Atlas Axillia, the learning-focused subsidiary of Hemas Holdings PLC, recently partnered with Nalanda College to inaugurate the Tinkering Lab at the Nalanda Innovation Center, marking a transformative step toward preparing Sri Lanka’s youth for a technology-driven future.
The initiative is led by Atlas Axillia in partnership with Nalanda College, supported by technical expertise from India’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), - NITI Aayog and facilitated by the High Commission of India. Housed within the Nalanda College Centenary Building, the facility brings hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and arts learning directly into a school environment. By integrating scientific concepts with creative exploration and entrepreneurship, the Lab bridges textbook theory and practical application, offering students a resource-rich space to experiment and develop real-world solutions through robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and design thinking.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ashish Chandra, Group CEO of Hemas Holdings PLC, said, “True empowerment begins with giving our children the tools and confidence to shape their own futures. Atlas Axillia has walked alongside Sri Lankan schoolchildren for generations with foundational learning tools. The Tinkering Lab marks a natural evolution of that journey; nurturing curiosity, creativity, and resilience. By giving students the freedom to experiment, turn ideas into tangible prototypes, and foster an entrepreneurial mindset, this initiative helps cultivate the practical problem-solvers Sri Lanka needs.”
The Nalanda Innovation Center is designed to guide students through every stage of the innovation journey, from developing an initial idea to creating a prototype and presenting a finished concept. Its facilities include a DIY Innovation Lab, an advanced fabrication lab equipped for 3D printing and digital manufacturing, and dedicated spaces for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), arts, and agricultural technology.
Complementing these technical facilities are training areas, collaborative workspaces, a corporate boardroom, and a pitch suite. Together, these spaces support students in developing communication, teamwork, project management, and entrepreneurial skills, while creating opportunities to engage with industry professionals and the startup community.
Appreciating the collaboration, His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, said, “This collaboration reflects our shared aspirations and commitment to empowering our youth through education, science and innovation. India’s Atal Innovation Mission has sparked a nationwide culture of curiosity across thousands of schools in India. We are delighted that the partnership between Nalanda College and Atlas will bring technical expertise, specialized curricula, and training support from Atal Innovation Mission, for the benefit of the young talent in Sri Lanka. We believe this initiative will inspire curious young minds to harness the power of emerging technologies and become agents of innovation.”
Mahela Jayawardene, an alumnus of Nalanda College, representing the Nalanda College Centenary Committee, added, “As Nalanda marks a century of academic and sporting excellence, our responsibility is to look ahead to what the next hundred years demand. The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and our students must graduate with capacities in adaptability, teamwork, and creative courage. The Tinkering Lab at the Nalanda Innovation Center gives our students a world-class platform to test bold ideas, embrace emerging technologies, and learn how to lead in an AI-powered world.”
While the availability of specialised STEM facilities remains limited across Sri Lanka’s schools, the Tinkering Lab at the Nalanda Innovation Center demonstrates how collaboration between educational institutions, industry partners, and international bodies broadens access to practical, technology-based education.
Image Caption : His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and Ashish Chandra, Group Chief Executive Officer of Hemas Holdings PLC, unveiling of the newly established Tinkering Lab at the Nalanda Innovation Center
