Ananda College Primary English Language Activity Centre opens

The Association of Old Anandians in the United Kingdom resolved to establish a dedicated location for Ananda College primary students to experience and practice the use of the English language. Based on this vision, a concept was designed for the Ananda College Primary English Language Activity Centre, which provides a venue for English to be experienced and used in a fun, safe and structured manner. 

The Ananda College English Language Activity Centre was funded by the Association of Old Anandians in the United Kingdom. Construction and logistical arrangements were coordinated by the Ananda College Old Boys Association. The Ananda College OBA Centenary Group was instrumental in initiating the centre’s operations. 

The British Council was involved in a consultancy role which was crucial in the successful establishment of the centre. The British Council advised on the operational and logistical aspects, provided recommendations for resource materials and facilitated the curricular design and teacher training.

Key personnel involved from the British Council in this consultancy arrangement were ELT Projects Manager Lesley Dick, who spearheaded the project, British Council Young Learner Coordinator Georgina Middleton, who advised on the centre’s design and British Council Trainer Daniel Graves, who completed a program of training for the primary teachers and the Centre Coordinator. 

The Ananda College Primary English Language Activity Centre was ceremonially opened on 14 May 2015 by the Principal of Ananda College Kithsiri Liyanagamage, in the presence of the Deputy Principals of Ananda College, Primary Headmistress Damayanthi Kodituwakku, teachers of the college, officials of the British Council Dick, Middleton and Graves, representatives of the Ananda College Old Boys Association and the Ananda College OBA Centenary Group, and N.L.C. Perera and Harshaka Kannangara, representing the Association of Old Anandians in the United Kingdom.