Philanthropist Nahil Wijesuriya has contributed a remarkable Rs. 250 million to launch a groundbreaking STEAM education initiative at Ananda College, Colombo. The initiative, led by the Old Anandians’ Professional Forum (OAPF), aims to establish a Rs. 410 million Centre of Excellence to promote integrated learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Wijesuriya’s generous donation, warmly endorsed by his family, will play a key role in realizing the vision for the Centre, which will house ten state-of-the-art STEAM learning hubs. The project is expected to inspire generations of learners by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through activity-based education.
By blending the arts with science and technology, the STEAM approach encourages holistic learning and prepares students to meet both local and global challenges. The initiative has drawn widespread support from leading educationists, professionals, entrepreneurs, and artisans, many of whom have volunteered their expertise to align with broader educational reforms in Sri Lanka.
Backed by the Ananda College Old Boys’ Association (ACOBA), the OAPF has worked over the past two years—with strong support from both local and international alumni—to develop the concept, raise funds, and provide thought leadership. While rooted at Ananda College, the Centre of Excellence is envisioned as a national learning hub, extending its benefits to students and institutions across the country.
This landmark project underscores the power of community-driven educational reform and sets a precedent for STEAM education in Sri Lanka.
