A.M.M.MUZAMMIL
COLOMBO :Aspire to inspire—was the essence of the Serendib Educational Foundation’s (SEF) Annual Digital Awards Day, held on Wednesday February 19, under the theme “Ride the Digital Wave” at Darussalam College, Maligawatte, Colombo.
Celebrating 34 years of excellence, SEF was incorporated under Parliament Act No. 54/2009 and remains dedicated to empowering deserving and underprivileged students with a strong digital foundation. Since launching its digital education initiative in 2017, SEF has continuously evolved, ensuring students are equipped with the tools necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.
With a vision to help the next generation of scholars reach their highest potential—particularly in digital literacy—SEF supports numerous rural schools across Sri Lanka by providing Smart Boards. These innovative tools enable both students and teachers to embrace digital learning, bridging the gap in education and fostering a tech-enabled future.
In alignment with the digital transformation, SEF is committed to equipping the next generation of students with a well-rounded education, emphasizing English proficiency and IT skills. As Sri Lanka progresses towards a digital economy, it is essential that students under SEF’s guidance continue striving to ride the digital wave, shaping them into successful and forward-thinking citizens. Upholding its motto, “No student is left behind,” SEF remains dedicated to fostering digital literacy and educational excellence.
SEF’s initiatives to advance technical and skill-based education, particularly in information technology and digital learning, have already benefited numerous remote and underprivileged schools, including: Bakinagahawela National School at Monraragala, Nasianthuvu Vidalaya at Pasikuda, Nachiaduwa MMV Anuradhapura, Siddi Lebbe Vidalaya Kandy, Al Ashraff MMV & St Mary’s College Mabole, De Lasalle Mutual and Meelad Muslim MV Dehiwela.
SEF proudly welcomed St. Mary’s Vidyalaya, Mabole, as the newest member of its Digital Schools Program. In recognition of academic excellence, SEF has selected eight students who contributed to developing St. Mary’s school website (https://smvwattala.schweb.lk/) to receive the 2025 SEF/ALMA Pathways III Scholarship. This scholarship, granted through ESCOFT, will enable them to pursue the UK Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology Program.
The event was further enriched by an inspiring keynote address delivered by Eng. Ahsan Shamsudeen, Senior AI Solutions Architect at H2O.ai, motivating students to embrace the limitless possibilities of the digital world.
Trizvi Marikar, Principal of Zahira College, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and Ahamed Nibras, Principal of Darussalam College, delivered the welcome speech. Fazl Amanulla, President of SEF, joined the event virtually from Australia, reflecting SEF’s global commitment to education.
The gathering was further enriched by the participation of the School Management Team, teachers, SDEC members, PPA members, parents, and students, alongside a distinguished group of guests, including: Hassan Siddique, Secretary of WMO, Anas Mawsook, CFO of Woman Sheikh Shiyam Azhar Hasimi, President of Maligawatte Masjid Federation. Mr.Adel Hashim –Sri Lanka Muslim civil society, Colombo Times chief editor and former principal of Darusalam College and SEF members and well-wishers
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Trizvi Marikar addressed the audience, sharing his insight into the importance of digital education. The event concluded with the proposal of vote of thanks by Shahnawaz Othman, Secretary of SEF, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to making the event a grand success.
