AIA Sri Lanka announces winners of debut AIA Healthiest Schools program

AIA Sri Lanka has announced the winners of the AIA Healthiest Schools program, a transformative initiative that provides teachers of young student across Asia with knowledge that enable them to learn about healthy habits and implement changes to make their schools and communities healthier. Endorsed by the Education Ministry, the AIA Healthiest Schools program is designed to encourage healthy habits among students aged five to 16 by promoting healthy eating, active lifestyles, mental well-being, as well as health and sustainability among the school community. The program has received a warm response from primary and secondary schools, with over 100 schools across the country applying to enter the program. 

The AIA Healthiest Schools program, initiated three years ago by AIA Group to their markets, was launched in Sri Lanka in October 2024. The programme exemplifies AIA’s commitment to its purpose of enabling people to live “Healthier, Longer, and Better Lives”. With education, wellness and health deeply intertwined, the programme provides resources and support to teachers to inspire young minds to adopt lifelong positive habits that will shape their futures. The programme underscores the essential role of education in driving sustainable development and societal well-being by integrating practical health and wellness into the curriculum. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the registered schools are a testament to the shared vision of building a healthier generation.

The AIA Healthiest Schools Program was made available in both primary and secondary schools during the 2024/2025 academic year across Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines as well as Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, Bogoda Maha Vidyalaya emerged as the winner in the Primary Schools Category, followed by Devanampiyatissa Maha Vidyalaya as the First Runner Up, Mankadawala Maha Vidyalaya as the Second Runner Up, and Horawala Kanishta Vidyalaya as the Third Runner Up. In the Secondary Schools Category, Jaffna Hindu College secured the top spot, with Subharathi Mahamathya Maha Vidyalaya, Amugoda Maha Vidyala, and Hemachandra Gunasekara Maha Vidyalaya taking the positions of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Runners Up, respectively. The winning schools were selected by the AIA Healthiest Schools panel of judges based on the scope of their project, implementation and execution, level of engagement with teachers, students and the wider community, project impact as well as future plans. The judging panel consists of well-qualified and accomplished individuals from diverse fields of expertise, including Nutritionist Dr. Dhammika Ratnayake, Public Health Professional and Psychology Consultant Dr. Amila Bandara, Professional Chefs’ Association Founder and Secretary Chef Dilrukshan Dabare and Sports and Exercise Physician Dr. Mithila Ruwanga Galabadage.

“It is an honour to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our children and educators who have made significant strides in promoting health and wellness within our school community. Despite it being the inaugural year of AIA Healthiest School programme in Sri Lanka, we received an array of inspiring competition entries. Together, these efforts have created a more supportive and connected school environment, where students feel empowered to take charge of their health and well-being. It is truly inspiring to witness the positive impact these initiatives have had, not just on individual students, but on the entire school community,” said AIA Insurance Chief Marketing Officer Sasith Bambaradeniya.