DBU Chancellor Announces Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students

DBU Chancellor Announces Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students

Mandi Gobindgarh, January 14: Desh Bhagat University (DBU), a NAAC A+ accredited multidisciplinary university, had the honour of hosting Her Excellency Ms. Pradeepa Mahishini Colonne, Hon’ble High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, during her distinguished visit to the university campus. The visit coincided with the celebration of Lohri, the harvest festival of Punjab, symbolising gratitude, warmth and new beginnings, and reflecting the deep cultural and civilisational bonds shared by India and Sri Lanka.

During her visit, the High Commissioner also visited the International Centre for Buddhism and Interfaith Studies at Desh Bhagat University. She appreciated the university’s initiative to promote the timeless values of Buddhism, peace, compassion, harmony and interfaith dialogue, and noted the relevance of such centres in strengthening cultural understanding and spiritual connect between nations, particularly India and Sri Lanka, which share deep Buddhist and civilisational roots.

Welcoming the High Commissioner, the Dr Zora Singh Hon’ble Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University, announced a special scholarship initiative for students from Sri Lanka as a gesture of friendship and educational cooperation. Under this initiative, the university will offer two full-fee scholarships for select regular on-campus programmes and ten full scholarships for UGC-entitled online programmes for deserving Sri Lankan students.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Harsh Sadawarti, Vice-Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University, emphasised that education remains the strongest bridge between nations and reaffirmed DBU’s commitment to strengthening academic collaboration with Sri Lanka through student and faculty exchange, joint research, innovation and cultural engagement.

Speaking on the occasion, Her Excellency Ms. Pradeepa Mahishini Colonne appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of educational diplomacy. She remarked:

“Education has always been a strong pillar of India–Sri Lanka relations. Initiatives such as scholarships and academic collaboration not only empower our youth but also strengthen people-to-people ties, mutual understanding and shared growth between our two countries.”

She further acknowledged India’s continued support to Sri Lanka in the fields of education, culture and human resource development, and welcomed deeper cooperation between Sri Lankan institutions and Indian universities.

The visit concluded with discussions on future academic partnerships, collaborative research opportunities and cultural exchanges, reinforcing Desh Bhagat University’s vision of global engagement, cultural harmony and inclusive international education.