Mahapola

The “Mahapola” concept introduced by the late Hon.Lalith Athulathmudali

(P.C.) in 1980, was initially only a Trade Fair, organized by the Ministry of Trade & Shipping for the primary purpose of channeling the benefits of the open economy to the rural community. The Trade Fair and the educational exhibition were organized in schools and the income generated from the sale of the entrance tickets were utilized to provide basic facilities to these schools.

The Mahapola Trust Fund, which began in 1981 with awarding 422 scholarships has awarded over 173,500 scholarships to the underprivileged students of this country during last 28 year period and the expenditure involved in this exercise is over Rs.835 million for this year.

The administrative activities of this Fund which not belongs to the “Consolidated Fund” extends institutional as well as financial assistance towards higher education and awarding scholarships to youths enabling them to complete their higher education, is implemented under an independent body independently by a Board of Trustee under the Chairmanship of His Lordship the Chief Justice.