Continuing its unwavering commitment to support the brightest students and support their continuing academic education, Hatton National Bank (HNB) presented “DIRI DARU” scholarships to HNB Singithi Minor account holder’s at the ‘HNB Diri Daru’ Awards ceremony held recently at the Bankaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) Colombo. The event was graced by the Managing Director/ CEO of HNB Jonathan Alles together with former Sri Lankan cricketer and Former ICC match Referee Roshan Mahanama.

The students, from all parts of the country, were honored for academic achievements in the Grade 5 scholarship examination, GCE Ordinary level, GCE Advanced Level, London Ordinary Level and London Advanced level exams. In addition, HNB awarded scholarships recognizing students who recorded outstanding achievements at national level in extra-curricular activities such as sports, inventions, aesthetic activities etc. This year 06 HNB Singithi Account holders who were ranked among “All Island Top 10” at the grade 05 Scholarship examination & GCE A/L examination were recognized specially and were awarded a scholarship of Rs.100,000/- each.

With HNB Diri Daru now supporting the education of the student population of Sri Lanka at every pivotal stage of their academic career, the bank has been able to fulfill their wish of carving a pathway for students to gain a sound education and realize their true potential. HNB has been conducting the scholarship award programme for the last seven years and more recently under the brand ‘Diri Daru’ for the third consecutive year. Coming under the flagship of HNB Singithi, the bank’s minor savings product, which commenced over 25 years ago and continues to be the only branded minor savings scheme in Sri Lanka.

The scholarships were presented by Roshan Mahanama, Chief Guest, Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles and the members of corporate management of the bank. Performances from Channa Upuli Dancing Academy & Ranwala Balakaya made the event more glamourous.

Addressing students and parents, HNB Managing Director /CEO Jonathan Alles, said, “We are extremely proud as a responsible bank in Sri Lanka to continue this initiative of supporting a generation of our Country’s future leaders. Since its inception, HNB has disbursed scholarships worth more than Rs. 35Mn and in the coming years we are determined to expand the number of prizes and students to play our role in paving the academic path of the country’s future champions through HNB Diri Daru.”

Chief guest Roshan Mahanama said “The Children of today are the citizens of tomorrow. They have an important role to bear in our communities. A good education is imperative to develop a great population. I am impressed with the HNB’s Diri Daru scholarship scheme which serves to support students through their most trying exams. It is a commendable project and I wish all of you and HNB outstanding success and keep supporting these kids as they need you.”

Commending HNB for this initiative in the helping with the education of children, as a parent was heard to say. “I am extremely happy to be here today and thank everyone at the Bank for hosting such a noteworthy event to help the next generation of Sri Lanka. The bank shares a part of its profit to mould future leaders of this country and sets an example for other corporate entities in Sri Lanka,” he summed up.

Under HNB DIRI Daru Scholarship scheme HNB awards 750 scholarships worth Rs.7Mn for HNB Singithi Account holders for their excellent achievements in Grade 05 scholarship scheme, GCE & London O/Ls, GCE & London A/Ls and for special achievements in Sports, inventions and aesthetic activities.

Photo caption: The top awardees of the HNB Diri Daru Scholarships Awards 2018: Lakshitha Prabashwari, Bandaranayaka Madya Maha Vidyalaya, Mapakadawewa, Lankangani Gunawardena,Ovitigama Kanishta Vidyalaya, Chathmal Rathnayake, Horagasmulla Primary School, Divulapitiya and Amila Swarna Sri Dissanayake of Royal College Colombo 7, M. L Sulochana of Sangamitta Balika Vidyalaya, Galle, P. Dilshan Kannangara of Taxila Central College Horana with former Sri Lankan cricketer and ICC Match Referee, Roshan Mahanama, Jonathan Alles, Managing Director/CEO of HNB, Dilshan Rodrigo, Chief Operating Officer, Sanjay Wijemanne, Deputy General Manager, Retail Banking and Kalum Wijesooriya, Assistant General Manager, Deposits & Remittances of HNB