Education is the most powerful weapon by which you can change the world!
- Nelson Mandela -
SRI VENKATESWARA
CHARITABLE TRUST
Our founder Mr. Sathasivam saw bright, determined students miss out on university by just a single mark, he knew something had to change. That moment sparked the beginning of the Sri Venkateswara Charitable Trust in 2022.
Since then, we’ve gone beyond offering scholarships, we’ve built a lifeline. Through mentorship, a supportive community, and hands-on guidance, we walk alongside our scholars as they pursue degrees in IT, engineering, business, nursing, and pharmacy.
Every year, we come together to celebrate their progress at our annual meeting, where we honour their achievements and launch new initiatives to help them succeed at every stage of their journey.
At SVCT, we don’t just invest in education, we invest in futures.
We aim to create an inclusive environment where aspiring students can access the necessary funds to fulfill their academic potential, contributing to the overall development of the individuals and the nation.
Our Vision is to ensure that no child in Sri Lanka misses the opportunity for higher education due to financial constraints.
We provide scholarship opportunities at the Degree level for GCE A/L students facing financial barriers to private education. These scholarships are specifically tailored for those pursuing undergraduate degree programs in the following fields of study.
In 2023, SVC Trust proudly extended scholarships to 24 commendable students
In 2024, SVC Trust proudly extended scholarships to 56 commendable students
Mr. G. Sathasivam, the esteemed Founder of Sunshine Holdings PLC, established the Sri Venkateswara Charitable Trust. His journey commenced with a humble retail pharmacy in Gampola town in 1967, which later expanded with opening a second store in Kandy. In addition to the retail business, Sunshine ventured into island-wide pharmaceutical distribution, agribusiness, healthcare, and consumer goods, eventually emerging as a prominent conglomerate in Sri Lanka.
While Mr. Sathasivam is recognized for his exceptional business acumen, both domestically and internationally, he firmly believes in separating business and charity, stating, “When you do business, be business-like; when you do charity, do it well. Don’t mix the two.” Despite his potential, Mr. Sathasivam chose to immerse himself in religion. His guiding philosophy is centered on the idea that earnings should not solely benefit oneself.
Mr. Sathasivam’s commitment to philanthropy is evident in his dedicated support of education, particularly in rural Sri Lanka. He has demonstrated a profound commitment to education by establishing a Trust to provide higher education opportunities for children in rural areas. Through his silent, selfless giving, he brings philanthropy to life significantly.
A key objective is to ensure that socio-economic status is not a barrier to higher education. The trust seeks to level the playing field so that everyone has the same opportunity regardless of their financial background.
The trust aims to empower the youth of Sri Lanka by unlocking their potential. This involves providing access to education and nurturing their skills and abilities, preparing them for future challenges.
The trust aims to contribute significantly to the nation’s development by fostering a well-educated and skilled workforce. Educated individuals are better equipped to innovate, solve problems, and drive economic growth.
Sri Venkateswara Charitable Trust provides scholarships to high-achieving students from low-income families, enabling them to pursue their dreams at prestigious private universities.
We aim to improve the knowledge of the future workforce, believing that education empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to society.
We’ve collaborated with leading institutions to pave the way for the next generation of top achievers, ensuring they receive the highest quality education.
From new scholarship programs to community partnerships and media features, we bring you firsthand accounts of how we’re forging change across Sri Lanka, one story at a time.
Stay in the loop with the latest announcements and impact stories from Sri Venkateshwara Charitable Trust.
My family has five members; my father works as a daily wage fisherman. I have a younger brother doing his O/L and a younger sister doing her A/L. Due to the high cost of living and the father’s limited income, supporting both siblings’ education is challenging. As a result, I was unable to pursue my higher studies. Thanks to Sri Venkateswara Charitable Trust, I seek a BSc (Hons) in Information Technology at SLIIT Malabe.
Student from Jaffna
My Father, the leading provider in our family, is a fisherman with six heart blocks. Although the doctor urgently recommended open-heart surgery, our financial situation has prevented us from getting it done. This has affected my ability to pursue higher education. Thanks to the support from the Sri Venkateswara Charitable Trust, I have the opportunity to continue my studies at ICBT Colombo.
Student from Mannar
My father works as a farmer, and unfortunately, my mother is no longer with us. Financial difficulties initially hindered my pursuit of higher education. However, thanks to the support provided by the SVC Trust, I can now continue my BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering studies at SLIIT Malabe.
Student from Sooriyawawa
In February 2023, my father, who worked as an X-ray technician, passed away. My mother, who used to work at the CTB, is now retired. My younger sister is preparing for her Advanced Level examination this year. Due to our financial circumstances, I faced challenges in pursuing higher education. Fortunately, with the assistance of the Sri Venkateswara Charitable Trust, I am now enrolled in the BSc (Hons) in Information Technology program at SLIIT Kandy.
Student from Kandy
