11th January 2021 – Sri Lanka’s leading stationery manufacturer Atlas Axillia joined hands with the Ridi Viharaya, Kurunegala for the 18th consecutive year to host the Annual Community Outreach Programme. As a company with a strong commitment to uplift the nation, especially during challenging situations, Atlas provided school supplies to over 2,200 children who come from families that are in difficult economic circumstances.
Supported by the Atlas SipSavi initiative, the school supplies were ceremonially handed over to 50 children at an event held under the patronage of the Venerable Thibbatuwawe Buddharakkitha Thero the Nayake Thero of the Ridi Viharaya, Ridi Gama and Member of the Kaaraka Sangha Sabha of the Malwatu Chapter, in adherence to safety protocols. The Atlas team then visited the rest of the children around the Kurunegala district personally to hand over the essential school supplies required by them for the 2021 school year.
Speaking on the annual project, Asitha Samaraweera, Managing Director of Atlas Axillia Co. (Pvt) Limited said, “At Atlas, our youngest consumers are always close to our heart. This past year has been tough for all of us, but especially so for the children who have had their lives disrupted. Fortunately, education is free for all children in Sri Lanka, but some of them miss out on a quality experience due to the lack of resources. We have always strived to make life easier for them, and to assist them to reach their ambition through education. Every year, we make sure we extend a school supplies package to as many of them as possible, and are grateful for the Chief Incumbent of the Ridi Viharaya for making it possible for us to carry out this project under the aegis of an institution with a such a tremendous history of culture and community engagement”.
The school supplies donation is one of many efforts made by Atlas Axillia under the SipSavi programme which was launched with the purpose of creating equal learning opportunities for children across the nation. The programme provides financial assistance in terms of scholarships to support the most vulnerable children who are at the risk of dropping out of school due to deprived economic situations. In addition to providing essential learning materials to children, Atlas SipSavi also aims to create an inclusive environment for underprivileged children through school infrastructure development, enabling them to continue their education.
Venerable Thibbatuwawe Buddharakkitha Thero, commented on the program, “The children in this community are eager to learn and to reach their dreams. I applaud Atlas Axillia’s efforts as a responsible corporate citizen to ensure the more vulnerable members of our community are looked after, and I pray for continued blessings on the company and its community efforts.”
