STEMUP Educational Foundation, the award-winning non-profit organization that aims to further Scientific, Technological, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) knowledge among Sri Lankan students, in partnership with the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and SLT-MOBITEL successfully hosted ‘Day of Code Sri Lanka’ for the second consecutive year. The full-day interactive event, which aims to inspire Sri Lankan youth to learn computer science, advocate for equity and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, parents and partners to the field, was held at the Commercial Bank SDC Auditorium on 10 December 2022.

Day of Code Sri Lanka 2022 was open to people of all ages with an interest in the computer science or computer programming fields with participants categorised as Grades 6 to 9, Grades 10 to 13 and teachers, university students and parents. All of them were able to take part in interactive computer science education workshops and received hands-on experience on popular platforms to help them commence their journey into the field, enabling them to get an understanding of the significance of the Computer Science &ICT industry in a global and local context and the ever-increasing opportunities available in the field.

With these students being on the cusp of entering the job market, they were educated on current career opportunities and given career guidance after O/Ls and A/Ls. Additionally, an informative session to educate teachers, university students and parents was also held in the Main Auditorium where experts from a large cross-section of private and public sector organisations engaged with the large audience on a variety of related topics through speeches and a panel discussion.

Expressing his views on the successful event, Prabhath Mannapperuma - Founder and Director of STEMUP Educational Foundation stated, “Sri Lanka has tremendous potential when it comes to creating world-class ICT professionals as we have proved for the past few decades where our brightest talents continue to shine on the global stage. With the demand for Computer Science professionals increasing every year, it is imperative that we make an impression on these young minds and get them to commence their technology-oriented journeys as soon as possible. We are very happy to see the large turnout and enthusiastic response once again for Day of Code Sri Lanka 2022 and we look forward to build on this success in the new year.”

Nandika Buddhipala, Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Bank/Trustee of the CSR Trust of Commercial Bank commented, “We are pleased to have been presented with the opportunity to team up with STEMUP Educational Foundation once again to grandly celebrate the "Day of Code Sri Lanka 2022". It is not only of paramount importance to us, but also falls in line with the broader vision of the CSR Trust of the Commercial Bank, namely active engagement in supporting the activities of this nature to upgrade the level of the hands on skills of the young generation of the country. IT education is the main focus area of the CSR Trust and we stay committed towards this initiative to empower our future generations through job-oriented education".

SLT Chief Marketing Officer, Prabhath Dahanayake stated, “Being the National ICT solution services provider, SLT-MOBITEL's vision is to bring digital technology to every person, home and organisation for a fully connected, intelligent world. Digital skills are what every Sri Lankan needs, mostly our youth, to thrive in the 21st century. Scientific, Technological, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) knowledge will guarantee job opportunities and competitiveness internationally. SLT-MOBITEL aims to continue to collaborate and partner other stakeholders, breaking through technical bottlenecks, driving industry upgrades, and providing opportunities to young talent.”

The STEMUP Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire and engage students to become interested in pursuing Scientific, Technological, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) degrees and careers. The organization’s mission is fulfilled through the programs and resources they offer to the South Asian community. The Foundation has educational opportunities and resources for all. Most of its resources are also offered free-of-charge as a part of the vision of becoming a national model for passionate support for STEM education.