Temple of the Tooth, People’s Bank support student scholarship programme

Anunayake Thera Ven. Panditha Anamaduwe Dharmarakkitha at the occasion	Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela speaking to the audience

Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela presenting a scholarship to a recipient 

The picture shows recipients of scholarships, their parents and a section of the invitees at the event 

Irrespective of what religion the recipients practised, the Temple of the Tooth offered scholarships to 2000 students who had passed the Grade Five Examination from 16 districts in the country. Each recipient received Rs. 2000 annually. These students will continue receiving this scholarship annually till they finish their GCE Advanced Level Examination. 

The official distribution of the first set of scholarship money was held at the Buddhist Academy Centre at  Pallekele   presided by the Anunayake of Malwatte Ven. Panditha Anamaduwe Dhammarakkitha and the Nayake of the inner shrine room Ven. Urulewatte Dhammarakkitha Thera who is also the Incumbent of Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya.

The Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said that for the past six years either the Temple of the Tooth or People’s Bank has been sponsoring this presentation.  According to him the Maligawa and the bank takes turns alternatively in keeping this scholarship going. Every year as much as Rs 250,000 is spent on this initiative.
At the official presentation of scholarships 364 students from 38 districts were present to receive the funds. 
People’s Bank Chairman Prof. P.N.D. Fernando was present at the occasion. The Anunayake Thera Ven. Panditha Anamaduwe Dharmarakkitha said that the Sri Dalada Maligawa has been proceeding with this scholarship scheme thanks to the foresight of Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela and that it would continue in the future as well.