Rhino changing lives of students at Thakshila College, Gampaha

Thakshila College, one of Gampaha district’s oldest schools, was widely discussed during the 2021 Ordinary Level examinations as a picture of students sitting for the exam in a damaged building during heavy rains was circulated. The public, including mainstream media institutions, brought the school’s plight to light, and that is when the heart-warming story was picked up by Rhino Roofing Products Ltd., who recognised the needs of the children at the school and decided to make a difference in these growing lives despite the country’s situation. 

The school, which opened on 12 June 1992, with 60 students has grown to 2,250 students studying in both Sinhala and English mediums. However, the school has recently faced menacing issues that have impacted students during one of their most important life turning points, the Ordinary Level Examinations. Under the leadership of the Managing Director, Rhino stepped forward to renovate the building in order to provide a safe learning environment for the students. 

Rhino Roofing Products Ltd. Managing Director E.J. Gnanam, commenting at the inauguration ceremony said: “I am convinced that the country’s children and youth are at the forefront of change, and that we, as responsible corporates and adults in society, must help them grow into good leaders. A school is a foundation in every child’s life, and we wanted to give the children at Thakshila College, Gampaha the same opportunity because education is an equal opportunity. We wish Thakshila College’s talented students the best of luck in their future endeavours.”

Rhino Roofing Products Ltd. has been at the forefront of making an impact as a responsible corporate citizen for the past 60 years, and this time the organisation is taking a step toward changing the lives of our most valuable asset, children. Despite the construction industry’s degrowth and economic constraints, the organisation stepped forward as a responsible corporate to empower the country’s future.

“Thakshila College is a well-known school that has been in the Sri Lankan education system for over 30 years, and the hazardous situation that occurred during the recent 2021 Ordinary Level examinations was unexpected. That is when Rhino stepped forward to assist us in renovating the building. As a school that has always been a part of graduating talented students, we are confident that with the current improvements, children will be able to continue their studies with a happy and free mindset. This is a valuable gift for Thakshila College’s current and future students, and the students are feeling at ease and motivated,” added Thakshila College Gampaha Principal M.A. Anula Padmini. 

The renovated building was handed over to the Principal of Thakshila College, with the presence of Director of Aesthetics K.S.P. Karunanayake representing the Director of Gampaha Regional Education, Managing Director E.J. Gnanam, Director Jude Fernando, Chief Operating Officer Indika Rajapakse, the senior management of Rhino Roofing Products Ltd., and other distinguished guests on 26 August with a welcoming inauguration ceremony at the school premises.