The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), together with the Alumni Association of KOICA Fellows in Sri Lanka (AKOFE), organized donation ceremonies on August 31 and September 1, 2025, to support schools in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts with essential educational
equipment.

The donations were made to Soragune Maha Vidyalaya in Haldummulla and Heewelkandura Maha Vidyalaya in Mawelagama, both of which serve students from Grade 1 to Grade 13, with 600 and 423 students respectively. The donations included computers, printers, sports items, shoes, and furniture, aiming to improve the learning environment and provide better opportunities for students in rural areas.

The event at Heewelkandura Maha Vidyalaya was especially meaningful, as parents and community members joined the ceremony. The program also featured the awarding of certificates to recent graduates who had advanced to university, symbolizing the school’s success in nurturing the next generation of leaders Speaking at the event, KOICA’s Country Director emphasized the importance of education, stating, “Education is the key to a country’s development. By investing in education, we can cultivate young leaders who will uphold the nation and shape its future.” School principals expressed their heartfelt gratitude to KOICA and AKOFE, highlighting that the donation will serve as a beacon of hope for students.

KOICA, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, is the Republic of Korea’s leading governmental organization responsible for
implementing grant aid programs and promoting sustainable development worldwide. Established in 1991, KOICA has maintained a country office in Sri Lanka since 1995. Over the past three decades,KOICA has supported Sri Lanka through diverse projects, expert and volunteer deployment, fellowship programs, and partnerships with ministries and local institutions. To date, more than 3,350 Sri Lankans have participated in KOICA’s fellowship and capacity-building programs, and on average around 130 government officials are invited to Korea each year through the CIAT Fellowship Program.

AKOFE, established in 1999, consists of Sri Lankan alumni who studied in Korea through KOICA fellowship programs. In line with KOICA’s
vision of “Leave no one behind,” AKOFE not only organizes charity events like this, but also hosts knowledge dissemination sessions for returning
fellows, ensuring that the benefits of training extend beyond individual capacity building to strengthening the capacities of Sri Lankan institutions
as well.