A special one-day training workshop was held yesterday (23) at the Ratnapura District Secretariat under the patronage of Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumaranayake to brief Divisional Secretariat officials of the Sabaragamuwa Province on the activities of the President’s Fund.
With the decentralization of the President’s Fund operations to Divisional Secretariat level, the number of applications received has significantly increased. Accordingly, it has become essential to introduce and train the relevant staff on the newly implemented computer-based online system.
At this program, officers handling President’s Fund matters in the Ratnapura and Kegalle Districts were educated on expanding the number of beneficiaries in the Sabaragamuwa Province, ensuring high-quality service delivery, introducing the updated online system, and expediting services through better knowledge and training.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary of the President’s Fund, Mr. Roshan Gamagedara, also addressed the gathering, explaining the responsibilities of the Fund. Senior officials further outlined system security, operational guidelines, and the entire process from receiving medical aid applications to approval and final payment.
In addition, issues faced by field officers and possible solutions were discussed. Certificates were awarded to participating officials, while District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, subject officers, and officials of the President’s Fund were present at the occasion.
The Sabaragamuwa Provincial Program, implemented by the President’s Fund to recognize students who achieved outstanding results at the district level in the 2023/2024 GCE Advanced Level Examination, was held this morning (23) at the Ratnapura District Secretariat Auditorium under the patronage of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.
A total of 240 students, 10 from each of the six subject streams from the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts, who achieved top results in six subject streams at the 2023 and 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations, were each awarded a cash prize of Rs. 100,000 and a certificate of recognition. The President’s Fund allocated Rs. 24 million for this program.
Addressing the students, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne emphasized that the utilization of state resources for the future development of the people is a fundamental responsibility of the government and noted that the President’s Fund is currently fulfilling this responsibility effectively.
He further highlighted that the country needs a future generation equipped with knowledge, skills and strong values and expressed that the current government’s new education policies aim to cultivate such a generation.
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, also addressed the students, highlighting that the current government, after navigating a challenging journey of broad societal transformation, has introduced an ambitious program of educational reforms. He emphasized that the effective implementation of these reforms will provide the nation’s children with a bright and promising future.
Sabaragamuwa Province Governor, Mrs. Champa Janaki Rajaratne and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, also addressed the ceremony.
The event was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President and the Secretary of the President’s Fund Mr. Roshan Gamage, other senior officials of the President’s Fund, district secretaries, government officers, parents and the students.
A discussion was held this afternoon (21) at the Presidential Secretariat between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and officials of the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities to establish a more structured mechanism for providing assistance to the disabled community.
The meeting focused on expanding and systematizing the services provided through the President’s Fund for persons with disabilities, as well as the execution of programmes in partnership with the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities.
Key areas of attention included increasing medical support allowances, providing essential equipment to empower persons with disabilities, supporting the continuous education of their children and offering special educational assistance to children with disabilities. Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake emphasized that the President’s Fund will take steps to strengthen and streamline existing services to make them more effective and impactful.
The discussion was also attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund, Roshan Gamage, Director of the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities, Jayamali C. Wickramarachchi, along with several officials of the President’s Fund.
The Eastern Province programme to recognise high-achievers at district level in the 2023/2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, implemented by the President’s Fund, was held today (27th July) at the Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies in Batticaloa. The event was presided over by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.
During the ceremony, 360 students—10 from each of the six subject streams across the Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee districts, for both the 2023 and 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations—received an incentive grant of one hundred thousand rupees each, along with certificates. The President’s Fund allocated a total of 36 million rupees for this initiative.
This provincial programme recently commenced in the Northern Province, followed by the Southern Province as its second phase, and the Eastern Province as the third. The President’s Fund is currently making arrangements to implement the programme in other provinces in due course.
Speaking at the event, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne noted that the President’s Fund has not neglected anyone in need of support, with a particular focus on the education of the nation’s children. He emphasised that the President’s Fund is not a private fund but one operated through the contributions of the people of the country. Therefore, its benefits should be solely for the advancement of the nation’s citizens.
During the Renaissance, the President’s Fund, which had been reserved for the privileged class, was transformed into an institution dedicated to the public, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra.
Mr. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, the Governor of the Eastern Province, and Mr. Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary of the President’s Fund, also addressed the gathering.
Among those present at the occasion were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra; Member of Parliament, Kanthasamy Prabu; Vice-Chancellor of Eastern University, Professor Pararajasingham Peratheepan; Batticaloa District Secretary, J.J. Muralidaran; senior officials from the President’s Fund; public officials from the Eastern Province; heads of security forces; parents; and students.
The Eastern Provincial Workshop, part of a series of specialized training programs aimed at decentralizing the functions of the President’s Fund, was held today (26) at the Batticaloa District Secretariat.
With the full decentralization of the President’s Fund operations to Divisional Secretariats, there has been a notable increase in the number of applications received. As a result, training and awareness on the newly introduced computer-based online system have become essential for the relevant Divisional Secretariat staff.
Accordingly, the Eastern Province workshop of the series of training programs conducted at the provincial level was held, with the participation of over 100 subject officers handling matters related to the President’s Fund from the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee.
This program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of officers in order to increase the number of beneficiaries of the President’s Fund in the Eastern Province, deliver higher quality services, introduce the updated online system and ensure more efficient and timely service delivery.
Previously limited to a select group in Colombo, the President’s Fund is now being transformed under the leadership of the current President and the governing Board into a fund that serves all citizens across the country. In line with this objective, similar training programs have already been conducted in the Western, Northern and Southern Provinces, with plans to implement them in other provinces in the near future.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund, Mr. Roshan Gamage, delivered a detailed briefing on the Fund’s role and functions. Senior officials also explained the online system’s features, including its security, application handling process, approval mechanisms and disbursement procedures.
The workshop included a discussion on challenges faced by subject officers and potential solutions. Certificates were awarded to all participants in recognition of their engagement.
The event was attended by relevant District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, subject officers and officials from the President’s Fund.
The Eastern Province ceremony of the President’s Fund A/L Excellence Awards organized to recognize district-level top achievers of the 2023/2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will be held tomorrow (27) at 9:00 a.m. at the Swami Vipulananda Faculty of Fine Arts in Batticaloa.
Under this initiative, 60 top-performing students who excelled in A/L in 2023/2024 from each district, representing various subject streams, will be awarded financial scholarships and certificates in recognition of their academic excellence.
This province-based recognition program was first launched in the Northern Province with its inaugural event in Kilinochchi, followed by the second event in Matara for the Southern Province.
The upcoming ceremony in Batticaloa marks the third in the series, focusing on the Eastern Province. A total of 360 top-performing students from the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee will be honoured. Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne is expected to attend the event as the Chief Guest.
The President’s Fund intends to expand this initiative to other provinces in the near future.
With the decentralization of all services of the President’s Fund to Divisional Secretariat offices, there has been a significant rise in the number of applications received. Consequently, it has become necessary to raise awareness and provide training to the relevant staff on the newly introduced computer-based online system.
As part of this initiative, a special training programme is scheduled to take place on 26th July 2025 at the Batticaloa District Secretariat. This session is intended for subject officers handling matters related to the President’s Fund in the Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee districts of the Eastern Province.
The objective of the programme is to equip officers with the knowledge and skills required to enhance the number of beneficiaries in the Eastern Province, ensure the delivery of high-quality services, introduce the modernized online system effectively, and streamline service delivery for greater efficiency and speed.
Transforming the President’s Fund from a service once limited to a select group in Colombo into a truly inclusive national initiative has become a key goal of the current President and the Board of Management. To realize this vision, similar training programmes have already been implemented in the Western, Northern, and Southern Provinces, and plans are in place to expand this effort to the remaining provinces in the near future.
The Presidential Fund has initiated a programme to recognise outstanding district-level performers in the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examinations over the past two years (2023 and 2024). This morning (6), a ceremony was held at the Rabindranath Tagore Auditorium of the University of Ruhuna to acknowledge students from the Southern Province who demonstrated excellence in the G.C.E. A/L examination.
During the event, a total of 361 students, 10 from each of the six subject streams across Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts for both the 2023 and 2024 A/L examinations, received an incentive of one hundred thousand rupees (Rs. 100,000) each. The President’s Fund allocated 36.1 million rupees for this purpose. This initiative is set to be rolled out across all districts in due course.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, stated that following the new government’s ascension to power and under the directives of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the President’s Fund has been streamlined to expand its services and enhance transparency. He highlighted that past discrepancies have been rectified, ensuring that benefits now reach those who genuinely deserve them. The Secretary to the President also mentioned ongoing efforts to digitalise the fund and decentralise its services regionally to improve efficiency.
Dr. Kumanayake further emphasised that education is the primary tool for children to succeed in life. He urged the students to make the most of these benefits, excel in their education, and become good citizens, thereby contributing to the nation’s triumph.
Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, stated that the current government has successfully transformed what was once “the President’s Fund” into “the People’s Fund,” making it an institution that provides services for the well-being of the public.
Minister Handunnetti noted that previously, there were reports of the President’s Fund being misused for the medical treatments and travel of political henchmen. He asserted that it has now been transformed into a public welfare institution.
He also stressed that students who advance through the free education system with the help of these scholarships have a responsibility. Minister Handunnetti reminded them, as future leaders, to fulfil their duties to the country and its citizens without fail. He urged them to commit to not engaging in theft or fraud against the country or its people, especially after benefiting from public tax money for their education.
Mrs. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, expressed that providing children with the “wings of education” to explore the world is a key priority for the current government and that education can foster humane citizens.
The Minister stated that education was a central focus of the current government’s election campaign, and the President is actively working towards this. She added that the President’s Fund has started providing scholarships to academically gifted children, reflecting the government’s aspiration to empower children through education.
Mrs. Paulraj further pointed out that many of the attendees at the event would likely occupy significant positions in Sri Lanka or globally. She cautioned that if they do not become humane citizens, the substantial investment in their education would not yield its full benefits.
Miss Sithmini Madanayake, a student from Southlands College, Galle, delivered the vote of thanks. She stated that this programme presents a valuable opportunity for economically disadvantaged students to successfully pursue higher education and achieve success in life. She expressed immense gratitude to the President and the President’s Fund for this initiative.
Among those present were Members of Parliament L.M. Abeywickrama, Lal Premnath and Aravinda Senarath; Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary of the President’s Fund; Senior Professor P.A. Jayantha, Vice-Chancellor of Ruhunu University; Chandana Tilakaratne, District Secretary of Matara; W.A. Dharmasiri, District Secretary of Galle; and Bimal Silva, District Secretary of Hambantota. Also in attendance were senior officials from the President’s Fund, government officials, heads of security forces, parents and students.
As part of a series of specialized training workshops aimed at decentralizing the activities of the President’s Fund to the regional level, a workshop for subject officers in the Southern Province was held yesterday (05) at the Matara District Secretariat.
With the successful implementation of the process of accepting applications for medical assistance through all Divisional Secretariats islandwide, the President’s Fund has now taken steps to decentralize its other services as well.
Accordingly, a series of specialized workshops is being conducted across the country for Divisional Secretaries and subject officers involved with the Fund.
The first workshop was held in the Northern Province recently.
This event in Matara District Secretariat marked the third phase of the programme.
During the session, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund, Mr. Roshan Gamage, briefed participants on the mandate and operations of the Fund. Senior officers from the Fund also provided clear guidance on topics such as safety of digital system and usage, the process from accepting applications for medical aid to final approval and the subsequent disbursement procedures.
The workshop also included a discussion on common challenges faced by subject officers and potential solutions. Certificates for the participation were presented to the officers in recognition of their involvement.
At present, the President’s Fund offers a wide range of services, including assistance for poverty alleviation, educational scholarships, recognition of students with exceptional academic achievements, support for individuals with special needs, aid for children affected by wild elephant attacks, grants for those who have served the nation or contributed nationally, emergency and disaster relief.
Previously, these services were limited to Colombo for nearly 47 years. However, under this new programme, individuals in need can now apply through any Divisional Secretariat across the country.
This initiative is the result of a decision by the Board of Governors of the President’s Fund, chaired by the President, to make its services more accessible and efficient while also minimizing misuse.
The event was attended by over 100 subject officers from Divisional Secretariats including Matara District Secretary Mr. Chandana Tilakaratne, Galle District Secretary Mr. W.A. Dharmasiri and Hambantota District Secretary Mr. Bimal Silva, as well as staff members from the President’s Fund.
With the decentralization of all operations of the President’s Fund to Divisional Secretariats, the number of applications received has seen a significant increase. In line with this development, the need has arisen to educate and train the relevant staff of Divisional Secretariats on the newly introduced computer-based online system.
As a key next step, a special training program has been scheduled for officers handling President’s Fund matters in the Galle, Matara, and Hambantota districts of the Southern Province. This session will be held on July 5, 2025, at the Matara District Secretariat.
The primary objectives of this program include increasing the number of beneficiaries in the Southern Province, enhancing the quality of services provided, introducing a modernized online system, and equipping staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver more efficient services.
Guided by the vision of the current President, the overarching goal of the President’s Fund is to transform what was once a centrally managed initiative in Colombo—benefiting only a limited group—into a true people’s fund that reaches citizens across the country. Similar training programs have already been conducted in the Western and Northern Provinces and are planned for other regions in the near future.
