Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 10 -- Sri Lanka Army issued the following news release:
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The nationwide initiative to renovate 1,000 schools under the "Clean Sri Lanka" project officially commenced on 20th February 2025 at WP/HO/Ilukowita Junior School, Ilukowita. Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The event commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem and the school song, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the traditional oil lamp. The Principal, Mr. Wasantha Udayasiri, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the significance of the project. The Army Chief then laid the cornerstone, marking the official commencement of renovation work, which will be carried out by troops of the Engineer Services Regiment.
Similarly, under the guidance of Major General Y.A.B.M Yahampath RWP RSP ndu psc, Commander, Security Force - Jaffna, and Major General B.G.S Fernando USP Hdmc psc, General Officer Commanding, 55 Infantry Division, the first phase of the Clean Sri Lanka programme was conducted at Sri Vigneswaram College, Poonaryn, on 20 February 2025.
Meanwhile, under the guidance of Major General W.W.M.P.W.W.B.R Palamakumbura RWP RSP, General Officer Commanding, 21 Infantry Division and supervision of Commanders of the 212 and 561 Infantry Brigades, troops conducted a cleaning programme in schools located in Security Forces - Wanni as part of the first phase of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative on 20 February 2025.
Similarly, as part of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative and under the guidance of the Commander of the Army, troops of the Security Forces (East), supervised by Major General P. R Pathiravithana USAWC psc, Commander, Security Forces (East) conducted a school cleaning and renovation programme on 20 February 2025.
Equally, in line with the Clean Sri Lanka initiative under the guidance of the Commander of the Army and instructions of Major General U.K.D.D.P Udugama RWP RSP USP ndc psc, Commander, Security Forces (West), troops of the 57 Infantry Division, participated in the inauguration of infrastructure upgrades and a cleaning program at Ruwangiri Central College in Narammala on 20 February 2025. This event was carried out under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding of the 57 Infantry Division.
Also, troops under SFHQ (Cen) conducted a school cleaning project on 20 February 2025 as part of the first stage of the 'Clean Sri Lanka' initiative. under the supervision of Major General K.A.W.N.H Bandaranayake USP, Commander, Security Forces - Central.
Further, in line with the "Clean Sri Lanka" Programme, with the direction of the Commander, Security Forces (Jaffna), and the instructions of the General Officer Commanding of the 51 Infantry Division, troops of the10th Battalion of Sri Lanka Artillery, conducted a cleaning and painting initiative at St. Joseph College, Mathagal on 28th February 2025.
Under the guidance of the Commander of the Army and in line with the 'Clean Sri Lanka' programme, over 12,500 troops engaged in a school cleaning programme and successfully completed renovations in 380 schools from 20 February 2025 to 07 March 2025. Their efforts included refurbishing nearly 140 deteriorated school buildings, repairing roofs, painting, and restoring boundary fences. Additionally, they repaired approximately 3,100 unusable desks and chairs for reuse.
In the meantime, troops of the 6th Battalion, the Gemunu Watch, conducted a cleaning programme at M/Mungilaru Primary School, Udayarkattu on 10 March 2025 with the participation of civilians in the area and troops of the 6 Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard conducted a cleaning programme in Mulliwikkal (E) on 10 March 2025 with the participation of civilians in the area.
The Sri Lanka Army continues its unwavering support for the school renovation project, which aims to refurbish 1,000 schools across the country. As part of this initiative, over 14,500 Army personnel have been allocated to selected schools under the supervision of the respective Security Forces Headquarters. With the technical and workforce assistance extended by Army personnel, the project commenced on 20 February 2025 and successfully completed the renovation of 496 schools by 17 March 2025.
Furthermore, under this initiative, roof repairs, painting, and refurbishment were carried out, damaged school fences were reconstructed, access roads were renovated, and nearly 5,500 desks and chairs in unusable condition were repaired for continued use in approximately 300 school buildings.
The project continues to be implemented in schools selected across the island, with the Army receiving continuous support from the communities surrounding these schools, school staff, students, and parents.
The Sri Lanka Army has successfully completed the renovation of 500 schools as part of the '1000 Selected Schools Renovation Project' under the 'Clean Sri Lanka' programme, launched on 20 February 2025. This large-scale initiative aimed to improve educational infrastructure and create a better learning environment for students across the country.
Under the project troops of Army were able to repaired 5,500 unusable desks and chairs , refurbished nearly 300 school buildings which included re-roofing, painting and repairing deteriorated structures. Additionally, new fences were constructed, damaged fences were restored and access roads to the schools were repaired.
The success of the initiative was further enhanced by the support of communities, school staff, students, parents, and philanthropists who contributed to the effort. The Sri Lanka Army's workforce and technical expertise played a key role in ensuring the project's completion, marking a significant step towards improving the nation's educational facilities.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
