Doing Well by Doing Good: Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., Empowers Sri Lanka’s Children Through Back to School Project 2026

As Sri Lanka continues to recover from the recent cyclone and widespread flooding, a meaningful example of corporate purpose in action has taken shape through the Back to School Project 2026. Delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Colombo Port City, the initiative was funded by The Sixty Three Foundation via Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., and supported on the ground by Fairfirst Insurance, which coordinated implementation on behalf of its parent company.

Guided by the belief that business can be a force for good, Fairfax Financial stepped forward to support children whose education was at risk due to disaster-related losses. With an investment of approximately LKR 14 million, the project delivered essential educational supplies to more than 1,300 schoolchildren across the Central, North Central and Uva Provinces, among the areas most affected by the floods.

Each student received a complete school starter pack, including government-approved exercise books and stationery, a school bag and a shoe voucher. This practical support helped remove immediate barriers to classroom attendance and learning, while easing the financial strain on families still recovering from flood damage. The programme was carried out through close collaboration among the partners, ensuring structured on-the-ground execution and accountable distribution across rural and underserved school communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Fairfirst Insurance Chief Executive Officer Ravishankar Wickneswaran said: “We are proud to be part of a group that lives its values through meaningful action. Supporting this Fairfax-funded initiative has been deeply meaningful for all of us at Fairfirst. Education must continue regardless of circumstance. When children return to school prepared and confident, it restores not only learning but hope for a brighter future for both the children and the country.”

Beyond immediate relief, the project reflects a practical and people-focused investment in continuity, dignity and opportunity, demonstrating how responsible corporate support can create meaningful social impact.

Caption: Back to School Project 2026 Supporting Flood-Affected Students