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The Sri Henepola Gunaratana Scholarship Trust is a registered non-profit charitable organization in Sri Lanka, founded in 2005 by Ven. Henepola Gunaratana Thero. The Trust supports children from low-income families through scholarships, school supplies, skills development, and community-based educational programs. Our mission is to empower young people to build better futures and contribute to the development of their villages.
Helped fund over 15 projects, across the entire island benefitting over 1500 school children from pre school level to graduate studies.
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Why education matters
Education is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of poverty. For children from low-income families, even basic educational expenses can become a barrier to learning.
By providing scholarships and essential support, we help children remain in school, develop their abilities, and prepare for future employment. With the right guidance and opportunities, these young people can become responsible, skilled, and productive members of society.
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The
Sri Henepola Gunaratana
Scholarship Fund
The Sri Henepola Gunaratana Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 in the aftermath of the tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka. Its founding milestone came while I was attending a retreat in Singapore, where a group of friends generously contributed $10,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in Sri Lanka.
With the assistance of Mallika Samaranayake, Lakshmi De Zoyza, and several other dedicated individuals, I was able to formally establish the trust. The fund flourished considerably following Ashitha Wijesekera's involvement, and its continued growth and stewardship are now in the capable hands of my successor, Bhante Saddhajeewa, who has managed it with great care and diligence.
I am deeply gratified to witness the progress this fund has achieved over the years. I continue to direct my royalty income toward this cause, in the hope that my efforts will remain supportive and meaningful for the education and wellbeing of children in need. Thank you very much to you all, may you all be well happy and peaceful.
Bhante Gunaratana
Founder of SHGT
My Wish is to Continue
This Work, and in Time...
Sri Lanka is a developing nation that has long depended on the support of others, and as Buddhists, we regard this circumstance as an opportunity to practice generosity. My teacher established this organization with the deliberate intention of helping children in need, and I bear the responsibility of fulfilling his vision and furthering its success.
Today, the fund supports more than 250 students, from grade one through university education. We have established a library to serve communities with meager resources for education. A Gold Medal named Sri Henepola Gunaratana has been established to be offered annually to a graduate student who excels in the subject of Philosophy at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. We also support a monastic training school in Kalkuda, along with a separate school for children of families who were previously displaced from their homes due to war in the eastern province. It is with great pleasure, happiness and with compassion that we carry out these meritorious deeds..
My wish is to continue this work, and in time, hand it over to carry it forward, to the next generation..
Bhante Saddhajeewa.
Acting president- Bhavana Society
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We focus our projects in Henepola, Badulla, Kalkudah, Puthukkudyiruppu, and Sellakatharagama to build a lasting and a long-term impact — while remaining open to supporting children elsewhere in Sri Lanka based on their needs and resources.
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Frequently asked questions
Most people, new to SHGST's activities and those who often show interest in providing assistance are always keen to know more about its inner working and operations.
For More HelpHow do you select deserving children for scholarships
We select children for scholarships from areas that are impoverished as designated by the Department of Census and Statistics of the Government of Sri Lanka. As recommended and advised by regional state officials and known reliable individuals Through a vigorous evaluation process adopted by the Board of Trustees of SHGST based on their social and economic standing in society
How do you help needy children
We provide them with a monthly stipend to be spent towards their educational needs. We provide them with school material such as books, shoes, clothes, bags and other essentials We also provide equipment for sports, music, drama and other extra-curricular activities at school level We provide note books laptops and computers for university under graduates Any other support and assistance as required by school children to enhance their academic career
How much does each of the students paid monthly
Children from grades 1 to 10 are paid a sum of SL Rupees 2000 each Children in grades 11-13 are paid SL Rupees 3000 At Undergraduate level they are paid SL Rupees 5000 Rupees
Are the funds provided to children sufficient for their expenses
No, the funds that are dispensed are grossly inadequate. These figures are those that were set in place over seven years ago. They are up for revision shortly and will depend upon the availability of funds in the Trust. Ideally the amounts given should at least be doubled by the end of 2026
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