Imperial College of Business Studies Donates Scholarships Worth Over 100 Million to Empower Students and Public Servants in the Western Province
Imperial College of Business Studies Donates Scholarships Worth Over 100 Million to Empower Students and Public Servants in the Western Province
In a groundbreaking move aimed at uplifting the education sector and empowering communities, Imperial College of Business Studies has made a historic donation of scholarships worth over 100 million rupees to the Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusoof. This monumental contribution reflects the private sector’s growing commitment to collaborating with public institutions in advancing educational opportunities for all.
The donation includes 50 part-scholarships worth 46.5 million rupees for the BA (Hons.) in International Business and Finance Degree, awarded by the University of the West of Scotland, and 50 part-scholarships worth 38.75 million rupees for the BSc (Hons.) Degree programnes offered by the Queen Margaret University, UK. Both institutions are ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom, recognized for their academic excellence and industry-aligned programs. Together, these scholarships total up to nearly Rupees 85 million.
These scholarships are intended for students nominated by the provincial Ministry of Education based on merit. Specifically, the program targets students who have successfully passed their Advanced Level examinations but have been unable to secure placements in state-universities. Through this initiative, recipients will have 50% of their tuition fees fully waived, opening doors to internationally recognized degree programs and promising futures.
Additionally, to enhance the capabilities of the Government Senior Officials through the Western Provincial Council, and to ensure they are equipped to provide superior service to the public, Imperial College has donated 50 part-scholarships for the Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program, awarded by the University of the West of Scotland. This segment of the donation, valued at 17.5 million rupees, comes with an easy payment plan, ensuring accessibility and minimal financial strain for provincial council employees.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof, Chief Secretary of the Western Province Dhammika Wijayasinghe, Shanmugam Sivabaskaran (Director Strategic Initiatives, Imperial College), and Chinthaka Wijayaratne (Director of Strategy and Operations, Imperial College). Their presence underscored the significance of this initiative in fostering collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Governor Hanif Yusoof, speaking on the occasion, praised the initiative, stating, “This generous contribution by Imperial College is a shining example of how the private sector can play a pivotal role in advancing public welfare. These scholarships will undoubtedly transform lives and equip both students and public servants with the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Chinthaka Wijayaratne, Director of Strategy and Operations at Imperial College, also shared his thoughts on this significant donation: “At Imperial College, we believe that education is the cornerstone of progress. By partnering with the provincial council, we aim to bridge gaps in higher education and build a more skilled and capable workforce for the Western Province and beyond. This donation underscores our commitment to driving meaningful change through education.”
This initiative represents a significant milestone in private-sector support for public-sector development. It highlights how collaboration between private educational institutions and the government can address pressing challenges in access to quality education. By providing opportunities for deserving students and public servants, this programme sets a powerful example of the transformative impact such partnerships can have on communities.