I got a scholarship after my A/Ls to study abroad. It was given by a foreign government and the interview was done by the High Commission Officials.
China, Russia, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan gives schols to Sri Lankan students every year and the embassy officials interview the candidates. There's a bond that we need to sign saying we will return to Sri Lanka.
They don't involve Sri Lankan "acharyas" and "mahacharyas" because they will definitely be sending their friends' children.
With a Rs. 200 million budget, only about 10 students can be sent abroad.