The first project was launched in Weli Oya, in Maheweli Zone L, with over 350 students receiving school accessories.
The project was initiated by the Local Manufacturing and Distribution (LMD) Sector of the Richard Pieris Group. With the simple aim of lending a helping hand to those in need, resources were collected with the aid of a substantial company donation and volunteer contributions from employees in the LMD sector.
Three schools in the Weli Oya area were beneficiaries of the project. Situated in the Mullaitivu district of the Northern Province, the residents of the Weli Oya region were severely affected by Sri Lanka’s civil war and a mass government relocation effort in the ‘80s.
Today these residents of Weli Oya are making a renewed, but halted effort to survive amidst many difficulties.
“The Weli Oya region was identified as an area in need by our employees,” noted Mr. Sunil Liyanage, Managing Director.
“When we learnt about the harsh living conditions of the Northern Province coupled with the obvious difficulties these students face financially, we had to do something about it.”
The schools that received the donations were Weli Oya/Mullaitivu Paranagama College, Weli Oya/Mullaitivu Kalyanipura College and the Weli Oya/Mullaitivu Kiri Ibbanwewa College.
Items such as pencils, pens, exercise books, school bags, erasers, scissors, clay, colour pencils, binding glue, lunch boxes, water bottles, instrument boxes, foot rulers and art books were distributed amongst 381 children from Grades 1 to 11.
Furthermore schools received sports goods such as cricket equipment, netballs, and volleyballs.
More projects are in the pipeline, especially for the Weli Oya region.
Children in one school will soon receive tailored uniforms, and access to a total water solution provided by Arpico-consisting of a water tank, pumps, and required PVC pipes and fittings.
“This is an initiative that we definitely plan to continue with,” noted Gayan Wickramaarachchi, Senior Business Development Manager.
“Our team members are very keen to ensure that this is not a one-off effort, and plan on replicating the same project in other areas like this as well.”
About Richard Pieris & Co.
Richard Pieris & Co. PLC is a diversified business conglomerate with a rich history of 83 years.
Its flagship brand "Arpico" is one of the most powerful local household brands in Sri Lanka for over 50 years, serving the community with a diverse range of products across many sectors such as manufacturing, plantations, financial services, exports, FMCG, construction, logistics, educational services & retail.
The retail sector led by its flagship brand "Arpico Supercenters" operates one of the largest modern trade chains in the country.
A diverse melting pot of talent, comprising a workforce of over 31,000, Richard Pieris & Company PLC is one of the largest employment providers in the private sector in Sri Lanka.
