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.
Although the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has banned 22 institutions operating illegal pyramid schemes, no legal action has been taken against any of them so far, according to reports.
This was disclosed during a workshop held at the CBSL yesterday (July 08) on the dangers of pyramid schemes.
According to CBSL officials, after initial investigations, the files were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiry.
The CID’s Financial Crimes Unit has reportedly completed its investigations and submitted findings to the Attorney General’s Department, which is responsible for filing cases.
However, it was noted that not a single case has been filed to date.
The CBSL states that investigations will be continued against companies engaged in these illegal practices and hopes at least one or two such cases would be filed by the end of this year or early next year (2026).
U. D. Nishantha Jayaweera was sworn in as a National People’s Power (NPP) National List Member of Parliament before the Speaker of the House – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (July 09).
He fills the Parliamentary seat left vacant following the resignation of Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma last month.