Departing Commonwealth Scholars in September 2004 with the British Council Officials

The British Council of Sri Lanka successfully hosted an interactive and informative Pre-departure Briefing for the 2024 group of Commonwealth Scholars as they prepared for their departure. Held at the British Council library, the event provided the 5 scholars chosen this year with valuable information, tips and updates about the UK in order to ensure a smooth transition to their respective university destinations in the UK.

Commonwealth Scholarships are given by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage and in their home country. Each year around 800 students globally are given the chance to undertake postgraduate degrees with UK universities. Since 1960, the CSC has funded over 31,000 individuals to study in the UK and gain skills, acquire knowledge, and build networks to tackle global development challenges.

The briefing event was attended by the departing group of scholars, and a gathering of Commonwealth Scholars alumni of different ages and fields of expertise, led by the British Council’s Education Programmes Manager, Hamzi Haniff. This year’s group of scholars from Sri Lanka are pursuing postgraduate qualifications in diverse fields of study including Marine Biology, Economics, Public Policy, Finance and Accounting and City Planning and Design. During the event, the group was guided through the various resources and guidelines provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The session also covered all vital aspects of moving to UK including visa and travel, settling in and adjusting to life in the UK, accommodation, managing finances, living safely, anti-discrimination policies, and personal safety. The alumni members present at the event shared their insights with the scholars about their personal experiences during their respective stints in the UK. They emphasized on the importance of gaining an all-round experience of academics and social life.

Sharing her thoughts, The British Council’s Education Programmes Manager Hamzi Haniff stated, “Celebrating 65 years this year, the Commonwealth Scholarship has had a profound impact on Sri Lanka. Over 70% of our Commonwealth Scholarship Alumni have returned and remained, contributing significantly to the development of the country. With over 1,150 scholars having passed through the portals of this prestigious scholarship, many have utilised this opportunity to reach great heights and drive progress in Sri Lanka.”

Achini Wathsala Fernando, one of the five scholars of 2024 set to pursue a Split-side PhD with the University of Aberdeen, UK and Wayamba University Sri Lanka stated, “My research is on essential fish habitat characteristics between the UK and Sri Lanka. I am hoping to bring knowledge on two key areas back to Sri Lanka and apply them to my research here.”

Sanduni Dissanayake, who received a scholarship from Queen’s University in Belfast for an MSc in City Planning and Design commented, “This is one of the key milestones of my educational journey. This is one of the best opportunities you will receive if you’re passionate about sustainable development. I hope to bring back the knowledge to Sri Lanka and also connect with a lot of international friends.”

Professor Ramanee Wijesekera a senior scholar from the 2000 cohort advised, “You meet so many people from different cultures, which is really good. Experience different things – eat different food, travel to Europe. It’s also important to network. I went in 2001 and am still in contact with some of the contacts I made there.”

Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under six development themes. Applications for the upcoming Commonwealth Scholarship schemes will open on 10 September 2024. Applications must be made through the Ministry of Higher Education, the nominating agency for Sri Lanka. Candidates must apply and secure admission to study an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university in addition to applying for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship via the CSC’s online application system.

Candidates can apply for more than one course and to more than one university. However, they may only accept one offer of a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. Candidates must check with their chosen university for specific advice on when to apply, admission requirements, and rules for applying. For more information on general eligibility requirements, visit: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/.

British Council Education Programmes Manager Hamzi Haniff provides insights in getting the best from the journey of studying in the UK

British Council Head of Programmes Sanjeevani Munasinghe

Education Programme Coordinator Deepthi Wijesinghe