ANC unveils new academic building in Colombo, elevating educational excellence

Ceylinco Group Chairman Ajith R. Gunawardena (left) and ANC Education Chairman Dr. Jagath Alwis officiate at the opening - Pix by Lasantha Kumara

• Aims to cater to student satisfaction and innovative learning via cutting edge facilities including tech-enabled libraries, smart classrooms, and a student lounge
• ANC Education Chairman Dr. Jagath Alwis notes that the founding building has simultaneously undergone renovations and upgrades, inclusive to students of all fields and degrees
• Upgrades include a refurbished auditorium, modernised lab facilities, and a Moot Court
• ANC Education General Manager – Operations Tharaka Kodippili says the move is a breakthrough in the local educational sector 
• Emphasises that this endeavour will seal ANC’s position as a model academic institute in Sri Lanka 

By Janani Kandaramage

ANC, an educational conglomerate specialising in offering the best of international undergraduate and postgraduate education through its partnerships with some of the leading universities world-wide, opened its newest academic building located at 416 R.A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3.

ANC Education Chairman Dr. Jagath Alwis

Designed to prioritise student satisfaction and collaborative learning, the newly inaugurated campus which can cater to around 2000 students, provides additional cutting-edge facilities aimed at empowering future learners by aligning with global educational standards. Facilities include smart classrooms, a spacious student lounge, collaborative study areas in the new tech-enabled library, and a new cafeteria serving as a social hub for students.

“The building is a testament to our promise to deliver not just degrees, but create rounded students well equipped for the real world via a diverse student life experience,” said ANC Education Chairman Dr. Jagath Alwis. “This building is more than concrete and glass – it is a canvas for dreams. Our students deserve a space that matches their ambition, and today we hand over a future-oriented institution to the next generation.”

Alongside the new campus, ANC Education has made extensive renovations to its original academic building at No. 308, R.A. De Mel Mawatha – the institution’s founding location since 2002. Among the upgrades are a refurbished auditorium and an advanced science laboratory, alongside a modernised computer lab designed to meet evolving student needs. 

In addition, a newly constructed Moot Court aims to bolster the Law degree program, awarded by the University of West London. Other recent expansions include several new classrooms housing over 600 students, enhancing the diverse and dynamic learning experience ANC strives to achieve.

ANC Education General Manager – Operations Tharaka Kodippili noted the move sets a precedent in the local private education sector with its emphasis on student wellbeing, encouraging institutions to follow its stead. 

“ANC’s shift to experiential learning via hands-on activities and independent research facilitated by digital integration could not have been a possibility if not for this new building that allows for greater space to accommodate these added facilities,” he said.

Reiterating ANC’s focus on academic rigour and global pathways, he said ANC has pioneered the transnational education sphere due to partnerships with overseas entities such as Northwood University and University of West London. ANC has also collaborated with transfer universities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with a 98 % visa success rate in placing transfer students. Flexible study pathways via online programs, UK Foundation programs, and pathways to undergraduate and postgraduate studies are designed to meet the needs of working professionals balancing their studies with external commitments. 

Kodippili remarked: “ANC education is one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted private education providers, with an alumni network of over 22,000 and over 8000 having completed their degrees abroad.” These characteristics, he believes, cements its image as a true gateway to internationally recognised academic success.