Lanka’s KDU awards 100 spots to Maldivian medical students

(From L-R) Vice Chancellor of KDU, Rear Admiral J. J Ranasinghe and Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Shiham shake hands at the signing of an agreement to allow 100 Maldivian students placement at KDU over the next five years, at the Ministry of Education on March 12, 2018. (Photo/Ministry of Education)

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) of Sri Lanka has awarded 100 spots for Maldivian students to study MBBS over the next five years.

The agreement between KDU and Maldivian government was signed in a function held at Ministry of Education this Monday.

The agreement was signed by Vice Chancellor of KDU, Rear Admiral J. J Ranasinghe and Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Shiham.

Monday’s agreement guarantees placement for 100 Maldivian students to study for MBBS at KDU over the next five years. 20 students will be provided placement per year for the next five years.

KDU has guaranteed the placements for a discounted price.

Speaking at the signing, Minister Dr. Aishath Shiham said the agreement also covers cooperation in education in additional fields.

(From L-R) Vice Chancellor of KDU, Rear Admiral J. J Ranasinghe and Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Shiham at the signing of an agreement to allow 100 Maldivian students placement at KDU over the next five years, at the Ministry of Education on March 12, 2018. (Photo/Ministry of Education)

She said 32 Maldivian students are studying at the KDU under the loan scheme even now.

The minister also said that Sri Lanka has agreed to provide Maldivian students scholarships from the Lanka Colombo University after discussions by the Maldives-Sri Lanka Joint Commission. She said details of the scholarship opportunities will be announced soon.

During her speech, Dr. Aishath Shiham noted an increase in number of Maldivian medical students, and encouraged them to return to serve Maldives after they complete their education.

“There are currently 313 Maldivian students studying for their MBBS from abroad. There are an additional 58 students completing their post-graduate education,” said Dr. Aishath Shiham.

Statistics show an increase in number of Maldivian students doing MBBS. 33 Maldivian students got placement to study for MBBS in 2014 and 74 Maldivian students got placement to study for MBBS in 2017, noted the minister.