Outstanding GCE AL students honored

The Western Province programme to recognize outstanding achievers who demonstrated high performance at the district level in the 2023/2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, implemented through the President’s Fund, was held at Temple Trees under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

A total of 361 outstanding students from the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara were each awarded a cash incentive of Rs. 100,000 and a certificate of recognition, totaling Rs. 36.1 million in disbursements from the President’s Fund.

During the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the government’s commitment to investing in human capital development and ensuring that initiatives under the President’s Fund remain accessible and closely aligned with children’s educational advancement.

I am pleased to participate in this occasion in my capacity as the Minister of Education. You are all aware of the role of the President’s Fund. We have taken steps to bring this public fund even closer to the people. At the President’s direction, this programme is being implemented to encourage outstanding G.C.E. Advanced Level achievers. In addition, scholarships will be awarded to students who achieve the highest marks in each Advanced Level subject stream, enabling them to pursue studies at a foreign university of their choice.

She encouraged all eligible students to apply for these scholarships, emphasizing that developing human capital is essential to the country’s future. In a complex and interconnected world, it is critical to cultivate individuals who are not only academically knowledgeable but also capable across multiple domains.

The government is committed to taking all necessary measures to develop these human resources and is planning to transform the country’s education system from 2026 to produce well-rounded, highly skilled individuals.

‘We believe that education should encompass more than merely passing exams. Our goal is to cultivate responsible citizens for both our country and the global community. While technological advancement is crucial for global progress, technology devoid of human values is of no benefit to society. Cyclone Ditwah, which we recently encountered, underscored that. Regardless of how extensively we discuss development and technology, when we face nature, we become aware of our insignificance, ‘the Prime Minister said.

She said that this cyclone has taught us a big lesson. Humanity cannot think about development without forgetting nature. We must understand this lesson. We need to develop human resources who are passionate about the environment, safeguard nature, demonstrate leadership, show empathy, and take responsibility.

‘It is important for you to grasp a key point from this recognition. This represents a commitment to your future and the future of our nation. It demonstrates your worth to us. You did not arrive here on your own. You are fortunate to have a supportive family environment. You likely met excellent teachers. You must have had relatives, educators, and friends who directed you towards the right opportunities. You have arrived here with all those advantages. Every government has taken action to support your education. This intervention is funded by the tax contributions of the nation’s citizens. Significant teams have stepped in to bring you to this point. As a result, you bear a responsibility to contribute something in return for their efforts.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund, Mr. Roshan Gamage, also spoke at the event.

The event was attended by MP Chandana Suriyarachchi, MP Chandima Hettiarachchi, MP Prageeth Madhuranga, MP Champika Hettiarachchi, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, senior officials of the President’s Fund, government officials of the Western Province, parents, and students were present at the event.