The Presidential Fund has initiated a programme to recognise outstanding district-level performers in the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examinations over the past two years (2023 and 2024).  A ceremony was held at the Rabindranath Tagore Auditorium of the University of Ruhuna on Sunday (6) to acknowledge students from the Southern Province who demonstrated excellence at the G.C.E. A/L examination.

During the event, a total of 361 students, 10 from each of the six subject streams across Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts for both the 2023 and 2024 A/L examinations, received an incentive of one hundred thousand rupees (Rs. 100,000) each. The President’s Fund allocated 36.1 million rupees for this purpose. This initiative is set to be rolled out across all districts in due course.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, stated that following the new government’s ascension to power and under the directives of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the President’s Fund has been streamlined to expand its services and enhance transparency. He highlighted that past discrepancies have been rectified, ensuring that benefits now reach those who genuinely deserve them. The Secretary to the President also mentioned ongoing efforts to digitalise the fund and decentralise its services regionally to improve efficiency.

Dr. Kumanayake further emphasised that education is the primary tool for children to succeed in life. He urged the students to make the most of these benefits, excel in their education, and become good citizens, thereby contributing to the nation’s triumph.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development ,Sunil Handunnetti, stated that the current government has successfully transformed what was once “the President’s Fund” into “the People’s Fund,” making it an institution that provides services for the well-being of the public.

Minister Handunnetti noted that previously, there were reports of the President’s Fund being misused for the medical treatments and travel of political henchmen. He asserted that it has now been transformed into a public welfare institution. He also stressed that students who advance through the free education system with the help of these scholarships have a responsibility. Minister Handunnetti reminded them, as future leaders, to fulfill their duties to the country and its citizens without fail. He urged them to commit to not engaging in theft or fraud against the country or its people, especially after benefiting from public tax money for their education.

Mrs. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, expressed that providing children with the “wings of education” to explore the world is a key priority for the current government and that education can foster humane citizens. The Minister stated that education was a central focus of the current government’s election campaign, and the President is actively working towards this. She added that the President’s Fund has started providing scholarships to academically gifted children, reflecting the government’s aspiration to empower children through education.

Mrs. Paulraj further pointed out that many of the attendees at the event would likely occupy significant positions in Sri Lanka or globally. She cautioned that if they do not become humane citizens, the substantial investment in their education would not yield its full benefits.

Miss Sithmini Madanayake, a student from Southlands College, Galle, delivered the vote of thanks. She stated that this programme presents a valuable opportunity for economically disadvantaged students to successfully pursue higher education and achieve success in life. She expressed immense gratitude to the President and the President’s Fund for this initiative.

Among those present were Members of Parliament L.M. Abeywickrama, Lal Premnath and Aravinda Senarath; Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary of the President’s Fund; Senior Professor P.A. Jayantha, Vice-Chancellor of Ruhunu University; Chandana Tilakaratne, District Secretary of Matara; W.A. Dharmasiri, District Secretary of Galle; and Bimal Silva, District Secretary of Hambantota. Also in attendance were senior officials from the President’s Fund, government officials, heads of security forces, parents and students.