Atlas Axilla, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, held the Guru Garu, teacher appreciation program recently. The event, held for teachers in the Western Province paid tribute to over 250 educators who have devoted their lives to shaping the future of the nation.
Teachers have always played a vital role in shaping the learning ecosystem and Atlas has recognised that their devotion and contributions deserve far greater recognition and appreciation. The Guru Garu teacher appreciation program is an initiative to celebrate these unsung heroes, all while bridging the gap in the lack of teacher recognition initiatives in the country.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of awards, designed to honour outstanding teachers in different categories. The “Sunflower Yellow Award” was bestowed upon teachers whose students showcased the best handwriting in primary and secondary levels. The “Atlas Creative Award” was presented to teachers whose students achieved excellence in art. The event also featured the presentation of six other Atlas Awards, each serving as a symbol of appreciation and encouragement for teachers.
Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha said, “As I reflect on this event, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and hope. This elegant celebration on Teachers’ Day not only uplifts our teachers’ spirits, but significantly contributes to the vibrant educational fabric of our nation. The camaraderie between Atlas and the Ministry of Education has always been strong, marked by a shared vision for nurturing the potential of our youth.”
“The support extended by Atlas during the economic crisis was invaluable. By ensuring a steady supply of stationery, even amid foreign currency constraints, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our children’s education. Their Light a Future initiative, which provided stationery to 40,000 young minds during those trying times, is a testament to their dedication. Partners such as these invigorate our nation’s journey toward a brighter, more educated future. I thank Atlas for their tireless efforts and look forward to fostering this impactful collaboration to improve Sri Lanka’s educational ecosystem,” Premajayantha added.
Managing Director, Atlas Axilla Asitha Samaraweera said, “In celebrating the unwavering dedication of our teachers through Guru Garu teacher appreciation, we are reminded of their vital role in shaping the future. From 2019, we faced several challenges, from the pandemic to the economic crisis. Yet, our alliance with the Ministry of Education stood as a beacon of resilience, enabling impactful initiatives such as Sipsavi, which offered scholarships ensuring equal education access. Our ventures into teacher training and launching Atlas Learn, offering free online education across the island, underscore our enduring commitment to shaping Sri Lanka’s educational ecosystem.”
