Ceylinco Life presents another Rs. 8.5 m in ‘Pranama’ scholarships

A potentially future defining milestone was reached by another 170 young Sri Lankans recently, when they became the latest recipients of Ceylinco Life Pranama scholarships presented by the country’s life insurance leader.

The company’s 11th annual Pranama scholarships presentation which took place in Colombo recently saw scholarships worth Rs. 8.5 million awarded to these future leaders of Sri Lanka.

Since its inception in 2002, the Pranama scholarships program has rewarded 1,464 students with scholarships worth more than Rs. 75 million, in recognition of academic potential and achievements.

Addressing the ceremony, Ceylinco Life Managing Director and CEO R. Renganathan pointed out that while the bulk of job opportunities are created by private sector businesses, there is a mismatch between the needs of employers and the graduates turned out by our universities. The Pranama scholarships scheme recognises the importance of academic excellence as well as extra-curricular pursuits including sports that promote teamwork and help produce balanced all-rounders, he said.

Prof. Rohan Jayasekera, Dean of the faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo who was the Guest of Honour at the event, paid tribute to Ceylinco Life for its commitment over a decade to encourage the future leaders of the country to strive for excellence.

Dinuka Edirisinghe, a second year student of the Faculty of Medicine, who has twice been recognised with Pranama scholarships for his achievements while in school, delivered an emotional and thought – provoking presentation on how these scholarships had motivated him to reach greater heights in pursuit of his goals.

This year’s Ceylinco Life Pranama Scholarship recipients included 32 students who excelled at the Year Five scholarship examination in 2011. Each of them will receive Rs. 90,000 in instalments over five years. Twenty five students who excelled at the G.C.E. (O/L) in 2010 each received Rs. 72,000, payable monthly over two years. Another 25 students placed first in their districts at the G.C.E. Advanced Level received scholarships worth Rs. 126,000 each, payable over a three year period, while 75 students placed second, third and fourth in their districts at this examination were awarded Rs. 10,000 each. Ten national merit award recipients who had excelled at the national level in sports, aesthetics, invention and creativity also received Rs. 35,000 each.

Additionally, special cash awards of Rs. 25,000 were presented to each of the students who achieved the highest marks islandwide in mathematics, biology, commerce and arts at the G.C.E (A/L) examinations in 2011, irrespective of whether or not they are the children of Ceylinco Life policyholders.

The selection of recipients for these scholarships is made under the supervision and guidance of the Department of Examinations, the company said.

The Ceylinco Life Pranama scholarships program is one of the main components of the company’s ‘Life Rewards,’ portfolio of special benefits.