Established 1981 · Sri Lanka
Lalith Athulathmudali
Mahapola Higher Education
Scholarship Trust Fund
Act No. 66 of 1981
Empowering the youth of Sri Lanka through education — providing equal opportunity to those who strive for higher learning, regardless of economic circumstance.
About the Fund
A Legacy Born of
Vision & Compassion
The Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund was established under Act No. 66 of 1981, with a clear and enduring mission: to provide financial assistance to unprivileged youth and to create equal opportunities in higher education through the continuous improvement of learning facilities.
The concept of "Mahapola" was founded in 1980 by the late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali, then serving as the Minister of Trade and Naval Affairs. Since the first scholarships were awarded in 1981 — beginning with just 422 recipients — the programme has grown to benefit over 450,000 Sri Lankan students.
Our Mission
"To provide financial assistance to unprivileged youth and to create equal opportunities for higher education through the improvement of facilities across Sri Lanka."
Governance
Board of Trustees
In terms of Section 3 of the Act, the affairs of the Fund are managed by a Board of Trustees — a distinguished body ensuring transparency, accountability, and the faithful execution of the Fund's objectives.
Scholarship Programme
Rewarding Merit & Need
Mahapola Scholarships are awarded each year to students who have secured high marks in their examinations, with family income taken into consideration to ensure the assistance reaches those who need it most.
Of the annual scholarships awarded, 10% are reserved for merit-based recipients who demonstrate academic excellence, while the remaining 90% are allocated as general scholarships based on financial need. 52% of the programme cost is borne by the Government through the University Grants Commission (UGC).
University Scholarships
Partner Institutions
Across the Nation
Mahapola Scholarships reach students at every leading university and higher education institution across Sri Lanka — from Jaffna to Ruhuna, from Colombo to the Eastern Province.
Funding Note
Scholarships for these institutions are funded directly by the Mahapola Trust Fund (MTF) and are awarded based on institution-specific selection percentages, ensuring proportional and equitable distribution across all disciplines.
