COLOMBO, August 28, 2025 (ePRESS) – The Hemas Outreach Foundation has opened its first Piyawara preschool in the plantation sector, marking a new step in its mission to transform early childhood education in Sri Lanka. The school, located at Pedro Estate in Nuwara Eliya, was launched in partnership with the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) and Kelani Valley Plantations.
The new preschool will give 50 children from plantation worker families access to quality early childhood care and education in a safe and inclusive environment. Hemas said the initiative is part of its wider effort to bridge educational gaps and provide equal opportunities for children from underserved communities.
The Piyawara initiative already operates 70 preschools across Sri Lanka. With the opening at Pedro Estate, the network has now grown to 71 schools, while five more are under construction in different districts. The expansion reflects Hemas’ focus on reaching vulnerable areas, especially plantations, where access to early learning is often limited.
“The opening of our first preschool in the plantation sector marks an important milestone for the Hemas Outreach Foundation. By creating opportunities for young children at the very start of their learning journey, we not only invest in their future but also strengthen the wellbeing of their families and the wider community,” said Abbas Esufally, Chairperson of the Hemas Outreach Foundation.
The Piyawara model follows nationally accepted quality standards, supported by regular assessments, teacher training, and structured improvement programs, ensuring long-term impact in every preschool under the network.
