The second programme of the “Sarasavi Dhiriyo Abhiman” special scholarship assistance programme, implemented by the President’s Fund for students with disabilities studying at Sri Lanka’s State universities who have not allowed their physical limitations to stand in the way of their educational aspirations, was held at the Jaffna District Secretariat yesterday (22) under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.
Under this programme, all students with disabilities currently studying at Sri Lanka’s State universities are recognised, and the President’s Fund provides each student with a one-off educational grant of Rs. 100,000.
A total of 76 students with disabilities studying at the Universities of Jaffna, Vavuniya and Peradeniya were recognised at the event, while the total number of students eligible for the programme is close to 400.
A special feature of the programme was that the scholarships were presented by going directly to the beneficiary students.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya said the Government hopes that, by awarding scholarships through the President’s Fund to students with disabilities pursuing university education, it can affirm that persons with disabilities are a valuable and essential part of society.
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya further stated:
“Today is a special day for all of us. Those of you standing before me are a special group of students. That is because of your courage and confidence. It is because of that courage and confidence that you have faced all the challenges you have had to confront and have reached this point today.
What the President’s Fund is doing today is paying tribute to that courage and confidence. When I look at you, I know that there are tens of thousands of other students who can look at you and think, ‘I too can come this far.’ You are an encouragement to them. We believe that, through this tribute, thousands more students will follow in your footsteps and reach this point.
You may have faced a thousand difficulties. You may have suffered. There may have been occasions when you were rejected. But what we are trying to say through this programme today is that you are valuable to us. We value your determination. We must thank you for coming this far without allowing your limitations to become challenges that held you back.
The largest number of persons with disabilities in our country are in the Northern Province. This is the bitter experience of a bitter war. As a government committed to ensuring that such a situation never occurs again, and to preventing the creation of factors that could lead to such circumstances, we hope to provide some strength to the people who suffered the most during that war. We believe that is extremely important.
It is a pleasure to be able to make the President’s Fund a contributor to the programme of building a society in which no one is left behind and everyone feels a sense of equality. We have prepared programmes to support children with disabilities from pre-school education through to university education. We have expanded educational opportunities. The President’s Fund has implemented pilot projects to provide learning assistance through the use of technology.
Just as important is to instil in society the idea that persons with disabilities are important to us and that they are valuable to us. Therefore, we ask you to tell your stories to others.”
Speaking at the event, Speaker of Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne said:
“The President’s Fund had previously operated with Colombo as its centre. However, after January 2025, a decisive decision was taken to decentralise all its activities through Divisional Secretariats across the country. As it was also digitised, the number of applications received has now increased rapidly.
We removed the restriction relating to hospitals. Together with Janashakthi Insurance, we increased the amount of medical assistance provided for surgeries. We also introduced a number of new programmes, including assistance with school education for children of parents who died in wild elephant attacks, children of parents who suffered disasters while engaged in fishing activities, and children of parents who died while overseas.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar said:
“In the past, only a very small number of people in the Jaffna District received benefits from the President’s Fund. With the present President and the present government coming to power, the President’s Fund, which had been confined to Colombo, was expanded to all Divisional Secretariat levels and its services were broadened. As part of this, today’s programme is being implemented to provide scholarships to university students with special needs.
What we have to tell these children is: do not be discouraged. The present government is working to stand with you and protect you. When it comes to the Jaffna District, there is a need for a special programme to protect persons with special needs and provide them with strength. The present government is currently making plans to address this matter in the future as well.
Dear children, continue on your journey without being shaken by any challenge. As a government, we will certainly work to support you and provide you with strength on your journey.”
Parliamentarian Sugath Wasantha de Silva said:
“Our election manifesto was prepared with great respect and consideration for the community of persons with disabilities. The ‘Leave No One Behind’ policy is being formulated accordingly. Persons with disabilities from across the country contributed to this process. It recognises that, regardless of the nature of their disability, they too have the right to live with dignity and self-respect in this society. The journey you have undertaken is highly exemplary. That is why the decision was taken to award you these scholarships.”
Secretary of the President’s Fund and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage said:
“The President’s Fund launched a programme this year to provide scholarships to students with disabilities pursuing university education to enable them to continue their studies. Accordingly, today’s programme has been organised for students from the Northern Province who have gained admission to universities.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has transformed the President’s Fund into a fund belonging to the people.
The number of applications now being received from the Northern Province has increased dramatically. Children with disabilities who are pursuing university education are an asset to us. That is why we launched this assistance programme this year.
Next year, we will launch a programme to recognise the first 20 students gaining admission to universities. The President wants the President’s Fund to be used to treat everyone equally. The Board of Governors also shares that objective. This is now a fund belonging to the people.”
Hon. Governor of the Northern Province Nagalingam Vethanayahan, along with a number of public representatives, Jaffna District Secretary M. Pratheepan and a number of government officials, were also present at the event.
