The Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) Board has announced financial assistance of up to Rs. 50,000 for children of active members sitting the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, under its “Nipunatha Saviya” benefit scheme.

Eligible students may select one course from among 100 vocational training programmes conducted by institutes registered with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) and recognized at National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Levels 3, 4, and 5.

The ETF Board emphasized that the assistance is not a loan and does not require repayment. 

The initiative aims to support the creation of a skilled generation, opening up both local and foreign employment opportunities.

Detailed information is available on the ETF Board’s official website. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Industries have signed an agreement to provide schoolchildren with locally manufactured shoes free of charge.

According to the Ministry of Industries, a pilot project will be implemented to distribute standard-quality, locally produced school shoes in place of the vouchers currently given to schools with fewer than 250 students.

The agreement was signed today (01 Jan) at the Ministry of Education under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, between the Ministry of Industries, the Ministry of Education, and nine local shoe manufacturing companies.

This pilot project will cover 1,302 schools in the Western and Southern Provinces, benefiting 150,521 schoolchildren, as well as 12,146 students and laywomen from 354 Pirivena institutions. The local manufacturers agreed to provide shoes with a one-year warranty at a cost of Rs. 2,100 per pair, which is expected to save approximately Rs. 140 million overall.

For this project, only local shoe manufacturers registered with the Ministry of Industries were selected as suppliers. 

These manufacturers also agreed to visit the selected schools and provide shoes that fit the children’s sizes, the ministry added. (Newswire)

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Schoolchildren have been granted the facility to travel this month on Sri Lanka Transport Board buses using the November season ticket. 

Accordingly, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena stated that the concession can also be obtained by presenting last month’s travel pass.

The move comes as schools that were closed due to the recent disaster situation are scheduled to reopen tomorrow.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Education has decided to convene principals, teachers, and non‑academic staff today (15) to prepare for the reopening process.

The Ministry further stated that 147 schools affected by the disaster will not reopen tomorrow.

It also announced that a relaxed policy regarding official uniforms will be followed for students, academic, and non‑academic staff in areas impacted by the disaster. (Newswire)

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The Commissioner General of Examinations, A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage, announced today that special measures are being taken to ensure Advanced Level (A/L) students in flood-affected areas of Galle and Matara districts can reach their examination centres.

According to the Disaster Management Centre, several locations in these districts have been submerged due to heavy rains, creating serious difficulties in transportation.

In response, the Disaster Management Centre has deployed boats to assist students in reaching their exam centres safely.

Commissioner General Liyanage further stated that additional steps will be taken as necessary to guarantee that no student is prevented from sitting for the examination due to the adverse weather conditions. (Newswire)

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Two female students injured in the accident reported in Kuliyapitiya this morning have been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment.

It is reported that three other students seriously injured in the accident have been transferred to the Kurunegala Hospital. 

The remaining eight students injured in the accident are receiving treatment at the Kuliyapitiya Hospital. 

The accident occurred at Dummalasooriya in Kuliyapitiya around 07.00 am today.

A tipper truck transporting sand had collided head-on with a van transporting 15 female school children on a bridge in the area. 

The driver of the van and two children, aged 12 and 13, succumbed to injuries on the spot, while the remaining students had been admitted to the Kuliyapitiya Hospital. 

Police suspect that the accident may have occurred due to the driver of the Tipper truck having fallen asleep at the wheel.

The driver of the Tipper Truck has been arrested, while the Kuliyapitiya Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Young Sri Lankan university students have been selected to receive scholarships offered by China’s multinational technology corporation, Huawei, to learn cutting-edge technology.

According to the Ministry of Higher Education, the selected students represent the universities of Peradeniya, Kelaniya, Ruhuna, Moratuwa, Wayamba, and Uva Wellassa.

The event to award the scholarships, held in Colombo yesterday, was attended by Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Huawei Technologies Lanka CEO Zhang Jinse, officials from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, students, and parents.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne said Sri Lankan students who receive Huawei scholarships will be able to move forward in step with the world’s most advanced technologies and bring those benefits back to Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister Madhura Seneviratne also expressed his appreciation for the strong bridge of friendship being built between the two countries through such programs.

“Since the introduction of this scholarship program to Sri Lanka, it has gone beyond technical training and opened a pathway for our youth to access global-level knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and cultural exchange. This is a model for how we can directly empower the next generation of leaders and innovators. Our students must make the most of this opportunity, not only to shape their own futures but to inspire others to dream and aim higher,” he said. (Newswire)

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A group of students that had gone missing while exploring the Hanthana mountain trail have been rescued and were brought back safely this morning, the Sri Lanka Army said. 

According to the Army, the students had ventured into the mountains yesterday but had delayed returning after one student had developed a cramp.

The students had lost their way becoming stranded by 06.00 pm due to loss of light and sudden mist. 

Upon being informed via the Police emergency hotline, the students were rescued during a joint search operation conducted by the Police and Army. 

It is reported that a group of 10 students from the Colombo and Kiribathgoda areas had engaged in the excursion due to school holidays. 

The students aged between 16 and 17 years had entered the Hanthana mountain trail via the Sarasavigama area in Peradeniya yesterday. (Newswire)

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The U.S. Embassy in Colombo says the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange highlights a 10% increase in Sri Lankan students studying at U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year. 

According to the U.S. Embassy, this reflects a growing trend of Sri Lankan students seeking world-class education in the United States and underscores the robust educational ties between the two nations, as well as the global appeal of U.S. higher education institutions. 

The Open Doors Report, celebrating its 75th year, is a comprehensive census of international student mobility trends. This year, the report revealed that the United States welcomed an all-time high of 1.12 million international students from more than 210 countries and territories, reaffirming its position as the leading destination for higher education. The United States also marked 25 years of EducationUSA, the global educational advising network that provides resources for students worldwide, including Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka-U.S. Education Partnership 

Sri Lanka’s contribution to this number demonstrates the continued appeal of U.S. higher education as a destination of choice for students seeking cutting-edge academics, research opportunities, and vibrant campus experiences. 

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung commented on the growing interest among Sri Lankan students in studying abroad: “The 10% increase in Sri Lankan students studying in the United States demonstrates the power of international education in building strong connections between our people. U.S. universities offer Sri Lankan students access to world-class education, cutting-edge research, and lifelong networks, equipping them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. This growth reflects the strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership and our shared dedication to education and innovation. Through programs like EducationUSA, we remain committed to supporting students interested in this cross-cultural exchange, and I encourage even more Sri Lankan students to consider the transformative opportunities that studying in the United States can provide.”  

Sri Lankan students are drawn to U.S. institutions for their renowned STEM programs, research facilities, and practical training opportunities. Many pursue graduate-level studies, becoming part of a global network of professionals with deep ties to both countries. 

About International Education Week 

The release of the Open Doors Report coincides with International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education. IEW celebrates the benefits of international education and promotes opportunities for students to engage in global academic and cultural exchanges. 

Sri Lankan students interested in studying in the United States can access free resources through EducationUSA, including one-on-one advising and guidance on finding the best academic fit. To learn more, visit EducationUSA or the U.S. Embassy’s EducationUSA advising center in Colombo. 

Other Key Findings from Open Doors 2024 

• The United States saw a 7% increase in international student enrollment in the 2023-2024 academic year, with 90% of students returning to in-person learning. 

• STEM fields remain a significant draw for international students, with nearly 50% of students enrolled in STEM programs such as Computer Science, Engineering, and Physical Sciences. 

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs experienced double-digit growth, highlighting the U.S. commitment to practical, hands-on learning for global careers. 

• U.S. institutions also saw a 13% increase in international students at community colleges, offering more accessible pathways for higher education. 

About the Open Doors Report 

The Open Doors Report is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The report serves as a trusted source of data on international mobility trends, informing strategies for educational institutions, policymakers, and governments worldwide. This year’s report reaffirms the U.S. higher education sector’s reputation as a global leader in academic excellence and inclusivity. It also highlights the growing interest in study abroad programs among American students, demonstrating a mutual exchange of knowledge and culture. (Newswire)

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The inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kadawatha was held on Monday (Feb 19) at the Presidential Secretariat. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the students had an opportunity for a cordial interaction with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The President summoned the children to the Cabinet chamber within the Presidential Secretariat and provided them with an overview of the Cabinet, its structure, and its functions.

It marked a significant occasion as the school children engaged in discussion with the President, who presides over the Cabinet, where crucial national decisions are made.

Additionally, the President briefed the female students occupying ministerial roles in the Student Parliament about the duties, tasks, and responsibilities of the Cabinet.

The President also emphasized the importance of fostering a strong understanding of the governmental system among the nation’s future generations. (NewsWire)

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The government has decided to provide an interest-free loan of Rs 1.1 million for students who are unable to enter state universities to pursue their higher education, the Ministry of Finance said.

According to a statement by the Finance Ministry, Rs. 800,000 has been allocated for students who are unable to enter state universities following the completion of their GCE Advanced Level examinations.

The Finance Ministry stated that an additional Rs. 300,000 will be allocated to provide monetary assistance for their daily needs.

As per the statement, the State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said the loan will be provided interest-free for the selected students and they will be required to repay the loan during their employment.

He further said that it has been decided to provide financial assistance to the said students as the interest rate of loans has increased to 25%.

State Minister Siyambalapitiya added that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed to provide the said financial assistance to 5000 students. 

He further said measures are being taken to provide the loan which is currently only available at the Bank of Ceylon to other state banks such as the Peoples Bank and the National Development Bank.

The State Minister said that the Z-score and selected subjects of higher studies will be taken into consideration for this educational loan. 

Stating that the loan will be provided up until a year after leaving university, he said that the students will have to repay the loan during the tenure of their employment. (NewsWire)

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