K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Prima Ceylon Scholarship Recipient

I am the eldest in my immediate and tight-knit extended family to be studying abroad. Never did my family nor I think I would be in Singapore or SMU for my tertiary studies. When a SMU admissions representative visited my state school in Colombo, Sri Lanka, my interest in SMU piqued and my principal encouraged me to apply there for better opportunities.

I was accepted to SMU and awarded the Prima Ceylon Scholarship the same period when my father, the sole breadwinner of my family, was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was a great relief to my father knowing that I was covered for my studies. In a way, I could see myself fulfilling his dream when he had to give it up when my grandfather passed away. My expenses are covered in Singapore so I don’t have to ask my family for any money.

As a student from the Arts stream, I am very interested in the study of the human society and the social relationships within it. Psychology is also not a social science subject offered in Sri Lanka either. As there’s a lot of scope and potential for growth in that field, I’m excited to specialise in it and learn more. Volunteering at the Institute of Mental Health during my first semester is definitely a good start.

In Sri Lanka, Medicine and Engineering is the way to go for further studies. I hope to promote SMU and the study of Social Sciences back home because there are Arts students who should be aware that there is a pathway for them beyond our country. Just applying to a school outside of Sri Lanka would be a positive experience for them to see what it is like in a global world. After all, that’s what got me here.

K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, BSocSc, Prima Ceylon Scholarship Recipient 201