Free education is regarded as one of the great pillars of Sri Lanka’s upwardly mobile society. This privilege extends to higher education offered at State Universities such as the University of Peradeniya. In addition, national scholarship schemes such as the ‘Mahapola’ scheme are offered to a significant proportion of University entrants by the Government.

Despite all this support, financial constraints have often been an impediment to the successful academic progression of many undergraduates in Sri Lanka, including the Peradeniya Medical School. PeMSAA has always been actively involved in providing assistance to disadvantaged students upon request, and in the recent past, has been able to address this issue in a systematic and formalized manner.

Undergraduate support programmes currently conducted by PeMSAA:

• PeMSAA Studentship
• PeMSAA Bursary
• Donation of Books

The motivational note to the recipient on the inner back cover of a book donated by PeMSAA

PeMSAA Bursary

• Initiated in 2019 during the tenure of Prof Vasanthi Pinto as President
• 44 bursaries were awarded for Batch 18/19
• The recipients were selected by a rigorous interview process of the whole batch
• Amount: Rs. 3000.00 per recipient per month for 5 years
• The recipients are expected to payback the loan within 3 years after obtaining Internship
• Capital for the PeMSAA Bursary Scheme was raised via donations from the alumni. Once the recipients start paying back, the fund will be self-sustaining and future batches could be granted bursaries in a continuous manner.

The launching of PeMSAA Bursary Programme

Professor Kapila Gunawardana, Treasurer, PeMSAA 2019/2020, is addressing the recipients from Batch 18/19. Prof. Asiri Abeyagunawardhana, Dean of the Faculty (center) and Prof. Manoji Pathirage, Assistant Treasurer (left) are also present.