Pahansila initiated a special project in 2005 to help the students who were affected by the 2004 tsunami devastation. Under this scheme Pahansila launched 23 scholarship projects. Pahansila Urbana-Champaign chapter funded 12 tsunami affected students from Eastern and Southern parts of the country. Out of these scholarships, 8 were sponsored by the Midwest Sri Lankan Association, St. Louis. Rest of the chapters sponsored 9 tsunami affected students.

One of the committee members of the Pahansila Urbana-Champaign chapter, Dr. Nirmala Gunapala was able to identify several students during her visits to Sri Lanka in April 2005 and July 2006. Furthermore, Nirmala was able to find volunteers who are willing supervise the progress of these students and send us progress reports. Our list consisted candidates mainly from Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Tangalla, and Ampara areas including two undergraduates from Kelaniya University.

Under this scheme we have started collaboration with the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL) to provide scholarships to several tsunami affected students recommended by them. These students are identified through study groups they conduct in schools in Southern Sri Lanka. Progress of the projects are monitored by the Principals of the schools and UNASL acts as the project coordinator.