Named after Professor V.K. Samaranyake, a renowned pioneer in the IT industry in Sri Lanka, the grants scheme aims to facilitate and enhance research, training, and development capabilities and opportunities at both national and international levels, in Networking and Communication related to the IT industry. Primary beneficiaries of the grants are full-time post-graduate students at MSc, MPhil, and PhD levels in recognised universities and institutes in Sri Lanka.

While contributing to the overall development of Sri Lanka’s professional competency framework, the grants also contribute towards the career development aspirations of the recipients, offering opportunities to gain more exposure and experience, while encouraging recipients to invest in their professional development in Sri Lanka, rather than seeking permanent avenues overseas.