The third and final programme of the special “Sarasavi Diriyo Abhiman” scholarship scheme for students with disabilities studying at state universities was held at the Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the Eastern University, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The programme, implemented by the President’s Fund, recognises students with disabilities who have overcome physical challenges to pursue their higher education. Under the initiative, each eligible student receives a one-off scholarship of Rs. 100,000, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
The first programme was held in Colombo and the second in Jaffna, while the third and final programme for the year was conducted in the Eastern Province. A total of 50 students from the Eastern University and South Eastern University were recognised at the event, bringing the number of students recognised under the programme this year to nearly 400, the PMD noted.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the occasion was particularly valuable as it recognised students who had overcome numerous challenges through determination, dedication and hard work.
“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,” she said.
The Prime Minister also thanked the parents and teachers who had supported the students throughout their educational journeys.
She said a fundamental objective of the government was to create a “Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for everyone and stressed that no student would be allowed to be left behind.
According to Prime Minister Amarasuriya, providing free education goes beyond supplying books and other educational materials and includes creating an environment in which every student can learn with dignity and equality.
She noted that accommodation remained a major challenge for university students and said the Government had commenced a programme to construct student accommodation. The government expects to provide hostel facilities for around 16,000 female students within three years, while instructions have been issued to ensure that the facilities are designed to accommodate students with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne said the President’s Fund, established under an Act of Parliament in 1978, had historically been largely centred in Colombo but had now been expanded to communities throughout the country.
He said the decision to take the Fund’s services to the people was made on January 28, 2025, with its activities subsequently extended to the Divisional Secretariat level.
Applications received by the President’s Fund increased by 59 percent in 2025 compared with 2024, while the first eight months of 2026 recorded a further 43.3 percent increase compared with the corresponding period of 2025, he said.
Dr. Wickramaratne said people no longer needed to travel to Colombo to access the Fund’s services. Financial assistance for medical treatment, which was previously available only for treatment at selected hospitals, has now been extended to treatment at all hospitals.
He added that all services provided by the President’s Fund had been digitalised and made available through Divisional Secretariats as of June 21, 2025.
Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti described the scholarship programme as significant not only for the Eastern Province but for the entire country.
He said providing financial assistance to students with disabilities pursuing university education was a matter of their right and described the Rs. 100,000 scholarship as a significant relief for students facing financial and physical challenges.
The programme, he said, reflected the principle that no one should be left behind and would earn the appreciation of the wider student community, according to the PMD.
