Seylan Bank recently opened its 297th, 298th, and 299th ‘Pahasara’ Libraries at MT/Ismaliya Vidyalaya in Matale, Ireby Tamil Maha Vidyalaya in Norwood, Hatton, and G/Weera Wijaya Wimalarathne MV in Dambulla, bringing the Bank within a single library of completing its target of 300 ‘Pahasara’ Libraries across Sri Lanka.
The three libraries further reaffirm the Bank’s commitment and consistent dedication across over a decade to strengthening educational opportunities for students island-wide, as part of long-standing social sustainability efforts that place education, knowledge, financial literacy, and access to learning resources at the centre of empowering future generations.
As part of the initiative, Seylan Bank provided each of the three schools with two laptops, a multimedia projector, projector screen, and books, enhancing the schools’ library infrastructure while giving students access to additional educational and digital learning resources.
Speaking on the triad of recent milestones, Asiri Abhayaratne, AGM – Marketing and Sales, Seylan Bank, said, “At Seylan Bank, we believe that access to knowledge and the right learning resources have a definite lasting impact on a child’s future. The opening of our 297th, 298th, and 299th ‘Pahasara’ libraries represent some of the most meaningful steps in our journey, with just one library away from opening our 300th chapter. Our hope for these spaces is that they will encourage students to explore, learn, and develop the confidence and skills they need to shape their futures and build the future of our nation.”
The libraries’ openings were attended by representatives of Seylan Bank, alongside education officials, school representatives, and members of the wider community with each opening complemented by a ‘Pahasara Week’, featuring a series of student-focused engagement activities aimed at supporting the broader development of students and parents.
At MT/Ismaliya Vidyalaya, the week featured a police awareness programme focused on drug prevention and child abuse, a financial literacy awareness programme for parents and students, a cricket tournament, and an art competition. At Ireby Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, students took part in an art competition for primary and art students, along with a financial literacy programme for students from grades 09 to 13, while G/Weera Wijaya Wimalarathne MV hosted a financial literacy awareness programme for grade 09 and 11 students, an art competition for grade 06 and 07 students, and a cricket match.
Launched on 1 March 2013, the Seylan ‘Pahasara’ Library Project stands as one of the Bank’s most enduring social sustainability initiatives, reflecting its commitment to creating lasting community impact by building knowledge and nurturing financial literacy among communities across Sri Lanka. Throughout the ‘Pahasara’ journey, Seylan Bank has consistently contributed towards creating stronger learning environments and empowering the next generation.
The recent openings at MT/Ismaliya Vidyalaya, Ireby Tamil Maha Vidyalaya and G/Weera Wijaya Wimalarathne MV bring Seylan Bank just one library away from achieving its target of 300 ‘Pahasara’ Libraries, reinforcing its continued commitment to placing education at the heart of its social sustainability agenda.
