150 high achieving students who excelled in the Grade 5 Scholarship and GCE Ordinary Level examinations were felicitated at the 15th CDB Sisudiri Scholarship Awards Ceremony held at the BMICH in January. Under the aegis of Chief Guest Chairman of CDB Alastair Corera, this annual scholarship programme awarded LKR 12,500 per year for five years to 100 students excelling in the Grade 5 Scholarship examination which totals LKR 62,500 per student. Annually, LKR 17,500 per student was presented to high achievers in the GCE Ordinary Level examination for the duration of two years of their Advanced Level studies. This is a total of LKR 35,000 per student.

Each of these high achievers are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and selected from across the 25 districts in Sri Lanka.

The scholarship programme initiated by CDB in 2008 has presented scholarships to over one thousand high achievers at an investment of over LKR 45 Mn. The programme not only focuses on celebrating excellent academics, but also ensures they remain in school to complete their full education. Quoting a National Youth Survey, UNICEF states that dropout rates increase once children pass the age of 14 with only 40.2 percent of adolescents continue at school until the ages of 17-18. Having recognized this, CDB began the scholarship programme with a long-term focus of nurturing the young brainpower the country has, using it to eventually contribute to the nation’s progress via a holistic and complete education.

While congratulating the 150 students who excelled this year, Managing Director/CEO of CDB Mahesh Nanayakkara explained to the scholars that investment in education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it’s about sculpting the future of our nation. “The Sisudiri Scholarship embodies our commitment to fostering holistic growth, recognizing that true progress stems from nurturing minds, instilling values and creating opportunities. As we empower our youth today, we are sowing the seeds for a prosperous, enlightened and resilient nation for generations to come.”

He added that with social consciousness being an integral facet in the CDB Sustainability Agenda in which financial inclusion and community impact is key, “uplifting child education and literacy are fundamental to us. It is our responsibility as corporate stewards to empower the aspirations of the younger generation, highlighting our commitment to the UN Sustainability Development Goal 4 – Quality Education.”

AGM Marketing & Sustainability Charitha Warnakulasooriya stated that CDB’s social consciousness is a holistic one, which embraces the totality of a child’s life to ensure that financial disadvantages should not be a barrier to a child gaining a quality education. “Education is every child’s right and CDB recognizes that. We know that COVID and the economic crisis placed heavy burdens on families who were challenged to continue educating their children. This is not a choice they should have to make. Continuation of education devoid of disruption due to financial constraints should be a priority and this is where CDB steps in. By supporting these high academic achievers who form the backbone of the future of Sri Lanka, we are paving the way for better child education and literacy in the country.”