Hemas opens 50th Piyawara Preschool in Anuradhapura

50th Piyawara Preschool

Invitees at the opening ceremony

Registering the first student by State Ministry of Defence Secretary Sunil Samaraweera 

Wanni Security Forces Commander Major General Kumudu Perera, , State Ministry of Defence Secretary Sunil Samaraweera, Hemas Outreach Foundation Executive Director Shiromi Masakorala, Hemas Outreach Foundation Chairperson Abbas Esufally, and Hemas Outreach Foundation Brand Ambassador Roshan Mahanama at the 50th Piyawara Preschool

Map of Piyawara Schools in Sri Lanka

• Initiative focuses on Early Childhood Care and Development in Sri Lanka

Hemas Outreach Foundation added the 50th Piyawara Preschool to the national network in Siyambalewa, Anuradhapura, and continues to support the national agenda in developing Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) in Sri Lanka.  

Initiated in 2002, the Piyawara program was launched in partnership with the Children’s Secretariat of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. The program aims to enrich the lives of underprivileged children in Sri Lanka by focusing on key aspects within the framework of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).

The 50th preschool was constructed by the Security Forces HQ Wanni, 21 Division of the Sri Lanka Army.  They have been assisting the efforts of Hemas and Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to build preschools in the Northern war affected areas and Wanni. 

“As we open our 50th preschool, Piyawara stands today as a prime example of a successful Government-private sector partnership that addresses a national issue and create strong communities. As a private sector entity, Hemas Holdings have always believed that early childhood development is the best investment a country can make to its human capital. Understanding this need, we launched our ‘Piyawara’ initiative focusing on a holistic approach to Early Childhood Care and Development,” said Hemas Outreach Foundation Executive Director and Hemas Holdings Corporate Communications and Sustainability General Manager Shiromi Masakorala, speaking at the opening ceremony. 

She further added: “We are honoured to have State Ministry of Defence Secretary Sunil Samaraweera joining us to celebrate this milestone. In 2002 as the then Director of the Children’s Secretariat, Mr. Samaraweera initiated this project and worked with Hemas to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.” 

At present the 50 Piyawara Preschools across the country have over 150 teachers and over 3500 children attending them daily.  

“As the Government continues its efforts in the area of ECCD, we will continue making investments and assist the Government address a national need,” she added. 

During the next few years, Piyawara hopes to reach out to other underserved communities and add more preschools to the national network.