Rotary Club of Colombo Port City leads Rs. 23 m Educational Recovery Initiative in Anuradhapura

• Three projects supported by international donors restore schools, strengthen flood resilience, and promote inclusive education following Cyclone Ditwah

The Rotary Club of Colombo Port City (RCPC), District 3220, has successfully implemented three major educational infrastructure projects in the Anuradhapura District following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with a combined investment of approximately Rs. 23 million.

The projects were made possible through the generous sponsorship of Fairfax Canada/Fairfirst Insurance Ltd., which funded two school renovation initiatives, and Dr. Guido and Dr. Anne Leysens of Belgium, who sponsored the restoration of a preschool. RCPC led the implementation of all three projects, working in coordination with the Rotary Club of Anuradhapura.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate RCPC’s commitment to restoring educational facilities, strengthening community resilience, and creating better learning opportunities for children in disaster-affected communities.

Rotary Club of Colombo Port City President Rtn. Mahen Kariyawasan said: “These projects reflect our commitment to rebuilding communities and ensuring that every child has access to a safe, supportive learning environment. We are deeply grateful to our generous donors and the Rotary Club of Anuradhapura for partnering with RCPC to turn this vision into a lasting impact.”

A/Dammadinna School, Galkulama – Building back stronger

Sponsored by Fairfax Canada / Fairfirst Insurance Ltd., the Rs. 16 million renovation of A/Dammadinna School in Galkulama was completed within five months. The project involved renovating five school buildings and incorporating improvements designed to strengthen their resilience against potential future flood damage.

The initiative benefits nearly 850 students from rural communities in the surrounding area, providing them with an improved and safer learning environment.

Walisinha Harischandra School – Advancing inclusive education

Also sponsored by Fairfax Canada / Fairfirst Insurance Ltd., this Rs. 5 million project was completed within four months at Walisinha Harischandra School, the largest government school in Anuradhapura in terms of student population, serving over 6,000 students.

The project focused on renovating the building dedicated to children with special needs and handing over essential equipment to support their learning and development. Through this initiative, RCPC has helped improve facilities for children with special educational needs, reinforcing the importance of inclusive and accessible education.

Kala Oya Visaka Preschool – Restoring early learning

Sponsored by Dr. Guido and Dr. Anne Leysens of Belgium, the Rs. 1.8 million renovation of Kala Oya Visaka Preschool was completed within three months following damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The restoration has provided an improved learning environment for 30 young children, helping restore an essential educational facility and supporting the early learning needs of the local community.

RCPC: Turning generosity into lasting community impact

Through the successful implementation of these three projects, the Rotary Club of Colombo Port City has translated donor generosity into meaningful, tangible outcomes for children and communities. The combined investment of approximately Rs. 23 million represents more than the restoration of buildings; it is an investment in educational continuity, disaster resilience, inclusive learning, and the future of the next generation.

RCPC extended its sincere appreciation to Fairfax Canada/Fairfirst Insurance Ltd., Dr. Guido and Dr. Anne Leysens of Belgium, and the Rotary Club of Anuradhapura for their invaluable support and collaboration in making these initiatives a success.

By rebuilding schools, improving facilities for children with special needs, and restoring early learning opportunities, RCPC and its partners are helping ensure that the effects of disaster do not stand in the way of a child’s education or dreams. These projects are a testament to what can be achieved when generosity meets purposeful action — transforming damaged buildings into places of learning, restoring hope to communities, and creating a stronger foundation for future generations.