Coca-Cola to help uplift education in rural areas

Coca-Cola Beverages plans to help uplift the education standards of rural Sri Lanka through a five year programme of sustained contribution towards knowledge enhancement with the participation of its employees, the Ministry of Education and the local governments.

In 2004 Coca-Cola identified and assessed the needs of three schools from the company's neighbourhood, Biyagama. The three schools that are selected for the first phase the project are Spugaskanda Maha Vidyalaya, Bollegala Maha Vidyalaya and Kelanithissa Vidyalaya. The program will focus on a number of areas, viz. library renovations, books and furniture at Sapugaskanda Maha Vidyalaya, building and furnishing the library at Bollegala Maha Vidyalaya and renovating the front parapet wall, replacing the gate and building two toilets at Kelanithissa Vidyalaya.

"It is admirable that, Coca-Cola, a leading private sector company, has, as their Corporate Social Responsibility program selected the improvement of the education sector. I hope their efforts will uplift the educational standard of our rural children and give them access to the same educational facilities enjoyed by the children in urban schools", Reginald Cooray, Chief Minister, Western Province said.

We hope to make a sustainable contribution to the growth and development of Sri Lanka through this five year strategic plan. 'Sisudiriya' is a well researched project that we have planned and we are happy to announce its launch", Country Marketing Manager, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, Lakshman Peiris said.