HUTCH Gifts 100 E-bicycles to Rural Schools in Collaboration with the Ministry of Education

In a continued effort to empower students through sustainable mobility solutions, one of Sri Lanka’s leading mobile service providers, HUTCH, has further expanded its corporate social responsibility (CSR) footprint. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, HUTCH held an official handover ceremony to provide 100 electric bicycles for distribution to schools. This event took place on 25th April 2025, at the Ministry premises

This initiative, aimed at supporting students facing transportation challenges in rural areas, specifically targets schoolchildren in the Anuradhapura district, aligning with the Ministry’s vision to facilitate access to education through sustainable means. The project stands as a testament to HUTCH’s enduring commitment to strengthening educational access and empowering community development across Sri Lanka.

The ceremonial event was graced by the presence of Dr. Madhura Senevirathne, Deputy Minister of Education, alongside Mr. Shakila Wijesinghe, Acting Chief Financial Officer, and other key dignitaries from the Ministry and HUTCH. The initiative reflects a deepened collaboration between the public and private sectors, focused on addressing practical barriers to education for rural youth.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Madhura Senevirathne, Deputy Minister of Education, commented:

"This timely and thoughtful initiative by HUTCH directly supports our efforts to bridge educational disparities across regions. By ensuring that students in remote areas have reliable means to attend school, we are investing not just in individual futures, but in the future strength of our nation. We deeply appreciate HUTCH’s support in promoting sustainable transport solutions within our education system."

Adding to this sentiment, Saumitra Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of HUTCH Sri Lanka, stated:

"At HUTCH, we are committed to creating meaningful change by supporting national initiatives that advance education and sustainability. This project is a reflection of our broader mission to bridge gaps in educational access for rural communities, while promoting greener, more sustainable modes of transport. We are proud to stand alongside the Ministry of Education in driving forward a future where every child has the opportunity to pursue their education without barriers."

This project is part of HUTCH’s broader CSR agenda, which emphasizes sustainability, education, and community empowerment. Through such endeavors, HUTCH continues to demonstrate that its corporate values extend far beyond telecommunications, playing a key role in building a more inclusive and sustainable Sri Lanka.

About HUTCH Sri Lanka

HUTCH Sri Lanka, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings (CKHH), is a major player in the Sri Lankan telecom industry. CKHH, a Hong Kong-based Fortune 500 conglomerate, operates in over 50 countries across six sectors, including Telecommunications, and reported revenues nearing USD 60 billion in 2023.

Entering the Sri Lankan market in 1997, HUTCH has grown significantly, launching GSM services in 2004, 3G in 2011, and 4G in 2018. The 2019 acquisition of Etisalat Sri Lanka further strengthened its market presence, enabling it to serve customers on both 078 and 072 prefixes. Currently, HUTCH’s 4G network covers 95% of Sri Lanka's population, and the company is 5G-ready to support the nation’s digital aspirations.

With affordable, reliable connectivity, HUTCH serves as a key driver in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications growth, expanding access to communication, business efficiency, and entertainment across even the most remote regions.