In the wake of the recent flood disaster that affected several parts of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) reaffirmed its commitment to national recovery and community development through a series of impactful initiatives aimed at restoring education, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
Marking a significant beginning, SLIIT contributed at a national level by making a financial donation of Rs. 20 million to the Government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, established to support communities impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. The cheque was officially handed over at the Presidential Secretariat by SLIIT Chairman/Chancellor Professor Lakshman Ratnayake and Vice-Chancellor/Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Professor Lalith Gamage, symbolising SLIIT’s strong partnership with the state in times of national need.
One of the key interventions was carried out at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Ambathale, where SLIIT extended its support to rehabilitate multiple school buildings affected by flood damage. The initiative focused on restoring safe and functional learning environments by improving classroom conditions, repairing essential facilities, enhancing accessibility, and reviving spaces dedicated to academic and co-curricular activities such as drama, music, dance, computer studies, and home science. These efforts were guided by a shared objective: to ensure that students could return to school with dignity, safety, and renewed confidence.
Further extending its outreach, the SLIIT Alumni Association played a vital role in supporting Gangasiripura Vidyalaya in Gampola, a school striving to return to normalcy after the disaster. Recognising education as a cornerstone of long-term recovery, the initiative addressed urgent needs such as access to clean water and electricity, library and science laboratory essentials, facilities for dancing and creative arts, and the establishment of a modern learning environment. Support was also directed towards creating a smart classroom and an ICT laboratory, complete with digital learning tools including multimedia projectors, smart TVs, and smart boards empowering students with access to technology-driven education.
Through these collective efforts, SLIIT and its alumni community demonstrated that resilience is built not only through infrastructure, but through empathy, collaboration, and a shared responsibility towards society. These initiatives stand as a testament to SLIIT’s enduring commitment to uplifting communities and contributing meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s recovery and future development.
Natasha