The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has chosen numerous Sri Lankan students for scholarships in Pakistan
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan organized a pre-departure orientation session and an award ceremony for 321 Sri Lankan students who were chosen to pursue their studies in Pakistan under the “Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students.” These students are now in the process of completing their necessary documentation to travel to Pakistan and join their respective universities.
Additionally, Dr. Premajayantha, the Sri Lankan Minister of Education, expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their invaluable support in enhancing the capacity of Sri Lankan students, faculty, and government officials. He highlighted the progress made in the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, underscoring its significance for the entire South Asian region.
Dr. Premajayantha extended congratulations to the students and acknowledged the opportunity to study in prestigious Pakistani universities as a significant achievement. He emphasized the importance of obtaining education in a foreign country, stating that it not only enhances qualifications but also offers a lifetime experience.
During her welcoming speech, Ms. Aayesha Ikram shed light on the scholarship project, noting its role in fostering closer relations between the two countries. She advised the Sri Lankan students to pursue their educational aspirations, immerse themselves in the diverse Pakistani culture, establish networks for personal growth, and fully utilize the opportunity. She highlighted that these Sri Lankan students studying in Pakistan would act as ambassadors of Sri Lanka in Pakistan, and upon completion of their studies, they would represent Pakistani interests in Sri Lanka.
The “Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students” is part of the Pak-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme. Currently, 351 Sri Lankan students are enrolled in various disciplines and levels in Pakistani universities through this project.
The newly selected students will be pursuing studies in diverse fields such as Medicine, Engineering and Technology, Management, Allied Health Sciences, Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities.
The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Sri Lankan Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha as the chief guest, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (R) Umar Farooq Burki, Director General (Scholarships) HEC Ms. Aayesha Ikram, Project Director HEC Mr. Jehanzeb Khan, several Sri Lankan Ministers, Vice Chancellors, senior armed forces officials, Buddhist Monks, alumni of the project, and scholarship recipients accompanied by their families.