21 Jun, 2010
JKH’s Transportation Sector recently awarded 26 university scholarships as part of its four year partnership with the Transport and Logistics Management Faculty of the University of Moratuwa. The scholarship awards coincided with the certificate distribution ceremony of the English Language Scholarship Programme and the Mentoring Programme which are also sponsored by John Keells Group for undergraduates reading for the Bachelor of Science degree in Transport and Logistics Management (BSc. T&LM Hons.) at the University of Moratuwa.
The event was held on 21st June 2010 at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. A total of 26 university scholarships were awarded to the students: 21 merit scholarships to second, third and fourth year students, and five need based scholarships for first year students. The merit based scholarships reward academic excellence while the need based scholarships help first year students reach their potential. JKH PLC has awarded over 54 scholarships since the inception of this degree program 4 years ago.
The English Language Scholarship Programme and the Mentoring Programme are aimed at enhancing the general capabilities and soft skills of the students. Over 200 students were awarded certificates at the ceremony which marks their first step as professionals in their chosen field. Certificates of completion of the mentoring program were also awarded at this event. This program involves the mentoring of students by senior professionals in the transportation and logistics field.
The English Language Scholarship Programme is sponsored by the John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation (Foundation). This programme is attended by all first year students and is of immense benefit to the students since the degree program is also conducted in English.
Emphasising the importance of this academic and professional qualification, Head of the Department of Transportation and Logistics Management Prof. Amal S. Kumarage said, “Due to the fact that these students belong to a professional niche which is relatively unknown in the market, they would really have to prove themselves out there in the corporate world. The English Language Scholarship Programme and the Mentoring Programme carried out by the John Keells Group have helped them immensely on this score”.
Sharing his experience on how this programme helped him personally, Chandima Jayakody, a second year undergraduate reading for a BSc in Transportation and Logistics Management, explained that his self confidence had improved dramatically allowing him to successfully face challenges he would shy away from before. “Fourteen months ago I would never have been able to stand up here and speak to you all. The Mentoring Programme helped me immensely in personality development while the English Language Scholarship Programme made me a confident speaker of the English language. I now know that I can take on the challenges out there in the corporate world.”