Sarasavi Sihina - Higher Education Scholarship Program
Education is a fundamental human right and a crucial element for the development of a country. The journey towards sustainable development requires uplifting the education sector, as it is a critical area identified by planners and policymakers. One of the key differentiating factors between underdeveloped and developing countries is the level and quality of education provided to the populace. It is without a doubt that education is the most essential factor for the development of a country.
Education not only enhances job opportunities but also boosts economic progress and increases the Gross Domestic Product. It enables people to lead healthier and higher-quality lives with a better standard of living. However, in Sri Lanka's post-independence progress, the education sector still faces significant challenges and requires further development.
In response to this, the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF) issued by the Ministry of Education aims to establish criteria for essential educational and professional training qualifications to support social development in both the public and private sectors. This national professional qualification framework provides opportunities for youth who do not secure university admissions after schooling to pursue higher education.
Despite these efforts, a significant number of students are still unable to access higher education. Out of the 263,613 students who appeared for the A-level examination in 2023/2024, 173,444 (64.33%) qualified for universities, while 96,169 (35.67%) did not. According to University Grants Commission reports, only around 45,000 students are admitted to universities each year. The remaining individuals often seek employment as laborers, three-wheeler drivers, or work in shops and garments, while others remain unemployed.
Addressing this challenge and providing higher education opportunities to the underserved youth is an urgent need, as it directly impacts the social, cultural, political, economic, and spiritual development of the country. Enlightening the future of the nation requires empowering these youth groups who have missed out on higher education opportunities and offering them comprehensive career guidance.
Our Vision
Nurturing Exceptional Scholars
Our Mission
Here is a plan to increase the minimum educational qualification in Sri Lanka from obtaining three A-level average passes to obtaining an average degree
Objectives
- Eliminate poverty through education.
- Skill-Oriented Education
- Promotion of online education
- Creation of higher education opportunities
- Making the majority of society educated
- Building a developed country through a society full of educated people
- Studying new subjects right from school and obtaining a degree at an early age
- Minimizing brain drain
- Social development through raising the level of education
- Sustainable development through raising the level of education
- Preparing individuals who fit the job market
- Providing higher education opportunities along with vocational training
- Achieving dreams of higher education while working
- Increasing higher education opportunities for women
- Creating a quality country through an educated and intelligent society
- Providing equal educational opportunities for all
- Providing higher education benefits with minimum investment
- Directing young people towards business opportunities and self-employment instead of jobs after higher education, and the creation of new products
- Creating suitable professionals for employment in the private sector
- Providing the direct contribution of the youth to uplift the gross domestic product
The Importance of Sarasavi Sihina Programs
Education, whether formal, non-formal, or informal, leads to development through changes in behavior and practice. Education is an investment that fosters growth. As Nelson Mandela famously stated, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." It teaches people how to be better citizens, secure better-paying and rewarding jobs, and distinguish between right and wrong. Education instills the value of hard work and helps us grow and develop.
According to the five-year national plan prepared by the Sawla People's Development Cooperative Society Limited, providing higher education to all has been recognized as an essential factor for sustainable development in order to eradicate poverty through education.
To prevent the talented youth in this country from losing their dreams of higher education due to the current economic crisis, the South Asian Women's Leadership Association has introduced a new investment opportunity through the SAWLA People's Development Cooperative Society Limited for those who aspire to pursue higher education.
Eligibility Requirements for Sarasavi Sihina Investment
Age should be more than 18 years
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify.
Eligibility to pursue a higher national course, degree, postgraduate or doctorate
Candidates should meet the criteria to enroll in higher national courses, degrees, postgraduate programs, or doctoral studies.
Registration for Investment / Scholarship - Rs.11,500/- Paid Receipt
A payment receipt of Rs. 11,500/- is required to register for investment or scholarship opportunities.
Receipt of payment of registration fee for the course
Proof of payment for the course registration fee must be submitted.
Additional Information
- Investment is interest-free.
- No guarantors are required.
- The payment period ranges from 10 months to 18 months, and the specific period depends on the course.
- The course fee is payable directly to the ICA campus only.
- Course/degree certificates are issued only to students who have completed full payment of the investment amount.
- Students availing of Investment plan shall pay the ICA Campus for the educational tools, student application, examination and training fees, as well as certificate convocation/graduation convocation related to their academic year.
- The decision of the Administrative and Understanding Committee in this regard shall be final.
