AIA Insurance celebrated a significant milestone, marking 31 years of its Higher Education Scholarships Programme, one of the longest-running corporate social responsibility initiatives in Sri Lanka.
The awards ceremony was held at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, where AIA honoured the 25th batch of top-performing students from each district who excelled at the Grade 05 Scholarship Examination and are now preparing to begin their GCE Advanced Level studies.
Launched in 1994, the programme was established to recognise and nurture exceptional academic talent across the island. Each year, students who achieve the highest marks in their respective districts are selected purely on merit, without any requirement of affiliation with AIA.
From the start of their Advanced Level education through to the completion of university studies, selected scholars receive a monthly bursary, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without financial burden.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Professor Sampath Amaratunge, former Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, highlighted the vital role of education in national development and the importance of sustained corporate engagement in empowering future generations.
Over the past 31 years, the programme has supported more than 750 students, many of whom have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, academics, and public servants, contributing meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s development. These outcomes reflect the long-term impact of purpose-driven corporate responsibility and the transformative power of education in shaping future leaders.
People’s Bank conducts financial literacy programme for Weboda entrepreneurs
People’s Bank recently organised a special programme for entrepreneurs in Weboda Village, located within the Mahara Divisional Secretariat area, under its Entrepreneurial Villages initiative.
The programme was designed to enhance financial literacy and strengthen business sustainability among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Organised by the People’s Bank – Union Place Branch, the session was held at the People’s Tower Auditorium on May 22 and brought together 71 entrepreneurs from the area. The initiative focused on improving financial knowledge, promoting responsible financial management, and encouraging sustainable business development among local goldsmith entrepreneurs.
The programme was conducted by People’s Bank Deputy General Manager – Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Micro Finance, Wickram Narayana, who shared insights on financial planning, business growth strategies, and the importance of sound financial management practices for entrepreneurs.
The event was attended by Tharaka Kulatunga, Acting Director – Western Province of the National Craft Council of Sri Lanka; Nalika Liyanage, Assistant General Manager – Development and Micro Finance; Harindrani Abeywickrama, Regional Manager – Colombo South; and V.T.R. Wasantha Kumara, Senior Manager of the People’s Bank Union Place Branch, along with several bank staff members.
AIA Higher Education Scholarship Programme celebrates 31 years of impact
