The Nena Isura Scholarship Programme is a significant source of strength for the Government’s efforts to ensure that no child is left behind.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that education must be a fundamental right of every child, and is not a privilege. The Prime Minister further stated that the Nena Isura Scholarship Programme provides valuable support for the Government’s efforts to ensure that no child is left behind.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the "Nena Isura – 2026" Scholarship Award Ceremony, held in honor of the late Most Venerable Galboda Siri Gnanissara Thero, at Temple Trees on 2 August.
The programme was organised by the Most Venerable Galboda Siri Gnanissara Thero Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero. Scholarships were awarded to 460 students who had successfully passed the Grade Five Scholarship Examination, with financial assistance to continue until they completed their G.C.E. Advanced Level.
Addressing the occasion after presenting the scholarships, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
The late Most Venerable Galboda Siri Gnanissara Thero has played an exemplary role extending his service far beyond the boundaries of the temple, making social service one of his foremost responsibilities.
While fulfilling his religious and monastic duties, the thero also became a source of strength for vulnerable communities, particularly children and families facing economic hardships.
His contribution through the Gangaramaya Temple towards vocational education, youth development, and child welfare is remarkable The Nena Isura Scholarship Programme is a testimony of his compassionate vision and commitment to investing in the future.
For these children, who continue their education despite financial hardships, this scholarship will provide meaningful support in helping them realise their education.
You are aware that the Government is currently undertaking a comprehensive transformation of Sri Lanka’s education sector. As a Government, our vision is that education must be a fundamental right of every child, not a privilege.
Regardless of the economic challenges our country may face, investing in a child’s education is the finest investment we can make for Sri Lanka’s future. Our greatest national asset is our human capital. Accordingly, we are implementing several important measures to strengthen the education sector. Through education reforms and by safeguarding free education, we are updating school curriculum and moving from an examination-centred system towards one that nurtures children’s skills, critical thinking, creativity, observation, and practical learning.
Our objective is also to build an education system that develops the values, attitudes, and competencies our country needs, rather than one confined solely to textbooks. We have allocated resources to improve infrastructure, address teacher shortages, and expand technological facilities in rural schools, thereby narrowing the gap between rural and urban education. Every child, regardless of where they are born, deserves access to the same quality of education.
For many years, the education system functioned without proper planning, resulting in delays in conducting examinations and releasing examination results. We are now restoring a well-planned academic calendar and ensuring that the education system functions in an orderly and timely manner. In this endeavour, we seek the support of all stakeholders. Through the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, we are expanding opportunities and pathways to ensure that no child is left behind after completing school education and that every student has access to higher education or vocational education. By investing in our human capital through initiatives such as the school meal programme, free textbooks, school equipment, and scholarship programmes, the Government remains committed to eliminating the conditions that force children from vulnerable families to discontinue their education.
I see the Nena Isura Scholarship Programme as another valuable partner in supporting the Government’s efforts.
The social service carried out jointly by the Gangaramaya Temple and the Nena Isura Scholarship Fund is a significant source of strength for the national programme we are implementing as a Government.
I also wish to take this opportunity to express the Government’s appreciation to Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero for continuing the vision of the late Most Venerable Galboda Siri Gnanissara Thero through his religious and social service.
My sincere gratitude also goes to Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thero for his guidance, to the Board of Trustees of the Scholarship Fund, and to everyone who has contributed to making this programme possible.
This scholarship is not merely a financial assistance or an educational material. It is a symbol of the confidence that an entire nation places in your future. Whatever challenges you encounter, never lose your determination or commitment. Equip yourselves through education and strive to become compassionate, responsible, and respectful citizens who will lead this country towards a brighter future.
The occasion was attended by the Mahanayake Theros of the Siam Nikaya, the Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, members of the Maha Sangha, Western Province Governor Mr. Hanif Yusoof, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Tilvin Silva, the Commanders of the Tri-Forces, ambassadors, donors, scholarship recipients, their parents, and a large gathering of invitees.
Prime Minister’s Media Division