On 19th July 2022, Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG welcomed and greeted the 2022 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) graduate recipients selected from Sri Lanka, at the Korean Embassy.
Among many applicants, Ms. Amanda Sharon, Ms. Hasini Wijewardena, Ms. Tharani Upeksha Gunewardane, Ms. Maduni Pramuditha Perera and Ms. Chalani Janesha De Silva were selected as 2022 Global Korea Scholarship winners after a scrutinised evaluation based on their academic performance, language ability, social contribution and extra-curricular activities.
Through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), offered by Korea’s National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED), students worldwide including in Sri Lanka can study in Korea without any expenses. Every year, more than 10 Sri Lankan students receive this scholarship from Korea, to pursue undergraduate and graduate programmes in their field of interest.
Korean Ambassador Santhush conveyed his best wishes to the GKS scholarship recipients and stated, “My congratulations on winning the GKS scholarship, You are very important to bridge our two countries’ relations as ‘civilian diplomats’ and I hope you promote favourable interests in Korea and raise awareness of Sri Lanka among Korean people. I am very happy to note that many Sri Lankans who go to Korea for various purposes such as education, employment and other reasons have shared their happy memories in Korea with me. Their time in Korea has been very memorable and exciting. Now that you have got this opportunity, I wish that you will also collect many happy moments in Korea. More than 25,000 Sri Lankans are now in Korea and they contribute to the development of both countries”.
He further emphasised the importance of learning Korean language for their future. “I hope that during your stay in Korea, you will learn the Korean language and widen your opportunities. The cultural cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka is robust. I am impressed by how some Sri Lankans are proficient in Korean language. I interacted with them during the recent cultural event Quiz on Korea. Many foreigners including young Sri Lankans are eager to learn the Korean language. It is a vital tool which will provide access to many academic and employment opportunities available in Korea. The introduction of Korean as a foreign language to advanced level classes last year will surely increase opportunities given to Sri Lankans. I hope you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, work hard to gain knowledge and become valuable assets to contribute to your country. At the same time, I hope you contribute to forging stronger relations and cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka.”
The Scholarship recipients also expressed their thankfulness for the opportunity to study in Korea and explained that their keen interest to pursue higher education in Korea was mainly driven by the Korea’ state-of-the-art technology, priority given to the research and development sector and the comprehensive policies Korea has implemented with regard to sustainable development. They looked forward to studying in Korea and using the knowledge gained in Korea to build a stronger and developed Sri Lanka.
Education cooperation has played a key role in deepening the strong Korea-Sri Lanka bilateral relationship. GKS is one such opportunity offered by Korean government to encourage students worldwide including Sri Lanka to receive a holistic educational experience in Korea.
