Educational relations between India and Sri Lanka are robust, with India offering various scholarships, training opportunities, and initiatives to support Sri Lankan students and professionals in their educational pursuits. These programs aim to strengthen bilateral ties and promote knowledge sharing between the two nations.
Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students:
The Government of India provides numerous scholarships each year for Sri Lankan students seeking to study in India. These scholarships cover undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines, excluding medicine. Scholarships are also available for research work and non-formal courses, such as training in classical music and dance. Some of the scholarships offered include:
Scholarships under the Cultural Exchange Programme: Sri Lankan students receive scholarships under the India-Sri Lanka Cultural Exchange Programme.
Scheme of Scholarships for Sri Lankan Nationals: This scheme offers around 60 scholarships annually for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in all subjects, except medicine. Research work is also covered by these scholarships.
SAARC Scholarship Scheme of the ICCR: Sri Lankan nationals can apply for one fellowship and two scholarships at the postgraduate level through the ICCR’s SAARC scholarship scheme. The eligible study or research areas include economics, education, environment, agriculture, mass communication, language, literature, sociology, and more.
ICCR Commonwealth Scholarship/Fellowship Plan: A limited number of awards are available each year for Sri Lankan students under the ICCR Commonwealth Scholarship/Fellowship Plan. The eligible study or research areas are the same as those under the SAARC scholarship scheme.
Technical Cooperation Scheme (TCS) of the Colombo Plan: The TCS provides up to 50 training opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals in various fields, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees. Some scholarships are also available for engineering degrees or diploma courses.
Knowledge Initiative:
India and Sri Lanka launched the “India-Sri Lanka Knowledge Initiative” in 2010. This initiative focuses on establishing a Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies at the University of Colombo and promoting linkages between Indian and Sri Lankan universities. It also aims to provide technical assistance for the Ten-Year Presidential Initiative to achieve a Trilingual Society in Sri Lanka by 2020. Additionally, there are plans for collaboration in establishing an agricultural research institute in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
Training Opportunities:
India offers training opportunities through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme for government officials and private sector executives. Sri Lanka is allocated over 100 training slots annually under this scheme.
English Language Training:
The Sri Lanka-India Centre for English Language Training (SLICELT) operates in Kandy as part of the President’s Initiative on English and Information Technology. Plans may include establishing a distance learning network between SLICELT and the English and Foreign Language University in Hyderabad to train master trainers and teachers in Sri Lanka, enhancing their skills in the English language.
Education Fair:
An annual Education Fair is planned in Sri Lanka to showcase the educational opportunities available in India. The fair provides Sri Lankan students with the chance to interact with representatives from Indian universities and colleges, gaining insight into the various options available for higher education in India.
