Last December, floods across Sri Lanka left many communities having to rebuild their lives. Homes and livelihoods were the immediate focus, but many schools were also impacted. Several lost the facilities that students relied on every day, including IT laboratories where they learnt digital skills, completed practical lessons and, for many in rural communities, had their first experience using a computer. Without these spaces, learning was interrupted, widening a digital gap that many rural schools already face.

As the country shifted its focus from immediate relief to long-term recovery, 99x, a global product engineering company rooted in Sri Lanka, launched several recovery initiatives under its Corporate Relief Fund, bringing together employees, customers and partners to support communities affected by the disaster. One of its largest initiatives came through the Prime Minister's Office, in collaboration with SLASSCOM, to help restore technological infrastructure in areas affected by the floods.

Recognising how important access to technology is for students, 99x partnered in the initiative to rebuild IT laboratories in schools that had lost them during the disaster. Over a few months, teams worked closely with the Prime Minister's Office, SLASSCOM and school communities, selecting three schools in Mahiyanganaya to establish IT laboratories that build the digital skills becoming increasingly important in today's world.

In July, volunteers from 99x travelled to Mahiyanganaya to complete the restoration of IT laboratories at Hebarawa Maha Vidyalaya, Bathalayaya Maha Vidyalaya and Keselpotha Maha Vidyalaya. The project included setting up laptops, classroom furniture and the supporting infrastructure needed to bring the laboratories back into use. Students gathered outside with excitement, waiting to see the new labs. The principal and teachers spoke about finally being able to restart practical IT lessons after months without the facilities they depended on.

Mr. Prasana Monohara Jayathilaka, Principal of Hebarawa Maha Vidyalaya, Mahiyanganaya, stated, “On behalf of our students and teachers, I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to 99x for donating computers and computer equipment to our school. This support will help our students enhance their computer knowledge and practical skills through improved learning facilities.”

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Kalana Wijesekara, Chief Developer Experience Officer representing the 99x Corporate Relief Fund, stated, “Technology is opening doors to opportunities that were once out of reach for many young people. Our hope is that these IT labs give students the chance to learn, discover their potential and work towards building successful careers in the future. We want them to see that curiosity, determination and the right opportunities can help them achieve far more than they may imagine today. The opportunities created through initiatives like this have the potential to strengthen not only individual futures but also the communities they will one day serve.”

Many young people, especially in rural communities, a school computer lab is where their journey with technology begins. The restored IT laboratories in Mahiyanganaya represent renewed opportunities for students to learn, build practical skills and prepare for the future. The laboratories are now in place, but the journey doesn't end here. In the coming months, volunteers from 99x will return to conduct IT and knowledge-sharing sessions, helping students make the most of these new learning spaces.

Kalana Wijesekara representing the 99x Corporate Relief Fund, speaking at the handover ceremony

Opening of the IT Lab at Keselpotha Maha Vidyalaya

99x volunteers at the handover ceremony in Mahiyanganaya