Australian High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson hosted a reception in Colombo on November 2 to congratulate 30 Sri Lankans who have been offered scholarships to study at Australian universities in 2017.
The recipients will undertake master’s degrees at Australia’s top universities in the fields of economic development, gender equality and governance.
“This latest batch of Australia Awardees follow in the footsteps of the more than 1,000 other Sri Lankans, dating back to the Colombo Plan in the early 1950s, who have received Australian Government scholarships” said Mr Hutchesson.
Australia is a highly popular destination for international students. Last year, around 640,000 international students, including over 6,000 Sri Lankans, were enrolled to study there.
In addition to offering world class education, Australia is attractive to students because it is one of the most authentically multicultural societies in the world.
“Australian multiculturalism entails recognition of cultural diversity. This, and the vibrant Sri Lankan-origin community in Australia and the Australian community more broadly, will ensure the Sri Lankan scholars receive a very warm welcome” said Hutchesson.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Harsha de Silva was the chief guest.
Members of the Sri Lanka Association of Australia Awards Alumni (SLAAAA) were also present. The SLAAAA provides an opportunity for Awardees to network and interact after they return from studies in Australia. The Australian Government offers Australia Awards to Sri Lankans on an annual basis.
The next round of Australia Awards Scholarships will be open for applications from February 1, 2017 until April 30, 2017.