People’s Bank’s ‘Mahajana Mehewara’ uplifts 7 under-resourced schools through solar power

People’s Bank’s ‘Mahajana Mehewara’ corporate social responsibility program, dedicated to supplying electricity through solar power to under-resourced schools in rural areas together with Manusath Derana, has successfully empowered seven schools. 

These schools now have access to electricity, marking a significant stride in enhancing educational facilities and opportunities in our country.

The seven recipients of these solar powered electricity systems were Meemure Galamuduna Junior School, Meegahakiula, Kalukele Junior School Ratnapura, Ayagama, Dumbara Ellagawa, Dumbara No.2 Tamil Vidyalaya, Kebethigollawa, Ellawewa Muslim School, Bambare, Solepura Primary School, Mannar Gauriamman Government Tamil Mixed School and Galle Pitadeniya Maha Vidyalaya.

People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse said: “For the past 62 years, People’s Bank has been dedicated to offering banking and financial services to all Sri Lankans, ensuring our commitment to society at every turn. Our success lies not in profit prioritisation but in fostering a profound connection with the public. We stand by them in joyous and challenging times alike. Last year, we initiated the Mahajana Mehewara corporate social responsibility program as part of our ongoing mission to enhance social services nationwide. As a crucial first step, we brought electricity to rural schools through solar power installations. We believe these solar units will maximise benefits, fostering an enriched educational environment for children and securing a brighter future for them.”

People’s Bank CEO/General Manager Clive Fonseka said: “As a socially responsible financial institution, People’s Bank is committed to alleviating the challenges faced by today’s school children in their pursuit of education. We aim to achieve this by implementing solutions that not only ease their academic burdens but also contribute to environmental sustainability. The introduction of solar power systems in schools is a significant stride towards this objective. These systems will bring substantial benefits by providing free electricity to the entire school, particularly crucial at a time when the cost of electricity has surged. This initiative aligns with our dedication to supporting educational institutions and fostering eco-friendly practices. Looking ahead, People’s Bank envisions numerous upcoming projects as part of the Mahajana Mehewara corporate social responsibility program. These initiatives are poised to make a transformative impact on communities, enhancing lives across the country.”

Kalukele Junior School Principal W. Dissanayake said: “We are very happy and excited to receive much-needed electricity to our school thanks to the wonderful contribution by People’s Bank. There is no doubt that this is a great strength to the school, the teachers and the children. We wish People’s Bank the very best in its efforts to continue with such corporate social responsibility programs.”

Beyond the program to provide electricity to rural schools using solar power systems, People’s Bank has conducted several impactful social service projects. Among them, sponsoring an ambulance under the ‘Adopt an Ambulance’ initiative by the 1990 Suwaseriya Foundation and the completion of a number of essential renovation works at the De Soysa Maternity Hospital in Borella are two of the most prominent projects. As a responsible financial institution, People’s Bank has combined banking and environmental sustainability by helping to clean up polluted beaches across the country, while the bank has contributed towards making the planet greener by planting a sapling for every 100 Likes on the bank’s Facebook page. Additionally, under the Mahajana Mehewara program the bank’s branches also carry out various social service activities regularly.