Atlas Axillia, the education-focused subsidiary of Hemas Holdings PLC, has joined hands with Nalanda College to establish a new Tinkering Lab at the Nalanda Innovation Center, creating fresh opportunities for Sri Lankan students to develop the skills and creativity needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The initiative, spearheaded by Atlas Axillia in collaboration with Nalanda College, receives technical support from India’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog, with the facilitation of the High Commission of India. Located within the Nalanda College Centenary Building, the facility introduces practical learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and the arts within the school environment.
By combining scientific knowledge with creative thinking and entrepreneurial learning, the Tinkering Lab aims to connect classroom education with real-world applications. Students will have access to an environment where they can explore new ideas, conduct experiments and develop practical solutions using technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and design thinking.
Addressing the inauguration, Ashish Chandra, Group CEO of Hemas Holdings PLC, emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge, resources and confidence to shape their futures. He highlighted Atlas Axillia’s longstanding contribution to Sri Lankan education through foundational learning tools, describing the Tinkering Lab as a natural extension of that commitment.
He further noted that providing students with opportunities to experiment, transform ideas into working prototypes and develop entrepreneurial thinking would help nurture the practical problem-solvers required for Sri Lanka’s future.
The Nalanda Innovation Center has been developed to support students throughout the innovation process, from the initial development of an idea to prototype creation and final presentation. Its facilities include a DIY Innovation Lab, an advanced fabrication laboratory featuring 3D printing and digital manufacturing equipment, as well as dedicated areas for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), creative arts and agricultural technology.
In addition to its technical resources, the center features training facilities, collaborative workspaces, a corporate boardroom and a dedicated pitch suite. These facilities are designed to strengthen students’ communication, teamwork, project management and entrepreneurial capabilities while providing opportunities to connect with industry experts and members of the startup ecosystem.
His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, welcomed the partnership, highlighting its role in strengthening educational cooperation and promoting innovation among young people.
He noted that India’s Atal Innovation Mission has helped foster a culture of creativity and curiosity across thousands of schools in India. Through this collaboration, Nalanda College and Atlas Axillia will benefit from AIM’s technical expertise, specialised learning programmes and training support, helping Sri Lankan students explore emerging technologies and develop into future innovators and contributors to national development.