Sri Lanka opens first model pre-school in Jaffna

Colombo, 25 January, (Asiantribune.com):

Sri Lanka's Hemas Holdings PLC recently brought color and life to the little children of the war-ravaged North with the formal opening of the new Hemas Piyawara model Pre-School in Jaffna.
Situated in the Nallur Municipal Complex, this Rs. eight million Piyawara Pre-School is funded by Hemas Holdings PLC, implemented by UNOPS and is the 33rd Hemas Piyawara Pre-School in the country.
The project is the second phase of the post war development process initiated by Hemas. In February 2009 as a short term relief to the IDPs, Hemas set up a series of Pre-Schools and play areas in Menik Farm relief villages in Vavuniya.
These facilities provided pre-school education to several thousands of IDP children. The second phase was to set up model preschools in all war-torn districts in the region.
Present at the opening were Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs Hon. Tissa Karaliadda, Minister of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development Hon. Douglas Devananda, Mayor of Jaffna Mrs. Yoga Patgunarajha and other officials from Ministry and Hemas.
Hemas’ community investment is focused on ECCD (Early Childhood Care & development) in partnership with the Children’s Secretariat of Ministry of Child Development. The project has created a great impact to the wellbeing of children in Sri Lanka. At present nearly 3000 children is receiving education in 33 centres islandwide. The company has invested approximately Rs. 200 million since 2002 and all projects are carried out through Hemas Outreach Foundation, which is a Government Approved Charity. It is managed by a Trust that includes eminent personalities in Sri Lanka together with members from the Board of Hemas Holdings PLC.
Speaking on the occasion Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs Hon. Tissa Karaliadda said, “Hemas has set an example to many corporates. ‘Piyawara’ is a sustainable model taking into consideration the national need. It is admirable to note that Hemas has invested millions of rupees in the future generations of our country in a silent manner. We are very thankful to Hemas for being a responsible corporate citizen and being a partner to the development process of our country”.
- Asian Tribune -