She made these remarks on May 12, 2026, at a ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, where the official launch of the “From Me to Mahapola, From Mahapola to Students” alumni web portal took place alongside the awarding of Mahapola scholarships for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The newly launched web portal aims to connect past and present recipients of the Mahapola Scholarship scheme, creating a unified network of alumni and current students. Through this platform, authorities expect to strengthen professional networking, career guidance, employment opportunities, and expand support for students in need through alumni contributions.
During the event, scholarships were also awarded to a group of university students affected by the Ditwah disaster.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized that thousands of Mahapola scholarship recipients are now engaged in diverse professional fields around the world. She noted that the new digital platform would help harness their experience and expertise to support the next generation of students.
She also highlighted improvements made to the Mahapola Trust Fund since the current government assumed office, stating that administrative efficiency has been increased to ensure timely disbursement of benefits. The Mahapola allowance has also been increased to Rs. 10,000, which she described as a significant achievement for students.
Dr. Amarasuriya further stated that the initiative aims to transform the Mahapola programme beyond financial assistance, turning it into a broader support system that strengthens students’ educational and career pathways.
She urged scholarship recipients to view their opportunity not only as personal support, but as a responsibility to contribute to national development.
“The success of students will shape the success of their families, communities, and the country,” she said.
The event was attended by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardana, along with other ministers, university professors, and senior officials.
