PLC launched ‘PLC Senehasa’ Educational Scholarships for 50 deserving students

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC) launched the ‘PLC Senehasa’ Educational Scholarship Programme for 50 well deserving students to continue their studies. This scholarship award ceremony presented by the largest non-bank financial institution was held on 31st October 2017 at their Head Office in Borella.

Award of full time scholarships for 50 students from all parts of the country was graced by Mr. A.S. Ibrahim – CEO/ GM of PLC, Mr. Deepal Abeysekara – CEO of People’s Insurance PLC, members of the corporate management of PLC Group, the eminent and experienced panel of judges, members of the management team of Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. who was the Print Media Sponsor for the event, the parents/guardians of the scholarship winners and other invitees.

The scholarship programme for students from grade 6 to 10, was announced to the public in March 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of PLC. The well-structured and transparent scholarship scheme did not require the applicants to be associated with PLC in any way. Award of scholarships was based on academic performance of students. In response, 850 applications were received and out of the applicants the 50 most deserving students were shortlisted by an experienced and independent panel of judges which included two officials from the Ministry of Education.  Recipients comprised of 29 females, 21 males including 3 hearing impaired students.

Students and their parents were exposed to a two hour motivational session conducted by an experienced and inspirational speaker. He emphasized on the importance of being focused on goals to be successful in life. The event was colored by dancing, singing and speech items presented by some of the scholarship recipients thereafter. An educational magic show, was the most entertaining item of the event and brought joy as well as effectively communicated powerful messages on drug abuse and importance of responsible citizenship to the audience. The event was concluded with gifts and a hearty meal for scholarship recipients and their parents/guardians.

Congratulating the scholarship recipient students for a brighter future, Mr. A. S. Ibrahim stated “Children are our future and education is one of the key focus areas of our corporate social responsibility framework. Access to education is a universal must have and it is also the fourth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) declared by the United Nations. By assisting in the continued education of deserving students with full term scholarships PLC is pleased to contribute towards development of the intellectual capital of Sri Lanka.”

The monthly financial assistance of Rs. 3,500/= will be continued until students complete their Advanced Level at one sitting as one the long term corporate social responsibility initiatives of PLC investing Rs. 2.1 Mn. every year.

Previously, PLC provided 6 long term educational scholarships for students and out of them 2 students were given employment opportunities upon their completion of tertiary education.

PLC is the flagship subsidiary of the state owned People’s Bank. Throughout the last 21 years of operations, PLC has been committed in uplifting small and medium scale businesses towards powering the country’s economic drive. It has emerged as one of the biggest player in the non- bank financial institution in Sri Lanka. It is the highest rated finance company with Fitch Ratings of AA- (lka), B (international) and Standards and Poor’s rating of B+/B (international). PLC has grown into a large network of 105 branches island wide. PLC was also recognized as one of the Best Ten Corporate Citizens in the country for the 5th year at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards for 2017 presented by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. It is also ranked 15th among the Business Today Top 30 and among the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 2014.

  1. Group photo of full term educational scholarship recipient students
  2. Educational magic show that communicated powerful messages to the audience
  3. Motivational session for student of the scholarship recipients and their parents/guardians
  4. A student showcasing his speech talent
  5. Presentation of a full term scholarship to a student
  6. Mr. A.S. Ibrahim, CEO/GM addressing the gathering