Strengthening relations with Sri Lanka and the Maldives
The Acting British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, hosted a pre-departure briefing for the Chevening scholars.
The scholars were welcomed to the Chevening Scholarship Scheme by the Acting High Commissioner.
The Acting British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Robbie Bulloch, hosted a pre-departure briefing for the Chevening scholars for 2012/2013 at Westminster House on Tuesday, 3 September, 2013.
Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Chevening is the UK’s most prestigious scholarship scheme for foreign post-graduate students. It aims to enable current and future leaders, decision makers and opinion formers to study in the UK and make a positive contribution to their own countries upon their return.
The two successful Chevening scholars for this year are:
Ms. Aishath Aileen Niyaz from the Maldives, who will be reading for an MSc in Development Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS); and
Mr. Kanishka Ratnayake from Sri Lanka, who will be reading for an MA in Media in Development at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
The scholars were welcomed to the Chevening Scholarship Scheme by the Acting High Commissioner. Several Chevening alumni present at the briefing also shared their experiences with the group. The briefing was followed by the annual Chevening reception, where the new scholars met a host of Chevening alumni.
Speaking at the event, Acting British High Commissioner, Robbie Bulloch, highlighted that 2013 marks 30years since the scholarship scheme was established. He went on to say, “The Chevening Scholarship Scheme is a wonderful opportunity for talented Sri Lankans and Maldivians to study at world class universities in the UK. Another benefit of the scheme is the experience of a different culture and country and a deeper understanding of the UK – all of which serve to create lasting bonds.”
Many former Chevening scholars have gone on to be leaders in their fields, and indeed, even leaders of their countries. Notable Chevening scholars from Sri Lanka and Maldives include the Attorney-General of Sri Lanka Palitha Fernando; members of the Attorney-General’s Department and Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka; the Maldives Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Iruthisham Adam; and members of the Maldives Monetary Authority.