Seylan Bank continues mission to enhance literacy and empower education Opens 255th and 256th ‘Seylan Pahasara Libraries’

Seylan Bank continues its long-standing commitment to empower education across Sri Lanka with the opening of the 255th and 256th Seylan Pahasara Libraries in Kurunegala recently. The two new libraries mark another meaningful achievement in Seylan Bank’s ongoing initiative to empower students and create opportunities for educational advancement.

The 255th Library gifted to S.W.R.D. Bandaranayake College, Kurunegala was inaugurated on October 1 by Upendra Adikari, Area ManagerNorth West 2 and the 256th Library for St. Anne’s College, Kattimahana on October 2, by M. N. Ranasinghe Director, Administration, Education Department. School officials, students, teachers, Seylan Bank staff and well-wishers were present for ceremonies at both schools respectively.

Asiri Abhayaratne, Assistant General Manager – Marketing & Sales, Seylan Bank said, “Our goal is to ensure that every child, no matter where they are, has access to the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. The Seylan Pahasara Libraries are part of our larger mission to build a better future for Sri Lanka through education.”

The schools offer education from Grade 1 to A/L or Grade 6 to A/L. The diverse range ensures that students at all stages of their educational journey can benefit. These new libraries serve a combined total of over 2,100 students, providing them with much-needed resources such as books, and other educational tools. 

The books at the libraries are thoughtfully chosen to complement the students’ academic syllabus while also expanding their students' knowledge across diverse subjects. The Seylan Pahasara Libraries aim to nurture a love for reading and learning, to inspire students to achieve their full potential. 

In addition to reading material, the libraries are equipped with computers to support digital literacy, while tree-planting initiatives at schools underline the project’s commitment to sustainability. These efforts are designed to create well-rounded, knowledgeable students contributing to the development of communities and the nation’s progress.

Since its inception in 2013, the project has reached over 330,000 students across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka serving rural and urban areas, profoundly impacting in providing equitable access to educational resources. Furthermore, the project's emphasis on inclusivity demonstrates a dedication to providing equal educational opportunities for all. To date, the libraries established by this initiative comprise 15 boys-only schools, 40 girls-only schools, and 195 mixed schools.

The Seylan Pahasara initiative works in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, while the Bank’s area managers, branch managers and staff are also involved in identifying schools in need of assistance.

Looking ahead, Seylan Bank plans to continue expanding the project, with a goal to establish 300 libraries by 2026, further strengtheing its role in building educational excellence and community growth across Sri Lanka.