CDB gifts 57 new scholarships through Sisu Diri Season 6

Saturday, 21 December 2013 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) awarded scholarships to 57 children at the 6th Sisu Diri scholarship program held recently at the Tower Hall Theatre. Chief Guest at the ceremony was Save the Children Director International Child Safe Guarding Menaca Calyaneratne while CDB Chairman Herschel Gunawardena attended the event as the Guest of Honour. A host of other invitees including parents, Directors and senior management of CDB attended the presentation ceremony. So far, CDB has invested Rs. 10 million since the initiation of the Sisu Diri scholarship program in 2008, which awards scholarships to children of three-wheeler owners who perform well at the Grade 5 scholarship examination and at the GCE O/L examination. The company has supported 220 students since the start of the scholarship program. “Six years down the line I am happy to see that we were able to assist a number of deserving children to pursue their studies without financial constraints. It is truly heart-warming to learn that some of our scholarship holders have managed to enter universities, after successfully completing their A/L examinations. As a responsible corporate we are committed to do our part to support the nation’s future generation and contribute to a sustainable future,” CDB Chairman Herschel Gunawardena said. Accordingly, Grade 5 winners will receive Rs. 50,000 cash grant each spread over the five years until they complete their O/L examinations. Similarly O/L winners will also receive a cash grant of Rs. 30, 000 for the two year tenure whilst studying for their A/L examination. The students can directly benefit from the scholarship funds as CDB grants cash to the parents instead of crediting the money to each child’s account. Speaking at the ceremony, W.G. Daminda Krishantha Gamini a father of one of the winners, Walpita Gamage Malmi Mahisha Devmini of G/Sangamitta Balika Vidyalaya , Galle said: “We have to face a great deal of hardship to educate our children. These scholarships help to ease our burden. Therefore, we are grateful to CDB for their invaluable assistance.” Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Menaca Calyaneratne said: “Kudos to CDB for their efforts to help the future generation of Sri Lanka. Children need constant assistance and guidance in the right direction if they are to become responsible adults who contribute not only to the country’s economy but also the wellbeing of the society at large.” As a reputed financial institution serving both rural and urban communities, with 56 outlets spread across all major cities in the island, CDB looks forward to enriching peoples’ lives through a range of CSR activities in future.  

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