Scholarship Awards Ceremony for University Entrants from the Plantation Community – 2026.
The Scholarship Granting Ceremony organized by the Plantation Human Development Trust was successfully held on 15th May 2026 at the Main Auditorium, Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla. The event was organized to recognize and encourage outstanding students from the plantation sector who gained university entrance for the academic year 2025/2026.
A total of 130 students were awarded scholarships in appreciation of their exceptional academic achievements and dedication towards higher education. This valuable initiative was generously sponsored by AHMAD Teas, Ethical Tea Partnership, and Serendib Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd, whose continued support has greatly contributed towards uplifting the educational standards of children from plantation communities.
The ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests and representatives from government institutions, plantation companies, trade unions, and sponsoring organizations. The Chief Guest of the occasion was Mr. B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Chairman of PHDT. Among the other notable participants were Mr. Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure; Mrs. W.M.D.T.Wickremasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs; Mr. K.S. Wijayakeerthi, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure; Mr. S.P. Vijekumaran, National Organizer of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers Union (LJEWU); Mrs. Sonali Neomi, General Manager of Ahmad Teas Pvt Ltd; Mrs. Yoga Perera representing Ethical Tea Partnership; Mr. Kalinga Wijesekara, CEO of Serendib Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd; Mr. L.R. Perera, Director General of PHDT; Dr. Sisira Ranatunga, Chairman of SLSPC; Mr. Alex Samuwel, Deputy General Manager of Maskeliya & Namunukula Plantations PLC; and Mr. Issadeen, Deputy General Manager of Elpitiya Plantations PLC.
The ceremony highlighted PHDT’s continued commitment towards enhancing educational opportunities within plantation communities and motivating the younger generation to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully towards the development of society and the nation.
