Zonta International (District 25/ Sri Lanka Region) Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Recipients Named

11 September 2014 02:52 pm Five young Sri Lankan female business professionals were conferred as the National winners under the prestigious Jane M. Klausman (JMK) scholarship programme awarded by Zonta International, at the official awards ceremony held in Colombo. The finalists were adjudged by a distinguished panel of leading business professionals such as Mr.Kishu Gomes - Managing Director/CEO of Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, Ms.Shyamala Gomez – Country Director for FOKUS Women and Former Gender Advisor to UN, and Ms.Sandra De Zoysa – Group Chief Customer Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC. The Chairman of the McQuire Rens Group Dr.Nalin Jayasuriya delivered a motivational address whilst commending this unique scholarship programme which is focused on grooming and developing the future female leaders in business and other related streams. The JMK National Award recipients Awanthika Sandamala Mahawatha from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura; Sabrina Ghouse from Harvard University (USA); Shehani Natalie Rajendra from Achievers Lanka Business School in Colombo; Harshani Narmada Fernando from the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka; and Harshini Amila Gunawardana  from the Open University of Sri Lanka were recognized for their present achievements, personal and academic goals and future aspirations as young leaders and budding entrepreneurs, who have expressed relentless passion and determination to make a sustainable and memorable impact and contribution towards the society, country and global economy at large. Under this acclaimed international scholarship programme, National winners from each country can vie for the District and International scholarship awards, where special recognition and rewards await the final winner, together with invaluable exposure throughout the journey for the applicant and the Academic Institution. The Zonta International Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships, first awarded in 1998, are open to women enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a Master’s program in business, leading to a business management career. The program is designed to encourage women to enter careers and to seek leadership positions in business-related fields in their communities and throughout the world. The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships look to the women of today to be the leaders of tomorrow. Zonta International, with world headquarters in Oak Brook, IL, USA, is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Program is one of many programs for women and girls sponsored by Zonta International. The Scholarships are funded by voluntary contributions to the Zonta International Foundation. Photographs by Jagath Dharmakeerthi