By Srinivas Iyer
India has expanded its educational assistance programme in Sri Lanka by increasing financial support for deserving students at the University of Jaffna from economically weaker sections, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to education and human resource development in the neighbouring country.
On June 2, 2026, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, distributed financial assistance under an enhanced Indian grant scheme to selected students of the University of Jaffna. The upgraded programme has been implemented from the 2025-26 academic year.
The initiative builds on a scholarship scheme introduced in the 2023-24 academic year, under which 100 students received a monthly grant of Sri Lankan Rupees 5,000 based on academic merit and economic need. Encouraged by positive feedback from students and university authorities, India decided to strengthen and expand the programme.
The enhanced scholarship scheme was announced by Narendra Modi during the state visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India in December 2024. The programme covers students of both the University of Jaffna and the Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
Under the revised scheme, 100 first-year undergraduate students will receive LKR 7,500 per month every year, with the financial assistance continuing until the completion of their respective degree programmes. By the fourth year of implementation, a total of 400 students at the University of Jaffna are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Santosh Jha said that financial assistance helps students focus on education, personal growth and future opportunities without the burden of financial hardship.
The scholarship programme is part of India’s wider development partnership with Sri Lanka in the education sector, which includes school renovation projects, smart classrooms, computer laboratories, educational transport support and other infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving learning opportunities across the island nation.
