 2013. Potential candidates from both Sri Lanka and the Maldives are encouraged to apply during this period.
