AIA Insurance Lanka recently announced the winners of the AIA Healthiest Schools Programme 2026, recognising outstanding schools from across Sri Lanka for their exceptional efforts in promoting holistic student wellbeing. The awards ceremony brought together students, teachers and other representatives from the education sector, regulators, school communities and AIA leadership to celebrate innovative initiatives that are helping create healthier learning environments and inspire positive lifestyle habits among young people.

Now in its second year in Sri Lanka, the AIA Healthiest Schools Programme has grown into a leading national platform dedicated to advancing health and wellbeing among students, empowering schools to drive meaningful change through initiatives aligned to four key pillars: Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles, Mental Wellbeing, and Health & Sustainability. Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, the 2025/26 edition of AIA Healthiest Schools programme officially attracted a record number of submissions, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among schools to place student health and wellbeing at the heart of education. Participating schools showcased a wide range of innovative projects that demonstrate how schools can play a transformative role in shaping healthier futures for the next generation. Many projects extended beyond the classroom, engaging families and local communities while delivering measurable and sustainable outcomes. A panel of distinguished judges evaluated submissions and selected the winning schools based on the impact, innovation and sustainability of their projects.

Among the participants, A/Mankadawala Maha Vidyalaya emerged as the Winner in the Primary School Category. Unagaswela Primary School secured the 1st Runner-up position, while Subharathi Mahamathya Maha Vidyalaya was recognised as 2nd Runner-up and MR/Hemachandra Maha Vidyalaya was awarded 3rd Runner-up. In the Secondary School Category, WP/MT/Nauththuduwa Maha Vidyalaya emerged the Winner, while G/Amugoda Maha Vidyalaya was named 1st Runner-up. Jaffna Hindu College secured the 2nd Runner-up position and Ku/Yatiwala Sri Gunananda Vidyalaya received the 3rd Runner-up award. In addition to national recognition, the winning schools collectively received prize money worth USD 75,000 to further enhance and expand their health and wellbeing initiatives, enabling them to create an even greater impact within their school communities.

The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest, Mr. Karunaratne Bandara, VP/Secretary to the Prime Minister, alongside Ms. Damayanthi Fernando, Director General of the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Deepika Nawarathna, Director – Market Development and External Relations, IRCSL. Representing AIA Insurance were Ms. Chathuri Munaweera, Director/Chief Executive Officer and other senior management representatives.
The AIA Healthiest Schools is part of AIA’s commitment to creating healthier futures by empowering young people to adopt positive health habits from an early age. By providing schools with the knowledge, tools and opportunities to implement meaningful wellbeing initiatives, the programme encourages lasting behavioural change that positively impacts students, families and wider communities.

Commenting on the significance of the programme, Mr. Sasith Bambaradeniya, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Insurance Lanka, said, “Healthy habits formed during childhood lay the foundation for healthier futures. AIA Healthiest Schools Programme was launched to empower schools to become catalysts for positive change. We are inspired by the energy demonstrated by students and educators across Sri Lanka, and we congratulate all the winning schools for setting an outstanding example. “

Building on the momentum, AIA Healthiest Schools will continue its journey in 2026/27, further expanding its reach and impact across Sri Lanka. Through the programme, AIA aims to inspire and support even more schools in championing health and wellbeing, while advancing its Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

For more information about the AIA Healthiest Schools Programme, visit ahs.aia.com