Education Archives

March 29, 2024

The aftermath of the pandemic and the economic crisis still reverberates across different sectors of society, but with changing climate patterns and rising temperatures, a potentially more severe crisis looms still larger over the island nation. Ranked 100^th out of 181 countries in the 2017 ND-GAIN Index, Sri Lanka is already considered to be among the most vulnerable to climate change, the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is currently projected to cost Sri Lanka as much as 7.7% of its GDP by 2050.

For a nation in which 30% of employment is generated by the agriculture sector, this is a considerable threat to the nation’s economy and to livelihoods. Meanwhile, on a global scale, the efforts of all key global actors on climate action remains starkly insufficient, with the last 12 months were the first in history in which average global temperatures stayed above the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming threshold set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

A novel, youth-led approach

With the impacts of this escalating crisis already being felt, young Sri Lankans need to be equipped with the knowledge, tools and skills needed to effectively navigate this growing crisis. In particular, the nation’s educational system must now grapple with preparing students for a future in which economic and social cohesion will hinge on their ability to combat and adapt to a rapidly changing climate.

“In the face of persistent environmental challenges and a global urgency for climate action, it’s clear that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. The resilience of our economy and the sustainability of our communities depends on innovative thinking and new solutions—particularly from the younger generation. Education in sustainability is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring a wave of changemakers equipped to tackle the issues that lie ahead with creativity and resilience,” explained Amanthi Perera, Head of Social Sustainability at MAS Holdings.

“This critical gap in the integration of real-world problem solving on environmental and social issues was the basis for the MAS Eco Go Beyond (EGB) programme. By engaging young minds in sustainability education, we’re not only preparing them for future challenges but also unlocking a treasure trove of innovative ideas that will undoubtedly go on to form the foundation of all future climate action, mitigation, and adaptation initiatives. The best place to start has always been the classroom,” Perera said.

A sustainable framework for progress

Launched in 2006, the Eco Go Beyond programme predates today’s concepts of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) standards and best practices. Yet from the outset, MAS recognized the urgent need to embed sustainability and environmental and social stewardship into the heart of the education system. To further this vision, the global apparel-tech conglomerate directly engaged with the Sri Lankan Government to establish a pioneering partnership that 17 years later is still yielding promising results on structured sustainability education.

It started with a simple yet powerful idea: to link sustainability education with local values and culture, making it relevant and actionable for students across the country. This approach has helped demystify complex environmental and social issues, turning them into opportunities for innovation and community leadership. Over the years, Eco Go Beyond evolved into a comprehensive platform that includes competitions, awards, and community projects, empowering students to take their innovative solutions beyond the classroom and into real-world applications.

This rewards-based learning model further supplements the core syllabus by promoting a vibrant engagement between EGB students, teachers, and school principals with the MAS team as well as the communities that each school operates in.

“Constant engagement with students, schools, and communities has been critical to the continuing success of Eco Go Beyond. Before entering a school, we ascertain the ground situation and commitment of the school and authorities to embark in a programme of this nature, and once the programme was established, there was a programme of continuous monitoring and evaluation, with a view enabling each school to run their own programmes autonomously,” Perera added.

“This approach was important to ground our concepts in the day-to-day realities and lived experiences of each community. Because ultimately, they have a much better awareness of which issues to prioritize.”

A remarkable legacy of student-led sustainable solutions

Since its inception, the programme has grown and expanded to cover 149 schools in Sri Lanka, cumulatively providing over 177,000 students with structured education on sustainability.

Throughout, the programme has sought to go beyond rudimentary concepts of sustainability by creating spaces that foster scientific curiosity, and systemic approaches to real-world problem solving that is rooted in the practical needs of the communities connected to MAS EGB schools.

According to Perera, the programme has ignited a remarkable series of student-led initiatives that exemplify the transformative power of sustainability education. Tharushi from Rajawaka Maha Vidyalaya in Balangoda is a shining example. Tharushi brought renewable energy to her school through solar panels, ensuring uninterrupted education during power outages. Her project in 2022 was such a resounding success that the excess energy generated was subsequently utilized to power electric fences to prevent elephants entering the village.

These projects, along with others like 2022 student project winner Sanodh’s waste recycling initiative also foster a sense of community and economic sustainability. These are further examples of youth-led innovation that create lasting positive impacts and illustrate the far-reaching impacts of the programme and its role in nurturing a new generation of changemakers.

Its success and impact have not gone unnoticed. In addition to being a part of the consultative programmes referred when forming the Asia Pacific Toolkit of UNESCO in 2008, it was also showcased at COP 28 in 2023.

The expansion of the programme to India, marks its journey beyond Sri Lankan borders, promising to cultivate a global network of young sustainability leaders. To amplify the impact of the programme, MAS is also exploring the creation of a digital, remote learning platform to encapsulate the programme’s lessons and methodologies.

This initiative aims to make sustainability education accessible worldwide, inviting partners to collaborate on this groundbreaking venture. By open sourcing its knowledge, MAS is hopeful that system change could champion sustainability and innovation.

“Eco Go Beyond stands as a beacon of hope and a model for the future, demonstrating that education is a critical lever for achieving sustainability and that young minds are capable of leading the charge. With each passing year, EGB continues to expand its legacy of education, adaptation, and resilience, proving that the journey of sustainability education is not just about creating projects but fostering a global community of informed, empowered, and proactive individuals ready to make a difference,” Perera concluded.

February 27, 2024

In today’s “digital-first” world, industries globally are continually having to transform and adapt to maintain their competitive edge and meet customer expectations, reshaping the way we live, work and interact. From finance to agriculture, education to entertainment, the digital revolution has touched every aspect of our lives, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses across most sectors.

“Technology is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, and embracing digital transformation is no longer optional but essential for organisations looking to thrive in today’s digital-first landscape. By leveraging technology effectively, businesses can drive innovation, improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market environment,” says conversational business application and customer experience expert, Brendan van Staaden, Managing Executive at digital financial solutions specialists, MoData. In his role as head of MoData Interactive, Van Staaden uses his wealth of expertise to help businesses advance on their digital transformation journeys through the utilisation of innovative digital technologies, including conversational AI and cloud technologies.

Finance in the digital era.

In many ways, the financial sector has been at the forefront of technological change and innovation, leading to the rise in fintech solutions that are revolutionising traditional banking and financial services. Mobile payment apps, robo-advisors, and peer-to-peer lending platforms have democratised access to financial services, empowering individuals and businesses alike to change the face of the sector. Many of these changes are being driven by the expectations of customers who want to be able to conduct transactions anytime, anywhere without the constraints imposed by traditional banking and retail businesses and organisations.

However, as financial transactions move online and e-commerce booms, the need for robust cybersecurity measures to combat fraud and protect sensitive data has become paramount. Financial institutions are investing heavily in advanced fraud prevention and anti-money laundering solutions to stay ahead of criminal networks and cyber threats to safeguard their customers’ assets and their own reputations.

Entertainment, Media and Education.

Consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to home entertainment thanks to the seismic shift the entertainment and media industries have undergone with the advent of streaming services. Streaming platforms have disrupted traditional television and movie distribution models, putting the power into consumers’ hands by offering on-demand access to a vast library of new and historic content.

Meanwhile, immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are enabling experiences and innovative applications that have changed the face of gaming as well as education and training by offering immersive and interactive experiences that enhance engagement, retention and skills development. These Edu-Technologies create simulated environments that allow learners to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences, visualise complex concepts and interact with virtual objects in a tangible way. VR and AR can also be used to facilitate personalised learning experiences that are tailored to individual needs and preferences and provide a safe and cost-effective way to train individuals in high-risk or specialised environments.

Amidst these changes, financial reconciliation has emerged as a critical process for companies in the media, entertainment and training industries, ensuring accurate tracking and balancing of financial transactions across departments to maintain financial integrity and compliance.

Agriculture 4.0.

The future of agriculture is dependent on the adoption of digital tools and technology innovation to better manage available resources, navigate environmental issues and meet consumer demands for sustainability and traceability.

In agriculture, the integration of digital technologies has given rise to the concept of Agriculture 4.0, which refers to the use of IoT (Internet of Things), big data, artificial intelligence and robotics to extend, speed up and increase the efficiency of agricultural practices that impact the entire production chain. For example, precision farming techniques leverage GPS, sensors and drones to optimise crop-management practices.

These technologies enable farmers to monitor soil conditions, weather patterns and crop health in real time, empowering data-driven decision-making for improved yields and resource efficiency. Additionally, IoT is revolutionising farm management by connecting devices and machinery to gather valuable data on equipment performance and environmental conditions. Sustainable farming practices are gaining traction, driven by the need to reduce environmental impact while ensuring long-term food security in a rapidly changing climate.

The digital backbone of good business.

As competition grows and consumers have more choice, delivering an excellent customer experience has become essential to driving business success. To deliver this, communication and connectivity are key! Businesses and organisations need to be able to connect with their customers on the channel of their choice and share information internally and externally to provide frictionless customer service.

Over the past decade, communication technologies have evolved exponentially, offering businesses a myriad of tools to enhance customer engagement and streamline internal operations. Chatbots and virtual assistants have become staples in customer support, providing personalised assistance and improving response times. At the same time, advanced messaging apps, CRM systems and collaboration platforms enable seamless communication and collaboration among teams, regardless of geographical location.

In today’s interconnected world, businesses must prioritise seamless connectivity to foster real-time communication and collaboration, driving productivity and innovation in a digital-first environment.

Navigating the digital landscape.

Digital transformation and adoption show no signs of slowing down, and while businesses present numerous opportunities for growth and innovation, they also face significant challenges as they navigate and embrace change. Legacy systems, cybersecurity threats and the need for workforce reskilling are common hurdles that organisations must navigate to thrive in the digital age. However, embracing digital transformation also offers unprecedented opportunities for increased efficiency, improved customer experiences and the exploration of new revenue streams.

“By leveraging technology effectively and embracing a culture of innovation, businesses can unlock the full potential of the digital landscape and position themselves for success in an ever-evolving market,” says Van Staaden. “And this is where MoData steps in. As leaders of digital transformation in the region, our organisation enables companies to leverage new software, technologies and methodologies to deliver innovative solutions. By listening to and understanding our clients’ needs, MoData’s team of experts delivers customised and automated solutions that transform businesses and elevate their success.”

MoData’s innovative solutions encompass Business Process Management and Automation for facilitating enterprise-wide digital transformation. Additionally, we provide Agtech platforms designed to lower costs, enhance yield and minimise risks.

MoData Digital Services (MDS), our Financial Crimes and Risk Management SaaS suite, is dedicated to mitigating fraud and anti-money laundering attacks.

MDS is headed up by global fraud expert, Clive Gungudoo. He emphasises that these applications empower organisations to seamlessly integrate a comprehensive set of non-intrusive financial crime risk management controls throughout the entire customer journey. This proactive approach allows for the early detection of potentially fraudulent activities, contributing to the prevention of fraud and the establishment of customer trust. Ultimately, this ensures compliance with regulatory obligations and reduces personal risk in customer applications.”

“MoData Interactive embraces intelligent automation and helps organisations take their digital adoption initiatives to the next level through contextual, conversational and intelligent automation,” says Van Staaden. “We recognise and understand that the demand for excellent digital customer experience – or d-CX – increases daily with every customer interaction, and we address this by helping our clients deliver precise, efficient and contextually specific conversational channels to get their customers’ questions answered and the service delivered, efficiently and accurately.”

MoData has a proven track record spanning more than three decades of helping leading banks, financial services and investment companies across Africa as they digitise and automate their processes. “Solving customer business problems is what drives “MoDatarites” to deliver excellence on every project. Fraudulent transactions are readily identified, Anti-money laundering applications are applied to mitigate risk of criminal activity damaging customer brands and personal losses in the client base. Automation and Conversational AI bring personalised 24/7/365 access to services and systems previously available only to elite banking clientele.

Let our experienced teams help your future-facing business to stay abreast of technological advancements and show you how to leverage them effectively to help you unlock new opportunities, drive innovation and stay ahead of the competition in the digital age.” says Van Staaden.

January 29, 2024

Zeroplastic Movement, a global initiative and Sri Lanka’s largest environmental volunteer organization driven to empower individuals through education and action, envisioning a world free from plastic pollution, was named National Winner 2023 – Sri Lanka in recognition of its ZeroPlastic River Strainer project and will go onto being nominated for the prestigious Energy Globe World Awards.

The ZeroPlastic River Strainer project, implemented together with the support of world-renowned tattoo artists, The Island Tattoo Connection, is designed to trap floating plastic in oceans. The project will now be among some of the best environmental projects in the world that will compete with thousands of other sustainable projects to secure a World Award for Sustainability.

Pioneering the world’s first club system to combat plastic, Zeroplastic Movement has a network of clubs operating across Sri Lanka, with each club having its own executive community, with the movement’s head office offering guidance to enthusiastic volunteers and setting narratives and shaping policies that actively reduces plastic usage and champions eco-friendly alternatives.

Nishshanka De Silva, Founder of Zeroplastic Movement, said ‘We are truly honored to be the national winner and all our gratitude goes to our supporters and volunteers who work tirelessly to create a sustainable social impact that champions a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment for generations to come.’

Zeroplastic Movement is growing stronger not just within the country, but also outside Sri Lanka, and now has over 10,000 volunteers from universities, corporations, and schools, coming together to combat plastic pollution through education and advocacy.

A beacon of hope in the battle against plastic pollution, Zeroplastic Movement has executed numerous impactful projects in collaboration with renowned organizations. Its advisory board consists of prominent figures including Erik Solheim, Dr. Vipula Wanigasekera, Mrs. Maithree Malwattegoda, Amithe Gamage, and Kanishka Weeramunda. Today, it is the foremost grassroots environmental activist group in Sri Lanka.

December 29, 2023

DFCC Bank introduces a special promotion exclusively designed for DFCC Junior account holders. As part of this unique offer, account holders received a Digital Smart LED watch as a complimentary gift with every deposit of Rs. 7,500 or more. Additionally, children can receive further gifts based on their respective gift tiers within the program.

In alignment with the principles of fostering sustainability, education, and pursuing life goals, DFCC Junior consistently organised various engaging activities for its account holders. Throughout October and November, the Bank conducted a series of events across its branch network to celebrate Children’s Day. These events encompass art and essay competitions, tree-planting initiatives, sporting and talent competitions, health and medical camps, educational workshops, seminars, and more, scheduled throughout the year.

Collectively, these initiatives instil a sense of responsibility and preparedness for the future, in perfect harmony with the overarching ethos of promoting savings. DFCC Bank remains dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of its young account holders through meaningful and impactful initiatives.

December 20, 2023

Dealing with a stubborn teenager can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to foster a healthy relationship and guide them towards positive behaviors. Globally, there are various effective tips that parents can implement to deal with their stubborn teenagers.

Why are they getting stubborn during their teen years?

During adolescence, teenagers are going through significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. These changes, coupled with a desire for independence and a need to establish their own identity, can contribute to stubborn behavior. It is important for parents to understand that this stubbornness is a normal part of adolescent development and not necessarily a reflection of their parenting or the teenager’s character. By using the aforementioned sources, parents can understand and address the specific needs and challenges that teenagers face during this phase of their lives. During adolescence, teenagers are navigating the challenging transition from childhood to adulthood. This transition brings about a desire for autonomy and independence, which can sometimes manifest as stubbornness.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: www.pexels.com

How Buddhism can help a teen to over come these challenges?

Buddhism can help teenagers overcome challenges by providing tools and practices that promote mindfulness, self-awareness, and acceptance. By incorporating mindfulness techniques into their daily lives, teenagers can learn to manage their emotions and thoughts more effectively. They can develop a greater sense of self-awareness, which helps them understand their own thoughts and behaviors. Through the practice of mindfulness, teenagers can learn to observe their stubbornness without judgment, allowing them to gain insight into the underlying causes and make conscious choices to respond in a more flexible and adaptive way.

Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of compassion and interconnectedness, which can help teenagers develop empathy and understanding towards others, including their parents.

This understanding can facilitate better communication and problem-solving, reducing conflicts and stubbornness in the parent-teenager relationship. By practicing Buddhism, teenagers can also cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciate the present moment, allowing them to focus on what is truly important rather than becoming caught up in stubborn attitudes and behaviors. By integrating Buddhist teachings and practices into their lives, teenagers can develop the skills and mindset necessary to navigate challenges with greater resilience and adaptability. Overall, Buddhism can help teenagers overcome challenges by promoting mindfulness, self-awareness, acceptance, compassion, and gratitude. These elements of Buddhism can contribute to the overall well-being and emotional development of teenagers, helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence and foster healthier relationships with themselves and others.

What’s parents’ role during this transition period?

During this transition period, parents play a crucial role in supporting and guiding their teenagers. They should strive to maintain open lines of communication, fostering an environment where their teenager feels safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Parents should also avoid being overly judgmental or critical of their teenager’s behavior, instead offering understanding, empathy, and guidance. Additionally, parents can encourage their teenager’s mindfulness practice by role modeling it themselves.

They can engage in mindful activities with their teenager, such as meditation or yoga, and create opportunities for mindfulness practice within the family routine. By doing so, parents can demonstrate the value of mindfulness and provide a supportive environment that encourages their teenager’s personal growth and development. Overall, parents should strive to create a loving and supportive environment that promotes open communication, understanding, and mindfulness. This approach can help teenagers feel heard, validated, and supported as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Furthermore, parents can also seek professional help and guidance, such as therapy or counseling, to better understand and address their teenager’s stubbornness. This professional support can provide parents with strategies and techniques for effectively communicating with their teenager, setting boundaries, and managing conflicts.

How does the asian culture affects the parenting style and teenagers?

The Asian culture often places a strong emphasis on respect for authority, discipline, and academic achievement. This cultural influence can shape parenting styles in Asian households, with expectations for obedience and high academic performance being commonly prioritized. As a result, Asian parents may adopt a more authoritarian parenting style, characterized by strict rules and expectations, as well as a focus on academic success. This parenting style may contribute to higher levels of academic pressure and stress among Asian teenagers, particularly in relation to their academic achievements. Additionally, the collectivistic nature of Asian cultures places importance on the needs and goals of the family over individual desires. This can potentially lead to a lack of autonomy and independence for teenagers, as their choices and decisions may be heavily influenced by familial expectations and obligations.

How to balance the cultural pressures when you are living in abroad and grooming your teen child ?

When living abroad, it can be challenging to balance cultural pressures with the need to support and nurture your teen’s individualism and independence. One approach is to maintain open and ongoing communication with your teenager about their cultural heritage and the values that are important to your family. This can help foster a sense of identity and belonging for your teenager, while also allowing them to explore their own interests and values. Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of the cultural context and norms of the host country. This includes understanding and respecting the parenting styles and expectations of the local culture, while also finding ways to incorporate elements of your own cultural background.

In general, the key to dealing with a stubborn teenager is to approach them with empathy and understanding. Recognize that their behavior is likely a result of their struggle for independence and finding their own identity.

Practice active listening and empathy: Take the time to listen to your teenager’s perspective and validate their feelings.
Set clear boundaries and expectations: Establish clear rules and consequences, and ensure they are communicated effectively to your teenager.
Allow them to make choices: Give your teenager a sense of autonomy by involving them in decision-making processes and allowing them to make informed choices within set limits
Encourage open communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for your teenager to express their thoughts and emotions.
Provide opportunities for independence: Gradually give your teenager more responsibilities and freedoms to help them develop a sense of independence.
Utilize technology to their advantage: Introduce them to digital tools or apps that can help them develop healthy habits and track their progress.
Seek professional help if needed: If your teenager’s stubborn behavior becomes unmanageable or starts affecting their well-being, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a mental health professional or counselor who specializes in working with adolescents.

Let us know your views and methods that has worked well in dealing with your stubborn teenager.

December 8, 2023

400617584_779550067516666_8410057276268081723_n-LBN.jpg

María Fernanda Garza, Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), visited the Benedict XVI Catholic International Institute of Higher Education (BCI) in Sri Lanka during her inaugural visit to the country recently.

The purpose of her visit was to engage in a meaningful dialogue on possible collaborative initiatives between BCI and the ICC, with a shared vision of enhancing educational and training opportunities for the youth of the nation

Present at the meeting with Ms. Fernanda were Anthony M. Shanil Fernando (Chairman, ICC Sri Lanka), Jonny Fernando (Vice-Chairman, ICC Sri Lanka), Very Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando (Rector/Vice Chancellor, BCI), Jamie Warnakulasuriya (Career Guidance Coordinator, BCI) and Sasini Fernando (Programme Lead cum Lecturer – School of Business, BCI).

Both parties expressed interest in collaborating on impactful education and vocational training programmes to empower Sri Lankan youth, especially those unable to access higher education. Discussions centered on creating tailored courses based on economic needs and emerging careers that can equip youth with much-needed skills to improve livelihoods. The potential partnership between ICC and BCI represents a constructive initiative to address Sri Lanka’s education challenges.

The presentation led by Rev. Fr. Quintus, Rector/Vice Chancellor of BCI, focused on the need for private institutions such as BCI to address demands in higher education, particularly in districts including Gampaha, Puttalam and Kurunegala. It highlighted BCI’s alignment with the Catholic education mission and holistic K-Sam model. Statistics on failure rates in O/L and A/L exams and insufficient university admissions underscored the need for tailored courses for unsuccessful students.

The discussion then turned to proposed collaboration between the ICC Academy and BCI’s Center for Professional Development, concentrating on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship through an incubation center.

In response, ICC Sri Lanka Chairman Shanil Fernando discussed ICC opportunities for the grassroots, including its commitment to sustainability and the triple bottom line. He highlighted the ‘Multi-Modal Logistics and Transportation’ course enabling O/L unsuccessful youth to obtain shipping licenses and Free Trade Zone jobs. Mr. Fernando also noted the need to address supply chain job shortages through training. He proposed guiding A/L unsuccessful students towards arbitration and specialized fields such as cyber-crimes, agricultural education and financial literacy where ICC sees significant gaps.

ICC International Chair Ms. María Garza contributed views on women’s empowerment, discussing potential sectors aligned with Sri Lanka’s economy namely horticulture, agricultural trade and cosmetics. She recommended setting up a center for technology-based agriculture education, noting ICC’s new Agriculture Policy and Food Safety and Supply Chain Committee supporting food security. Emphasizing the triple bottom line, Ms. Garza reiterated the importance of environmental friendliness and employee welfare, stating an organization’s success is tied to employee well-being.

Overall, BCI’s association with a renowned global entity such as ICC creates new opportunities in terms of resources, expertise, visibility and networks, education programs and reach. The opportunity to collaborate with ICC’s global network and resources can expand BCI’s program offerings to develop new education and training. Additionally, access to ICC’s expertise and insights can create courses focused on high-demand careers.

Moreover, support from ICC in establishing an incubation center for entrepreneurship and empowering women could play a vital role in boosting innovation and enterprise at BCI.

Receiving visibility and endorsement from ICC can raise BCI’s profile and attract more students. In addition, potential future partnerships with ICC’s major corporate membership can benefit BCI students through collaborations, internships, etc.

October 31, 2023

“Almost half of the children in Sri Lanka already require some form of emergency assistance. The education of 4.8 million children, already severely hampered by two years of interrupted learning, is at risk as school attendance continues to be jeopardised. Children’s education is being hindered by the current crisis in many ways—children no longer get the warm and nutritious school meal that they used to have before the crisis ….”, said George Laryea-Adjei, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, after visiting Sri Lanka in August 2022.

The multi-pronged Crisis Response Initiative, which was rolled out by the John Keells Group at the onset of the economic crisis, included projects executed under three key areas: Health & Nutrition, Education and Livelihood Development. A key programme under Health & Nutrition, the John Keells School Meal Programme (Pasal Diriya) was organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education and launched on 3rd October 2022 to coincide with the commemoration of National Children’s Day. Over the past year, the programme has been instrumental in making a significant difference in the lives of thousands of children in multiple locations across the country.

The John Keells School Meal Programme continues to be driven by John Keells Foundation (JKF), the CSR entity of the John Keells Group, with active involvement of Group businesses Ceylon Cold Stores (Elephant House), Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Jaykay Marketing Services (Keells) and John Keells Properties. Since its launch, the programme has not only provided nutritious meals to school children but has also contributed significantly to enhancing their school attendance, participation in academic, and extra-curricular activities as well as overall well-being. Keells has strengthened its ‘Meal Card’ initiative thanks to the support of the contributions of customers and donors through their crowd funding platform as well as the collaborative efforts of a strong team of partners including their implementation partner Sarvodaya.

Since its inception, the School Meal Programme has provided 469,812 nutritious meals to 4,187 school children and pre-school children from 12 selected schools in the Eastern, Southern and Western Provinces as well as 34 pre-schools in the Central, North-Central, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Western Provinces. A total investment of over 52M has been made on the programme which includes construction or refurbishment and equipping of 10 school kitchens and 31 community gardens to facilitate preparation of nutritious and balanced meals.

“Children are more active in school and although there aren’t any formal sports activities offered at the school, we have observed increased student participation in sports during their breaks.” the Principal of Maryam Girl’s School, Colombo 02 said.

Aysha Rilwan, a parent and a school meal supplier said, “Due to challenges of not having enough food, fewer students were attending school. But ever since they started receiving nutritious meals from the John Keells School Meal Programme, we have noticed a significant increase in children’s school attendance as a result of being able to eat a meal at school.”

JKF has incorporated various sustainability measures to enhance the sustenance and sustainable transition of this programme, particularly through the provision of school kitchens and strengthening of support systems within and outside the schools, demonstrating its commitment to empowering communities to be more proactive and self-reliant.

John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), is the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with over 70 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 150 years, John Keells Group provides employment to over 14,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for the last 18 Years by LMD magazine. John Keells Holdings PLC was ranked first for the third consecutive year in the ‘Transparency in Corporate Reporting Assessment’ by Transparency International Sri Lanka. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow” through John Keells Foundation and through the social entrepreneurship initiative, ‘Plasticcycle’, which is a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.

October 3, 2023

3^rd October 2023, Colombo. Every parent aspires to provide the best possible education for their children and to fulfil their hopes and dreams. Considering the rising cost of education, parents have to have a plan in place for being able to afford higher education or for sending the child to a university overseas when the time comes. However, it can be confusing even for adults to identify the best savings plan for their child’s future. This is where child insurance plan comes in which ensures protection and to save for your child’s higher educational aspirations.

In the Sri Lankan insurance market, the importance of having coverage is critical given the rupee devaluation, high inflation and rising cost of living. In such a stressful climate, sending children abroad for higher studies could remain a pipe-dream. However, when parents purchase an education insurance policy, they secure their child’s dreams for their careers.

Education insurance policies enable you to invest a particular amount of money which comes in very useful years later when you have to finance your student’s education within the country or overseas, thereby protecting the parent too from having to cough up a large sum at one time. The uncertainties witnessed during the economic crisis brought home the need for financial planning for the long term.

Educational costs in particular can be crippling and the unfavourable exchange rate means sending your children to their dream universities overseas will be a challenging task financially, putting the family under financial strain – unless of course you have been forward thinking and purchased education insurance. Some of the benefits of an education insurance plan are: in case of untimely demise and disability of the parent, the insurance company continues to pay your premiums on your behalf, ensuring that your child will receive the education fund you planned for in your absence; unique dividend system ensures that your fund grows continuously, providing a substantial education fund at maturity; and a Life cover for your child. The educational fund for your child will grow with the accumulation rate the company declares on a monthly basis. At the end of the term the policyholder can obtain the fund as a lump sum and utilize it for their child’s university education.

In today’s highly competitive world, children need a competitive edge and foresight of parents to invest in education plans for their children when they are young which will help them in fulfilling their career aspirations. It’s the best gift that parents can give to their children. In order to raise awareness on education plans, the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) the representative body of the insurance industry in the country, invites parents to look for the most suitable education plans for their children to invest and secure their future. There are a range of products in the insurance market from which parents can select and this would be the best way parents can celebrate their Children.

Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends’.

October 2, 2023

In honor of Children’s Day on the 1st of October, Orel Corporation has embarked on an admirable venture dedicated to enriching the educational opportunities of students in rural Sri Lanka. With its reputation as a trailblazer in advancing human potential through innovation, Orel Corporation recognizes the transformative impact of technology in education. Acknowledging the challenges faced by rural students who lack access to smart TVs for educational purposes, Orel Corporation is committed to empowering these students to embrace the digital age for learning. This commitment is exemplified through the generous donation of Orel Smart TVs to St. Sebastian College in Kautneriya, reaffirming Orel Corporation’s pioneering role in leveraging innovation for the betterment of humanity.

These Smart TVs, equipped with state-of-the-art features such as Bluetooth connectivity, compatibility with various connectivity interfaces, and access to the Google Play app store, promise to be a game-changer for students. Not only will students gain access to a world of online educational resources and platforms like Zoom for virtual classes, but they will also have the opportunity to continue their studies even when a teacher is absent.

With a total contribution valued at 1.2 million Sri Lankan Rupees and approximately 500 students set to benefit from this generous donation, Orel Corporation’s commitment to education in rural Sri Lanka shines brightly.

Anuradha Perera, Head of Electronic Business at OREL Corporation stated, ‘we firmly believe that every student, regardless of their geographical location, should have access to modern educational tools and resources and we wanted to address the unique needs of students in rural communities and to ensure that the benefits of technology reach those who need it the most. By supporting the primary school section of the college, we hope to create equal opportunities and provide a solid foundation for the educational growth of these young students. It is our firm belief that empowering education in rural areas is essential for the overall development and progress of the community.’

He added ‘At Orel Corporation, we remain committed to leveraging our innovative solutions to empower humanity and make a positive impact on society. We are honored to have had the opportunity to enhance connectivity and education opportunities for students in rural areas, and we will continue to explore avenues for supporting educational initiatives in the future’.

By extending the benefits of modern technology and connectivity to underserved areas, Orel Corporation reaffirms its commitment to empowering communities and bridging the digital divide in the country.

July 12, 2023

A Seminar on ‘Culture and Education for Disaster Risk Reduction’ was held on 6 July 2023 at BRAC University in Dhaka. It was jointly organized by the Postgraduate Programs in Disaster Management (PPDM), the School of Architecture and Design of BRAC University, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The seminar aimed to discuss the scope of higher education and advanced research for disaster risk reduction in Bangladesh.

Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman, State Minister, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Government of Bangladesh, attended as the chief guest and Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and the Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), UN Headquarters, was present as the keynote speaker. Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Ph.D., Pro Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Director General (Multilateral Economic Affairs) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Mr. KAM Morshed, Executive Director (Acting) of BRAC, Professor Mahboob Rahman, Treasurer, BRAC University, Dr. David Dowland, Registrar, BRAC University, Ms. Sue Vize, Ph.D., Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO, Bangladesh, Ms. Gwyn Lewis, Resident Coordinator of United Nations Bangladesh, and Dr. Imon Chowdhooree, Assistant Director, PPDM of BRAC University, were the other speakers at the event.

The guests were welcomed by Professor Fuad Hassan Mallick, Dean, School of Architecture and Design, BRAC University. BRAC University students, Deans, members of faculty, high officials from different diplomatic missions, government agencies, the UN, INGO, NGO and academia were present at the event.

The state minister highlighted the success of Bangladesh in disaster management and humanitarian assistance. The ministry is working in line with the UNDRR’s Sendai Framework which focuses on the adoption of measures addressing three dimensions of disaster risks, said State Minister Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman.

“Let us understand risks better, let us ensure risk-informed decisions, let us bring together all disciplines through inclusivity and do not let disasters put Bangladesh back from its country status graduation to a developing country in 2026,” said Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and the Head of UNDRR.

In his speech, Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Ph.D., Pro Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, shared the importance of academic programs and research activities at BRAC University in managing disaster risks in the national and global arenas. “BRAC University has developed a specialized academic program to accommodate the current disaster-related issues and their diversity, to match the contemporary concepts of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Mainstreaming Disaster Mitigation,” he said.

“While we are investing a lot on building infrastructures in the country, we have to make sure that these infrastructures are disaster resilient and climate- smart so that we can ensure their longevity” said Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Director General (Multilateral Economic Affairs) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. He also put emphasis on marking and ensuring safety of disaster vulnerable heritage site of Bangladesh.

Mr. KAM Morshed, Executive Director (Acting) of BRAC, said that the NGOs are always a vital local force in dealing with disasters in Bangladesh. He mentioned that students of BRAC University can contribute to the NGO sector by guiding and reinvestigating the capacity of NGO’s.

Ms. Sue Vize, Ph.D., Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO, Bangladesh Shared her experiences in different parts of the world to explain the importance of culture of disaster response and preparedness. She put emphasis on connectedness, community spirit for ensuring disaster resilience in the rural areas of Bangladesh.

Though Bangladesh is geographically vulnerable to disasters like flood and cyclone, the country has shown remarkable success in mitigating the impact of disasters and reducing mortality rate, said by Ms. Gwyn Lewis, Resident Coordinator of United Nations Bangladesh. She also put her emphasis on enhancing local and indigenous knowledge, values, beliefs for disaster resilience while mentioning education as vital force for mitigating the impact of disasters.

Dr. Imon Chowdhooree, Assistant Director, PPDM of BRAC University, expressed his expectation to collaborate with UNDRR to widen the scope of education for disaster risk reduction not only at BRAC University but also in other institutes in Bangladesh.

“We have also been able to trace how if action is not taken, millions more could suffer as a result by 2050. Therefore, this seminar has been both informative and a call for action. Our speakers have also navigated us throughout the process of change and resilience in Bangladesh as well as ambitions. The importance of knowledge and experience mobilization is pivotal, no doubt,” said by Muhammad Ferdaus, Coordinator, Postgraduate Programs in Disaster Management (PPDM), BRAC University.

The PPDM at BRAC University offers master’s degrees in diversified fields of disaster management. It allows contributing to the nationally and internationally significant practice-oriented field of disaster management. It offers master’s, diploma, and certificate degrees.

Older Posts

Celebrating a 17 Year legacy of Education, Adaptation, and Resilience with MAS Eco Go Beyond

Are you embracing tech-led innovations, the Holy Grail of efficiency and pivotal to business success?

Zeroplastic Movement named National Winner 2023 Sri Lanka at Energy Globe Award

DFCC Junior Inspires Young Minds with Smart Savings and Activities!

Effective ways to deal with your stubborn teenager

Why are they getting stubborn during their teen years?

How Buddhism can help a teen to over come these challenges?

What’s parents’ role during this transition period?

How does the asian culture affects the parenting style and teenagers?

How to balance the cultural pressures when you are living in abroad and grooming your teen child ?

BCI Hosts International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Chair to Explore Close Collaboration on Training & Education of the Youth

John Keells Group’s School Meal Programme Marks One Year of Empowering the Education and Nutrition of School Children.

World Children’s Day is a reminder to invest in your child’s education

Orel Corporation Empowers Education in Rural Sri Lanka with Orel Smart TV’s on Childrens Day

Seminar on Culture and Education for Disaster Risk Reduction held at BRAC University