Restoring 200 schools under 45 days: Edu. Min. recognises LOLC Divi Saviya

LOLC Holdings PLC solidified its role as a national partner in recovery and resilience by presenting the progress of its flagship humanitarian initiative, Divi Saviya, at a national-level recognition ceremony convened by the Education Ministry. This milestone follows the successful completion of Phase Two of the ‘Obai, Mamai, Ape Ratai’. 

The special appreciation ceremony for the LOLC Divi Saviya was held at the Ministry, Battaramulla, on 27 February, marking the Ministry’s second official recognition of the initiative since its inception. 

During the event, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LOLC Holdings PLC, Kapila Jayawardena, presented a comprehensive project update to the Prime Minister and Education Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The update highlighted the rapid progress of the island-wide school restoration initiative, which saw 200 schools restored and handed over within just 45 days, enabling the swift resumption of education in communities impacted by Cyclone Ditwah.

Commenting at the event, Jayawardena stated, "It was a great privilege to share the outcomes of our 200-school restoration drive with the Premier, demonstrating how the LOLC Divi Saviya continues to support communities recover and rebuild. This programme has also resonated strongly with the public, showing how the private sector can complement Government efforts during times of national challenge. This recognition also marks the second time that the Ministry has formally acknowledged Divi Saviya, following the 2025 award for Chapter Two, ‘Daya Daruwange Anagathaya Wenuwen’, which reached 40 per cent of schools and directly supported thousands of students. Under phase three of this chapter, we have allocated budgets and plans to build and furnish a few selected schools from the ground-up, that were entirely destroyed by the disaster.”

Over the past decade, LOLC Divi Saviya has evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s leading corporate-led humanitarian initiatives, responding to major national crises, from the pandemic and economic downturn to recent natural disasters.  

With a total investment of over Rs. 500 million, the programme has successfully delivered  comprehensive support to affected communities through Family Super Pack distributions and the renovation of schools under phases one and two. The upcoming stage will focus on the complete rebuilding of selected schools that were entirely destroyed by the disaster. 

Through steadfast commitment, strategic execution, and a profound sense of national responsibility, LOLC Holdings PLC exemplifies how collaborative action can transform crisis into opportunity, fostering hope, stability, and lasting impact on the nation’s long-term recovery.

Source  - The Morning