Seylan Bank continued its focus on embedding a culture of reading and learning among Sri Lankan children with the recent opening of the 240th Seylan Pahasara library at the Kotambapitiya Muslim Central College. 
It is the latest step in achieving the Bank’s goal of building 300 Seylan Pahasara libraries by 2026 in schools most in need of resources to foster an environment that nurtures a need for learning and fuels ambitions. 
In implementation for over 10 years, the Seylan Pahasara initiative works in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, with Seylan Bank’s own area managers, branch managers and staff being directly involved in identifying the schools most in need of assistance in creating an environment conducive to education. 

In this context, having identified Kotambapitiya Muslim Central College as one of those schools in need, the Seylan Pahasara initiative equipped the library with a wide range of books, as well as necessary technologyincluding two computers, a multimedia projector, and a wide screen. The Bank also assessed and upgradedthe existing library infrastructure, from the furniture to the roof and floors, making it an encouraging environment for young minds to gain knowledge and sharpen their intellect.

Commenting on the latest milestone in Seylan Bank’s flagship sustainability project, Chief Financial Officer Champika Dodanwela said, “We are investing in the ambitions of Sri Lankan children by equipping them with the tools and surroundings they need to enhance their knowledge beyond the traditional education framework. Fostering a need of reading and learning is critical to motivating children to aim for and achieve their maximum, which in turn will positively impact society and the nation’s future.”
The opening of the 240th Seylan Pahasara library was attended by Jagath Chandrasiri, the Divisional Director of Education; Upendra Adikari, Area Manager of Seylan’s Northwest Region ll, and Vijay Kumar Thalapathy, Branch Manager, Hettipola. 
Also, in attendance were J.M. Mihilar, the School Principal; M.I. Shifna, the Librarian; members of the student body and parents. The event, while celebrating the joy of reading and learning, also underscored the importance of sustaining natural resources by planting several trees within the school premises.