A total of 61 journalists received Asidisi Media Scholarships for 2025 at a ceremony held yesterday (22) at the Ministry of Mass Media in Narahenpita, under the patronage of Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
The scholarships aim to support full-time, part-time, freelance, regional, web journalists, and media technicians with at least three years of service in recognized media institutions. Recipients will receive up to Rs. 200,000 for degree and postgraduate programs, and up to Rs. 100,000 for certificate and diploma courses, with the government allocating Rs. 7 million this year.
Minister Jayatissa noted that since the launch of the program in 2006, a total of 1,133 journalists have benefited. He emphasized that selections were made by an independent committee without political or personal influence.
The minister also announced that a formal insurance scheme for journalists is planned for next year, alongside other initiatives such as developing a national media policy, a media ethics framework, and a media academy.
Senior officials, including Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Director General of Government Information Harsha Bandara, also attended the event.
