HSBC and A-PAD Sri Lanka Spearhead Recovery Mission for Education in Flood-Affected Districts

Building resilience during natural disasters is vital to continue the education of children impacted by crises. Demonstrating corporate commitment, HSBC and A-PAD Sri Lanka launched “Reviving Education,” an initiative to support children affected by recent floods. Since October 8, 2024, torrential rains have disrupted schooling across multiple districts, affecting over 137,792 people. The severe flooding led to school closures on October 14 and 15 in Colombo, Gampaha, Kelaniya, Kolonnawa, and Kaduwela. Among these areas, Gampaha faced the heaviest impact, with over 60,902 people displaced and severe flooding in Wattala, Kelaniya, Ja-Ela, and Biyagama requiring Navy and Airforce assistance for evacuations.

“Reviving Education” was launched to help affected students resume their studies despite the crisis. The initiative provided educational packs to 1,500 students across 29 Grama Niladhari divisions. In Kelaniya, 700 students received support at three distribution centers, while in Gampaha, 800 students were assisted through four locations. Each student received an educational package, carefully prepared to sustain their studies and prevent long-term disruptions. Local authorities played a vital role in coordinating the distribution effort, with support from officials at the Disaster Management Centre and the Divisional Secretariats. The ground-level implementation by Administrative Grama Niladharis in Kelaniya and Gampaha, along with the Disaster Relief Service Officer of Gampaha, was instrumental in identifying and assisting the most vulnerable students, ensuring that supplies reached those most in need.

The initiative was warmly received by the community, with parents expressing gratitude for the assistance. One resident shared, “This support means our children can keep learning despite the hardships.” This response highlights the profound impact that timely support can have on families facing ongoing disruptions due to natural hazards.

Through this initiative, HSBC and A-PAD Sri Lanka provided immediate relief and invested in Sri Lanka’s future, ensuring that natural disasters would not derail young learners’ educational aspirations. This effort stands as a testament to the power of corporate social responsibility in creating meaningful change, one student at a time.