Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, marked a proud milestone in its flagship sustainability efforts with the opening of its 300th ‘Pahasara’ Library at Co/ Dharmaraja Maha Vidyalaya, Piliyandala, on 10 November 2026.
Reaching the milestone of 300 libraries represents a historic achievement in the Bank's longstanding journey to strengthen educational infrastructure and improve access to knowledge for students across Sri Lanka. Beginning with its very first library at Swarnapali Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura in 2013, the ‘Pahasara’ initiative has steadily grown across all 25 districts, supporting schools with essential learning resources and creating conducive environments for students to explore, learn, and grow.
The newly established library was equipped with books and a smart board, providing students with access to modern learning materials and digital resources to support their academic journey.
To commemorate this landmark 300th opening, the school community participated in a vibrant ‘Pahasara Week’ featuring volleyball matches, an art competition, speech competition, and dedicated financial literacy awareness sessions designed to build essential life skills among students.
In tandem with the milestone, Seylan Bank engaged its islandwide staff network in a special Book Donation Campaign. Mobilising branches and corporate departments across the country, staff members enthusiastically collected and contributed both new and pre-loved books in excellent condition, which will be distributed among deserving Pahasara Libraries across the island.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Ramesh Jayasekara, Director/CEO of Seylan Bank, as the Chief Guest, alongside Mr. Ranil Anthony Dissanayake, Chief Operating Officer, and members of the Bank’s senior management. Also, present were Mr. S. L. A. P. Samarawickrama, Principal of Co/Dharmaraja Maha Vidyalaya, Piliyandala, and Mrs. Kumudu Hemamali, Director of the Zonal Education Office, Piliyandala, together with members of the school administration, teachers, students and other distinguished guests.
Commenting on this milestone, Asiri Abhayaratne, AGM Marketing and Sales, Seylan Bank, said, “Reaching our 300th ‘Pahasara’ Library is a deeply fulfilling moment for Seylan Bank. Since opening our first library in Anuradhapura back in 2013, our core sustainability mission has been driven by a singular social cause: enhancing the knowledge of deserving students across the nation. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Zonal Education Authorities, and the Principals, teachers, and students of all 300 Pahasara schools who have partnered with us on this journey. While reaching 300 libraries is an achievement we celebrate with pride, our greatest reward remains the lasting, positive difference we make in the lives of our children and their communities.”
The ‘Pahasara’ initiative remains an integral pillar of Seylan Bank's social sustainability agenda, reflecting its enduring commitment to national development through education. By empowering schools with modern library facilities, books, and digital tools, the Bank continues to invest in the knowledge, values, and aspirations of future generations, building a brighter and more prosperous future for Sri Lanka.
