Atlas PlayPalz, the activity-based learning brand from Atlas Axillia Co. (Pvt) Ltd., partnered with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to support Sri Lanka’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Week 2026, helping raise awareness of the importance of quality early learning experiences.
The initiative reached more than 1,000 participants, including children, preschool teachers and parents, through three events held as part of the islandwide ECD Week programme. The activities highlighted the role of activity-based learning in supporting children’s cognitive, emotional, social, physical and creative development.
With approximately 90% of brain development taking place during the early years, the first seven years of a child’s life are widely recognised as a critical period for learning and development. Recognising ECD as both a family responsibility and a national priority, ECD Week 2026 brought together children, parents, teachers and other stakeholders to encourage greater awareness and meaningful action.
ECD Week 2026 commenced on 14 July under the guidance of Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs. As part of the nationwide programme, Atlas PlayPalz commenced its activities with a children’s event at Sri Bodhi Ground, Gampaha, on 15 July. More than 500 children participated in interactive activity zones and educational play experiences designed to encourage creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning.
This was followed by a programme for more than 500 preschool teachers at Temple Trees on 16 July. The session highlighted the important role teachers play in shaping early childhood development and explored how purposeful play can make learning more engaging and effective.
The event also marked the launch of the new Atlas PlayPalz activity kits, developed to support a range of essential skills including creativity, problem-solving, fine motor development, communication, concentration and emotional expression through guided play.
The programme concluded with a parent engagement session at The Sri Lanka Foundation on 20 July, attended by more than 100 parents of children aged between three and five. The session provided practical guidance on how parents can incorporate everyday play into their children's routines to support learning and holistic development at home.
Addressing the event at Temple Trees, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said, “The early years play a vital role in shaping a child’s future. ECD Week 2026 is an important initiative in strengthening awareness of early childhood development as a national priority and encouraging parents, teachers and communities to work together to give every child a strong foundation for learning and growth.”
Commenting on the initiative, Kasuni Bandara, General Manager – Marketing, Atlas Axillia Co. (Pvt) Ltd., said, “At Atlas, we believe children learn best when they are free to explore, create and discover. Through Atlas PlayPalz, we aim to support children, parents and preschool teachers with practical tools and experiences that make early learning enjoyable, purposeful and accessible, while continuing to make learning fun.”
Through its participation in ECD Week 2026, Atlas PlayPalz reaffirmed its commitment to supporting early childhood development and creating meaningful learning experiences that help children build essential skills while discovering the joy of learning through play.
Gateway College and Prime Lands Sign Landmark Deal to Establish New School in Malabe
Gateway College has acquired ownership of the Regent Country Club in Malabe through a landmark transaction that will pave the way for the establishment of a new state-of-the-art international school in one of the fastest-growing residential areas in the Greater Colombo region.
The transaction comes at a significant milestone for both organisations, as Gateway College and Prime Lands celebrate their 30th anniversaries this year. The collaboration marks another important chapter in the growth journeys of two organisations that have made a lasting impact in their respective sectors over the past three decades.
The transaction follows the Prime Group’s decision to focus on several of its large-scale development projects, while simultaneously facilitating the establishment of a high-quality international school in an area where the Group has played a key role in driving residential development.
Located on a picturesque 3.2-acre property, the Regent Country Club already features a range of well-developed facilities, including a banquet hall, conference rooms, offices, swimming pool, gymnasium and other supporting infrastructure. These existing facilities provide a strong foundation for the development of a modern educational environment designed to meet the needs of Malabe’s rapidly growing residential community.
Commenting on the transaction, Sandamini Perera, Co-Founder and Co-Chairperson of Prime Lands (Pvt) Ltd., said that Malabe and its surrounding areas have emerged as some of the fastest-growing regions in Sri Lanka.
“Prime Lands, together with many other developers, has contributed significantly to the transformation of this area into a highly sought-after residential region for the upper-middle-class segment of Greater Colombo’s urban population. We are delighted to see Gateway College establish its presence here, providing residents in Malabe and the surrounding areas with convenient access to an international school offering education of the highest quality,” she said.
Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman of the Gateway Group, expressed his appreciation to the Prime Group for facilitating the transaction and supporting the acquisition through a phased approach.
The establishment of the new Gateway College campus is expected to expand access to quality international education in Malabe and surrounding areas, while contributing to the continued development of the region as a major residential and educational hub.
Atlas PlayPalz Supports National ECD Week 2026 to Advance Early Childhood Development
