Viru Sisu Pradeepa Scholarships Presented to Children of War Heroes

The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its commitment to uplifting the welfare of the veteran community today (13 January) at the Viru Sisu Pradeepa Scholarship Awarding Ceremony, where 25 students from families of war heroes were symbolically presented with educational scholarships.

The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), as the Chief Guest, while the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended as the Guest of Honour.

The dignitaries were received by the President of the Ranaviru Seva Authority, Brigadier S. B. Kohona (Retd). For the 2023/2024 academic year, a total of 119 children who successfully passed the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination qualified for the scholarship award. Since its inception in 2015, this initiative has served as a beacon of hope for the families of fallen and disabled war heroes, providing financial and educational support to 1,343 students to date.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) extended his heartfelt congratulations to the young students, commending their academic excellence and dedication. He described the children as the living legacy of the nation's bravest soldiers, noting that their success in the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination reflects both their resilience and the steadfast support of their families. He encouraged them to make full use of this opportunity to reach the highest levels of professional achievement, while reaffirming the Ministry of Defence's commitment to ensuring the continued welfare of war heroes and their families.

In his address, the Defence Secretary highlighted the pivotal role played by the National Defence Fund in uplifting the families of those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the nation. He emphasized that education remains one of the most meaningful investments in the future, noting that the scholarship programme not only provides financial assistance but also stands as recognition of the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families. He encouraged the scholarship recipients to pursue their academic aspirations with discipline, integrity, and a strong sense of national responsibility.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, Tri-Forces officers, and parents of the scholarship recipients were present at the occasion.