Seylan Bank continued its focus on embedding a culture of reading and learning among Sri Lankan children with the recent opening of the 240th Seylan Pahasara library at the Kotambapitiya Muslim Central College. It is the latest step in achieving the Bank’s goal of building 300 Seylan Pahasara libraries by 2026 in schools most in need of resources to foster an environment that nurtures a need for learning and fuels ambitions.
In implementation for over 10 years, the Seylan Pahasara initiative works in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, with Seylan Bank’s own area managers, branch managers and staff being directly involved in identifying the schools most in need of assistance in creating an environment conducive to education.
In this context, having identified Kotambapitiya Muslim Central College as one of those schools in need, the Seylan Pahasara initiative equipped the library with a wide range of books, as well as necessary technology including two computers, a multimedia projector, and a wide screen. The Bank also assessed and upgraded the existing library infrastructure, from the furniture to the roof and floors, making it an encouraging environment for young minds to gain knowledge and sharpen their intellect.
Commenting on the latest milestone in Seylan Bank’s flagship sustainability project, Chief Financial Officer Champika Dodanwela said, “We are investing in the ambitions of Sri Lankan children by equipping them with the tools and surroundings they need to enhance their knowledge beyond the traditional education framework. Fostering a need of reading and learning is critical to motivating children to aim for and achieve their maximum, which in turn will positively impact society and the nation’s future. Through Seylan Pahasara we’re starting at the grassroot level and ensuring there is better accessibility for children across the country in getting the support they need to achieve their ambitions.”
The opening of the 240th Seylan Pahasara library was attended by Jagath Chandrasiri, the Divisional Director of Education; Upendra Adikari, Area Manager of Seylan’s Northwest Region ll, and Vijay Kumar Thalapathy, Branch Manager, Hettipola. Also, in attendance were J.M. Mihilar, the School Principal; Mrs. M.I. Shifna, the Librarian; members of the student body and parents. The event, while celebrating the joy of reading and learning, also underscored the importance of sustaining natural resources by planting several trees within the school premises.
Seylan Bank continues to recognise the importance of physical libraries as inclusive spaces where learners may develop a comprehensive understanding and appreciation for the world. Through the Seylan Pahasara initiative, the Bank maintains this conviction while helping traditional libraries develop digital spaces to accommodate the needs of future generations. There is equal focus on digitising facilities and equipping libraries with more technology that can empower young minds and initiate collaborative learning.
With Seylan Bank’s sustainability commitment to address 11 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Seylan Pahasara specifically focuses on SDG 04 linked to Quality Education and invests in society by forging a path for children to develop a range of literacy skills. Commencing on the 1st of March 2013 at Swarnapali Balika Maha Viduhala, the Seylan Pahasara journey continues over a decade, representing a commitment to transforming education, literacy and inspiring the next generation of Sri Lankans to face the future, gifted with both knowledge and courage.
While Seylan Pahasara specifically focuses on children most in need, the Bank’s focus, and efforts towards empowering youth extend much further. The Seylan Tikiri minor savings account and activities are curated to leverage the power of imagination whilst inculcating the habit of saving from a very young age. Initiatives such as the Tikiri Pola uncomplicate the basics of finance and help develop overall financial literacy levels.
Moreover, all such initiatives are in support of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) Financial Literacy Development roadmap, which aims to elevate money management skills through public education at various levels, as well as actioning the 4th principle of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association Sustainable Banking Initiative (SLBA SBI) by fostering financial inclusion.
