Vidyartha College, Kandy, has upgraded its learning environment with a modern computer laboratory equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, following an initiative by Techzone Kandy and Lenovo.
The new facility features 10 Lenovo All-in-One PCs, a 75-inch TECHNO VIEW AI Interactive Panel with an AI camera, and a complete modern laboratory setup designed to enhance students’ digital learning experiences.
Beyond introducing new equipment, the initiative aims to expand opportunities for students to explore digital creativity, artificial intelligence, research and interactive learning. As AI continues to transform workplaces and educational environments, access to modern technology is becoming increasingly important in preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world.
Mohamed Ismail Famy, Chairman of The Technocity (Pvt) Ltd, highlighted the importance of providing young people with opportunities to engage with emerging technologies.
“We are now living in the era of Artificial Intelligence, where technology is changing the way we learn, work and build our future,” he said. “Our responsibility goes beyond simply providing technology. We must also help create opportunities for the next generation to experience and learn with it.”
The launch ceremony was attended by Dr. Harsha Suranga Fernandok, Governor of the Central Province, alongside Minhaj Farook, Director of Laptop.lk; Hemal Chandraratne, Manager of Techzone Kandy; Naveen Kejriwal and Shekhar Karmakar of Lenovo; D. M. K. Dasanayaka, Additional Provincial Director of Education (Development); A. K. P. S. Kodithuwakku, Deputy Director of Education (Development, ICT), Provincial Department of Education, Central Province; and Pramasinghe G. H. M. A., Chief Secretary of the Kandy Provincial Council.
The initiative reflects a collaborative effort to bring modern digital learning facilities into the school environment, giving students greater opportunities to develop technological skills and explore the possibilities of AI-assisted education.
John Keells Foundation and John Keells Properties Host Parental Awareness Programme in Colombo 2 for National Children’s Day
John Keells Foundation (JKF), in partnership with John Keells Properties, conducted a parental awareness programme in Colombo 2 under its community empowerment initiative, John Keells Praja Shakthi, as part of National Children’s Week 2026, observed from September 25 to October 1.
Held on September 30, 2026, at the Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters Hall, the programme was conducted under the theme ‘Nurturing with Love – Protecting Our Children’. It focused on child protection through positive parenting, addressing the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments, managing risks associated with digital technology, preventing substance abuse, and recognising neglect and other social vulnerabilities. The initiative aimed to equip parents and community members with practical knowledge and tools to safeguard children’s safety and wellbeing.
The programme was attended by DIG R. A. Darshika Kumari, Head of the Bureau for the Investigation of Abuse of Children & Women, and featured interactive sessions led by subject experts from LEADS and Humedica Lanka.
Welcoming participants, Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR at John Keells Group, emphasised the importance of raising awareness among parents, teachers, community leaders and service providers about the challenges affecting children’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
“Children today face a range of risks which threaten their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and safety. It is imperative that parents, teachers, community leaders and service providers become aware of these challenges and take timely action,” she said.
She explained that the programme was organised through John Keells Praja Shakthi in Colombo 2, where the Foundation has conducted numerous community empowerment initiatives since 2019. These efforts complement the Foundation’s longer-term programmes, including the Neighbourhood Schools Development Project and English Language Scholarship Programme, both active for 21 years, as well as Project WAVE, which aims to combat gender-based violence and child abuse.
Jayasuriya added that John Keells Foundation, together with the Group’s businesses, would continue working closely with communities surrounding its operations to identify their needs and deliver meaningful interventions through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, DIG R. A. Darshika Kumari highlighted that protecting children requires a collective commitment from parents, schools, government institutions and society at large.
“Awareness is an important first step in recognising risks and preventing abuse before it occurs. Initiatives such as this provide an opportunity to engage directly with communities and equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge they need to safeguard children,” she said.
She also acknowledged the role of John Keells Foundation in organising community awareness programmes and collaborating with the Police over the years to strengthen community-level engagement and improve access to support for children and families.
The first session focused on positive parenting and cyber safety, covering the nature and types of child abuse and exploitation. It highlighted how positive parenting begins with building trust, confidence and open communication between parents and children.
Techzone Kandy and Lenovo Bring AI-Powered Classroom Technology to Vidyartha College, Kandy
