Dialog Merit Scholarship Programme Enters 20th Year in Collaboration with MOE & UGC

Photographed left to right: Nihal Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC, and Asanga Priyadarshana, Head of Sustainability and Group Chief of Risk and Compliance, Dialog Axiata PLC

In their shared vision of driving equitable access to education by offering scholarships to students who have become district first at the GCE O/L’s and GCE A/L’s, Dialog Axiata PLC, together with the Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission announced the renewal of their agreement on the Dialog Merit Scholarship programme, marking its 20th year in effect.

The renewal ceremony, held under the patronage of Dr. Susil Premjayanth, Minister of Education, took place at the Ministry of Education. In 2023, 81 high achieving students in G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations and 77 high achieving students in G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations were were inducted into the prestigious scheme based on their exceptional performance. The induction ceremony, held at the Education Ministry Auditorium, celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of these students. Since its inception in 2002, the Dialog Merit Scholarship scheme has awarded scholarships totalling over Rs. 120 million, fostering academic excellence.

Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education said, “Dialog and the Ministry of Education recently renewed their agreement for the provision of merit-based scholarships awarded to the highest achievers in the G.C.E. O/L and A/L examination. Originally limited to students proceeding to follow the Physical Science Stream for their A/L studies, the scheme has now been expanded to include students from other streams. This agreement, along with initiatives such as the Nenasa distance education program, demonstrates Dialog's steadfast dedication to supporting education.”

Commenting, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “As we renew the Dialog Merit Scholarship program agreement with the Ministry of Education for its remarkable 20th year, we reaffirm our shared vision of fostering equitable access to education. By offering scholarships to exceptional students in-need, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Together, we will continue to create transformative opportunities that pave the way for a brighter future.”

In line with its commitment to facilitate equitable access to quality education for children, Dialog has invested over Rs. 1 Billion in the education sector to date, encompassing initiatives such as Nenasa TV, Nenasa Smart Schools and Dialog Merit Scholarship programme. Beyond recognising academic brilliance, the Merit Scholarship programme aims to provide transformative opportunities, aligning with Dialog's broader vision to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. This comprehensive approach reflects Dialog's dedication to ensuring inclusive, equitable access to education, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, thereby shaping a brighter and more sustainable future.