Earlier this year, LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) Foundation signed an MOU confirming a project that will focus on investing LKR 24 million (GBP 87,000) towards a scholarship fund for youth affected by the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. The fund will be carried out in partnership with Seth Sarana Caritas Colombo, the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Colombo and Rotary Club of Colombo Heritage, and will provide higher education scholarships to 35 beneficiaries from both Katuwapitiya and Kochchikade, identified by Seth Sarana Caritas Colombo.
With this initiative, LSEG, along with implementing partner the Rotary Club of Colombo Heritage, will focus on ensuring that affected youth will have the opportunity and support to pursue their goals and ensuing careers via funding for their educational aspirations ranging from university, vocational training and higher studies.
Shanaka Abeywickrama, Head of Internal and Site Communications – APAC, LSEG said, “The aftermath of the tragic events of Easter Sunday reverberated through the nation and has made a lifelong impact on those affected. At times of national-need, it is imperative that stakeholders come together to move forward, which is why LSEG Foundation and our partners are looking forward to providing beneficiaries with the resources to achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their circumstances.”
Director at Seth Sarana Caritas Colombo, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ramanayaka said, “We are very grateful to the LSEG Foundation and their partners for their generosity. This good deed will help 35 young people have an education, and in turn, a brighter future.”
President of the Rotary Club of Colombo Heritage – Rtn. Manjula S Ratnasekera also stated, “Acts of terrorism cause irreparable physical and emotional damage to innocent victims. While we cannot get back lives that are lost, we hope to forge a brighter path ahead for the survivors by reaching out and helping them build their dreams and aspirations. Rotary believes in empowering youth through education and skills which in turn will inspire young people to become leaders in their communities who will work towards creating better understanding between different ethnic and religious groups. We are grateful to LSEG Foundation for their generous funding and to Seth Sarana for partnering us to make this possible.”
