The Gangasiripura Kanishta Vidyalaya, located in Gampola, has been a cornerstone of education since its inception in the 1930s. This institution has nurtured countless students over the decades and currently serves over 1,400 learners across 38 classes from Grades 1 through 11.
Recently, the school faced significant challenges when Cyclone Ditwah devastated the central region of Sri Lanka, resulting in severe damage to its facilities. The library suffered particularly, with floodwaters ruining all books, furniture, electrical installations, and educational materials. This loss deprived students of a vital resource that had previously encouraged their curiosity and fostered a love for reading.
Understanding the necessity of reinstating a conducive learning atmosphere, Aitken Spence Travels, through its sustainability initiative ‘Pure Path’ and the Nurturing Lilies programme, initiated a comprehensive renovation of the school library. The refurbishment efforts included repairing flood-damaged structures, upgrading electrical systems, installing new lighting and ceiling fans, repainting the interiors, and replenishing the library with new books and educational resources.
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In a show of personal commitment, employees of Aitken Spence Travels donated books from their private collections, embodying the company’s ethos of generosity and community support for young learners. This collective effort revitalized the library into a lively and inviting space where students can once again explore the joy of reading, expand their knowledge, and pursue their dreams.
The newly refurbished library was officially inaugurated during a ceremony attended by Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, alongside members of the sustainability team, the school principal, educators, students, and local community representatives. The event celebrated the successful completion of the project and marked the reopening of a crucial educational hub that will continue to inspire future generations.
During the ceremony, Principal Mr. R. M. M. Wasantha Kumara expressed heartfelt appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing that “the restoration of our school library signifies more than just rebuilding a space; it symbolizes the restoration of hope, opportunity, and a passion for learning among our students. Our children lost a cherished educational resource, and now, thanks to Aitken Spence Travels’ generosity, they have a safe and inspiring environment to read and learn. On behalf of our students, parents, teachers, and the entire school community, I extend our deepest gratitude for this kindness and support. This investment will create a lasting legacy for many future generations and exemplifies how the private sector can significantly contribute to community upliftment.”
Mr. Jayasundera further remarked, “Education represents one of the most significant investments we can make in our future, and a library serves as a dedicated space that nurtures learning, curiosity, and growth. We are proud to support the restoration of the Gangasiripura Kanishta Vidyalaya Library and hope this revitalized space will inspire these young students to dream bigger, read more extensively, and build brighter futures.”
Aitken Spence Travels views sustainability as more than just environmental responsibility; it is about fostering meaningful, long-term value for the communities it serves. Through the ‘Pure Path’ initiative, the company is committed to funding projects that enhance education, improve livelihoods, and build community resilience. The restoration of the Gangasiripura Kanishta Vidyalaya library exemplifies this dedication, ensuring that students have access to a safe, engaging, and resource-rich environment conducive to learning for years to come.
Ultimately, Aitken Spence Travels believes that investing in education is synonymous with investing in the future. By helping students regain access to a secure and inspiring learning environment, the company proudly contributes not only to the rebuilding of a library but also to the reconstruction of opportunities, aspirations, and hopes that it symbolizes for generations ahead.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
