He stated this yesterday (27) at the BMICH participating at the National Ceremony to award  "Sipdora" scholarships for 10,000 students who have passed the G.C.E. O/L examination from Samurdhi Beneficiary families.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of  President Maithreepala Sirisena.

Representing the 10,000 students 1400 students selected from all districts were awarded these scholarships at the ceremony.

The program was initiated in 1998 with 235 students. This year the students were awarded Rs.1000/- each for a period of 24 months.

The  Deputy Minister  of Social Empowerment and Social Welfare Ranjan Ramanayake, Minister of Education Akila Wiraj Kariyawasam, Deputy Minister of Parliament Reforms and Mass Media Karunarathne Paranawithana, Secretary to the Ministry of  Social Empowerment and Social Welfare Mahinda Senewirathne, Director General of  Divi Neguma Department Chandra Wickremasinghe were also present at the occasion.