Scholarship Application Letter Carpenter in Sri Lanka Colombo – Free Word Template Download with AI

Date: 26 October 2023
To: Scholarship Committee
Address: National Skills Development Authority (NSDA)
Sri Lanka Colombo

Dear Esteemed Scholarship Committee,

I am writing with profound respect and eager anticipation to apply for the prestigious Vocational Excellence Scholarship at the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) for my advanced Carpentry Training Program. As a dedicated craftsman hailing from the vibrant yet economically challenged community of Borella in Sri Lanka Colombo, I seek this opportunity to transform my passion for woodworking into a sustainable career that directly contributes to Colombo’s cultural heritage and urban development. My journey as a Carpenter has been deeply rooted in Sri Lankan tradition, and this scholarship represents the vital catalyst I need to elevate my skills within the heart of our nation's capital.

Growing up in a modest household near Pettah Market, I learned from my grandfather—a master carpenter who crafted intricate wooden doors for Colombo’s historic colonial-era homes—that woodworking is not merely a trade but an act of cultural preservation. In Sri Lanka Colombo, where rapid urbanization threatens our architectural legacy, skilled Carpenters are essential to restore heritage sites like the Old Dutch Hospital and conserve teak woodwork in Galle Face properties. My early apprenticeship involved rebuilding damaged wooden elements for community temples in Dehiwala and assisting local contractors on housing projects in Maradana. Yet, I recognized that to meet Colombo’s evolving needs—especially the demand for sustainable furniture, heritage conservation, and earthquake-resistant structures—I require formal training beyond self-taught methods.

Colombo’s construction sector faces a critical shortage of certified artisans. According to the Ministry of Labour (2022), over 68% of carpentry work in urban Sri Lanka is performed by untrained workers, leading to substandard structures and wasted materials. I have witnessed this firsthand: when a monsoon flood damaged my neighbor’s home in Borella, poorly constructed wooden beams collapsed—replacing them cost twice as much due to shoddy workmanship. This reinforced my resolve to pursue certified training at the Colombo Technical and Vocational Institute (CTVI), where I aim to master modern joinery techniques, digital design tools (like CAD for furniture), and sustainable sourcing of Sri Lankan hardwoods. My goal is not only personal advancement but also to mentor underprivileged youth in Colombo, establishing a community workshop focused on affordable heritage restoration—a direct solution to the skills gap we face.

My commitment to excellence as a Carpenter is proven through tangible contributions to Sri Lanka Colombo’s social fabric. In 2022, I volunteered with the "Colombo Heritage Project" (a non-profit aligned with UNESCO), repairing wooden facades for the 19th-century St. Michael’s Church in Fort—using locally harvested ebony and traditional lacquer finishes. Additionally, I designed and built 50 eco-friendly bamboo furniture sets for a low-cost housing initiative in Kotte, funded by the Colombo Municipal Council. These projects required precision, client consultation (many were elderly residents), and strict adherence to safety standards—skills I now seek to formalize through NSDA’s accredited program. Unlike generic vocational courses, CTVI’s curriculum uniquely addresses Sri Lanka Colombo’s context: it integrates lessons on preserving Sinhala woodcraft traditions while teaching market-responsive techniques for Colombo’s booming interior design industry.

The financial barrier is my greatest challenge. My family relies on my mother’s income from tailoring in Pettah, and I have worked nights as a construction helper to fund basic tools—a reality shared by thousands of aspiring artisans across Sri Lanka Colombo. The proposed scholarship would cover 100% of the course fees (LKR 250,000) plus workshop materials, removing this obstacle without burdening my community. I have already secured a letter of intent from CTVI confirming my enrollment upon scholarship approval, and I am prepared to commit to a 3-year service agreement with the NSDA in Colombo post-graduation—applying my skills at government housing projects or heritage sites.

This scholarship transcends personal aspiration; it aligns with Sri Lanka’s Vision 2030 goal of building a "skilled, competitive workforce." As Colombo expands its smart city initiatives and cultural tourism sector, certified carpenters like myself will be pivotal in creating durable infrastructure that respects our identity. I envision a future where Colombo’s streets buzz not just with traffic but with the rhythmic sound of chisels shaping teak for modern homes—homes built to last generations, as my grandfather taught me. Your investment would nurture this vision, ensuring that Sri Lanka Colombo’s craftsmanship thrives through trained hands rather than fading traditions.

I respectfully request the opportunity to contribute to this mission. I have attached my academic records, letters of recommendation from the Colombo Heritage Project coordinator and a local contractor (Mr. Nimal Fernando, Borella Workshop), and proof of income for verification. Thank you for considering my application as a dedicated future leader in Sri Lanka Colombo’s artisan community.

With deepest gratitude,

Rohan Kariyawasam
Address: 145, Borella Road, Colombo 05
Phone: +94 77 123 4567
Email: [email protected]

Attachments:
- Academic Certificates (Grade X & XII)
- Recommendation Letters
- Income Declaration from Family
- CTVI Enrollment Confirmation