Mano Sekaram,  Averil Ludowyke, and S.R. Gnanam of the Tokyo Cement Group with Kushil Gunasekera of the Foundation of Goodness inaugurated Phase 2 of A.Y.S. Gnanam VHE Centre in Trincomalee

The Tokyo Cement Group recently inauguratedthe second phase of the A.Y.S. Gnanam Village Heartbeat Empowerment (VHE) Centre in Trincomalee. 

Initially established in 2023 with the Foundation of Goodness (FOG), this facility extension was inaugurated by Mano Sekaram and Averil Ludowyke, Directors of the Tokyo Cement Group, alongside Kushil Gunasekera, Founder/Chief Trustee of the FOG. Chairman ofthe Tokyo Cement Company, Dr. Harsha Cabral PC, and Managing Director, S.R. Gnanam,were among the other distinguished guests at the ceremony.

Tokyo Cement Group initiated the expansion plan to increase the center’s capacity whilst offeringin-demand vocational training programs,addressing the growing demand from the community.

The VHE Centre with added classrooms and multi-use spaces, including a versatile auditorium, widens thescope for education and skills development through simultaneous sessions in Sinhala and Tamil, catering to more students.

Additionally, the A.Y.S. Gnanam Memorial Futsal Centre, a unique feature at the Trincomalee VHE facility, has been upgraded to includecoaching for volleyball and netball, allowing local youth to engage in their favorite sports. With nearly 200 youth and adults already enrolled in the new programmes, the improved facilities, and extended operating hours have enhancedthe reach and long-term value of the Centre.