The third programme of the special “Sarasavi Diriyo Abhiman” scholarship 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 yesterday (12) at the Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the Eastern University, 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 being recognised, and the President’s Fund has arranged to provide each student with a one-off scholarship of Rs. 100,000.

The first programme was held in Colombo and the second in Jaffna, while the third and final programme for this year was conducted in the Eastern Province. Accordingly, 50 students with disabilities studying at the Eastern University and the South Eastern University were recognised at this event, while nearly 400 students have been recognised through the overall programme this year.

Addressing the gathering Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

“I consider this to be a very valuable occasion. I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognise students like you who are moving forward within our country’s university system by overcoming all obstacles through determination, dedication and effort. I feel immensely proud of all of you. Each and every one of you teaches us a lesson about life. You set an example for us of how to move forward without retreating in the face of challenges. I also wish to thank the parents and teachers who have brought you this far, to university.

One of the fundamental objectives of our government is to create a ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’ for everyone. In that journey, whatever challenges we may face, we will not allow any student to be left behind. We are striving to create an education system that is dignified and treats everyone equally. It is for this reason that we have taken steps, as a government, to assume responsibility for students with disabilities.

Free education does not simply mean providing books and other educational materials. It means creating the proper environment necessary for learning. We know that one of the main problems currently faced by university students is the issue of accommodation. We have commenced a project to construct student accommodation this year. Accordingly, we expect to provide hostel facilities for around 16,000 female students within three years. Instructions have also been given to ensure that these hostels are designed to provide facilities for students with disabilities.”

Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne

“The President’s Fund was established under an Act passed by Parliament in 1978. It has taken 47 years for this Fund to reach the people outside Colombo. The decision to take it to the people was made on 28 January 2025. Accordingly, the President’s Fund has been taken beyond Colombo, with all its activities brought down to the Divisional Secretariat level. At present, the applications received by the President’s Fund show a 59% increase in 2025 compared with 2024. In 2026, there has been a 43.3% increase compared with the first eight months of 2025. People no longer have to travel long distances to Colombo to obtain services from the President’s Fund.

Previously, financial assistance from the President’s Fund could only be obtained when treatment was received at a few selected hospitals. Now, this service is available for treatment at all hospitals. Not only medical services, but all services provided by the President’s Fund have been digitalised, covering all Divisional Secretariats as of 21 June 2025. The Divisional Secretaries and their staff are working very efficiently in this operation. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for their commendable contribution. I am very pleased that, in this manner, we have been able to make the President’s Fund, which in the past was limited to a particular class of people, available to all the people of the country.”

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti

“I believe this is an important occasion not only for the Eastern Province but for the entire country. I am not surprised that the Government led by the President has decided to provide such a grant to students with special needs at universities. It is their right. For so long, the President’s Fund was used to provide facilities to politicians and their family members. It was our government that transformed it into a fund belonging to the people. For a student with a disability who is pursuing a university education amid various difficulties to receive Rs. 100,000 is a significant relief. Therefore, the programme initiated by the President’s Fund on the principle that no one should be left behind is a decision that will earn the love and respect of the entire student community.”

Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary of the President’s Fund Roshan Gamage

“The Board of Governors of the President’s Fund, led by the President, decided that students with disabilities pursuing university education, such as yourselves, should be recognised. This is the first time such a programme has been implemented in Sri Lanka. To the President and the President’s Fund, you are an outstanding group of students. It is a privilege for the President’s Fund to have the opportunity to recognise outstanding students like you. We conducted this programme in the Colombo and Jaffna Districts, and it will be completed with the programme in the Eastern Province. From now onwards, every student with a disability who gains admission to a university will receive this Rs. 100,000 financial assistance from the President’s Fund.”

People’s representatives and State officials from the Eastern Province, among others, were also present at the occasion.