The Lalith Athulathmudali Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund (MTF) was established under the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act, No. 66 of 1981. In terms of Section 3 of the Act, the administration, management, and control of the Fund are vested in a Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and accountability.
The concept of “Mahapola” was introduced in 1980 by the late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali, then Minister of Trade and Shipping, through a national trade exhibition aimed at empowering rural communities with the benefits of the open economy. The proceeds from this initiative laid the foundation for a sustainable scholarship programme to support higher education in Sri Lanka.
Since its establishment, the Mahapola Trust Fund has become the country’s flagship higher education scholarship scheme. To date, over 450,000 scholarships have been awarded, providing financial assistance to students across a wide network of state universities and higher education institutions.
At present, the Mahapola programme covers:
State Universities and affiliated campuses - 20
Advanced Technological Institutes (ATIs)- 19
Other Higher Education Institutes - 06
Annually, approximately 19,500 new scholarships are awarded, while monthly financial assistance is provided to nearly 80,000 students pursuing higher education.
In addition to student scholarships, the Fund provides institutional and financial support to selected higher education institutions that operate outside the Consolidated Fund. All administrative and operational activities of the Trust Fund are carried out under the supervision of an independent Board of Trustees.
The Mahapola Trust Fund continues to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education, supporting socio-economic mobility, and contributing to the development of skilled human capital in Sri Lanka.
Vision
To create a Scholarship Society Aims at Poverty Eradication
Mission
To award Scholarship for the Unprivileged Youth to Obtain Higher Education and to Create Equal Opportunities for Higher Education through the Improvement of Facilities
Aims & Objectives
Late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali founded the concept of “Mahapola” with the vision of improving the technical skills of deserving youth who needs the financial support to continue their secondary and higher education.
- To provide higher educational facilities to youth.
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To provide assistance to deserving youth who have completed their secondary education satisfactorily, so as to enable them to complete their academic, industrial or technical education at a University or technical or higher education institute, as the case may be,
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To set up and assist in the setting up and management of vocational training institutes for enabling youth to develop their vocational skills and competence,
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To set up and assist in the management and conduct of schools,institutes,foundation and similar institutions engaged in the furtherance of education and
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To provide assistance for the development and improvement of skills and competence of lecturers, teachers and person engaged in the furtherance of education.
