A ceremony to grant Chinese Government Scholarships to Sri Lankan students for the year 2023/2024, was held at the Chinese embassy in Colombo today (August 03).
The event was graced by Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong, Sri Lankan minister of Education – Dr. Susil Premajayantha as well as officials from the Ministry and embassy cultural section.
According to the Chinese embassy, a total of 34 students from Sri Lanka have been admitted by more than 30 famous universities in 16 provinces or cities in China this year, for Doctoral Degrees, Master’s Degrees and Bachelor’s Degrees with majors covering liberal arts, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, education, management, economics, law, philosophy, sociology, etc.
Speaking at the event, the Chinese ambassador told the students that they are the future and hope of Sri Lanka and studying in China would be an amazing and unique opportunity in their lives. He also thanked the strong support of the Education ministry and the minister for the strong support in the Education cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister – Dr. Premajayantha reminded of the long running relations and cooperation between the two countries thanked the Chinese Ministry for granting scholarships to Sri Lanka.
Since 1975, the Chinese government has provided scholarships to Sri Lankan students through the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka. All students are awarded full scholarships, including tuition fees (research fees), insurance fees, basic textbook fees, accommodation fees, living expenses, one-time resettlement subsidies and one-time inter-city transportation fees.
The body of one of the two fishermen who went missing after a multi-day fishing vessel capsized in the seas off the coast of Paravi Wella in Tangalle, has been recovered.
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) confirmed that the fisherman’s body was recovered during search operations, which were conducted with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The fishing vessel, named “Maxim Putha 1,” was carrying six fishermen when the accident occurred while returning to shore after poaching.
A total of six fishermen were onboard the vessel when it capsized off the coast of Paravi Wella Beach in Tangalle, four of whom were rescued with the help of a dinghy.
Efforts are underway to locate the remaining missing fisherman.
Meanwhile, three other boat accidents were reported yesterday in seas off Galle, Kalutara and Hikkaduwa.
In response to a surge in dengue cases, health authorities will launch a special mosquito control program tomorrow (June 30), covering 16 high-risk districts across the country.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit, the program will be in continue until the 5th of July.
A total of 28,752 dengue cases have been reported islandwide so far this year.
The highest number of cases were recorded from the Western Province.
Sixteen dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year.
Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi today offered one million rupees from the President’s Fund to ailing veteran singer Ishaq Baig for his treatments.
The Sri Lankan Singers’ Association had launched a campaign “Ishak ta Kotiyak” (Rs. 10 million for Ishak) to raise funds for Ishaq Baig’s treatment and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed to offer Rs. one million from the President’s Fund.
Minister Sunil Senevi visited Baig’s residence today and offered the cheque for one million rupees.
“Ishak ta Kotiyak”
Sri Lankan Singers’ Association President Rohan De Silva said they launched the campaign “Ishak ta Kotiyak” (Rs. 10 million for Ishak) to assist Ishaq Baig for his treatment and other expenses.
“Ishaq requires about Rs. 100,000 for his treatment and medicines monthly. We hope to make an investment with the funds so that Ishak could get at least Rs. 100,000 monthly for his expenses. We have been able to achieve the Rs. 10 million target within five days. However, we will keep the account open till the Esala Poya day while considering the request of well-wishers,” he said.