CDB empowers education with Sisudiri scholarships

4 December 2015 06:30 pm Views - 2540

A student receiving his scholarship from CDB Managing Director/CEO Mahesh Nanayakkara in the presence of Director/COO Roshan Abeygoonawardena

With education being a cornerstone of Citizens Development Business Finance PLC’s (CDB) social responsibility agenda, the CDB Sisudiri Scholarship Programme Season 8 conferred a total of 46 scholarships to high achieving students who have excelled in national examinations.
Under the aegis of chief guests, Consultant Child Psychiatrist Professor Hemamali Perera and CDB Chairman Herschel Gunawardena, CDB hosted this much looked forward to event within the old world charm of the Tower Hall Colombo 10, felicitating these young students who have immense potential to contribute impressively to the future of the country.
CEO Mahesh Nananyakkara elaborated, “For CDB, education is a sustainable resource that we have always nurtured. We recognise this as being the foundation for building a vibrant and dynamic nation. It is corporate stewards like us who must make it our responsibility to ensure that younger generations have access to quality education. We must give them the means to continue their education without economic hurdles.”
Speaking to the 46 scholars and their parents, he stated that the younger generation believe wholeheartedly in the advantages of education. 
Under the Sisudiri scholarship programme, CDB has thus far conferred scholarships to 324 students at a total investment of Rs.14 million, having held this ceremony eight times.  The students are high achieving young people who sit for the GCE Ordinary Level as well as those who excel at the Grade Five Scholarship examination. 
“By granting these scholarships, we are ensuring that these children will continue their education,” explained the CEO. 
“Over the years, we have been proud to witness our scholars enter some of Sri Lanka’s top universities, which in itself is an intensely competitive process given that only the crème de la crème of young people gain access to national universities.”  
Those scholars who excel in the Grade Five Scholarship examination receive a cash grant of Rs.50,000 until they complete their GCE O/Level examination, while those who showcase high achievement in the GCE O/Level examination, are presented with a cash grant of Rs.30,000 for the two year tenure of the GCE A/Level examination.