Isipathana College Launches State-of-the-Art Knowledge Centre

A state-of-the-art Knowledge Centre for students of Isipathana College will soon become a reality. The Isipathana College Knowledge Centre (ICKC), a fully-equipped classroom featuring 45 iPads, is scheduled to be officially handed over on October 1, coinciding with World Children’s Day.

The Chief Guest for the opening ceremony will be distinguished old boy Lakshman Wickramasinghe, President of the Isipathana College OBA – North America branch, with Aruna de Silva, Chairman/Managing Director of Evergreen Plantations (Pvt) Ltd. and fellow alumnus, as the Special Guest of Honour.

What is E-Culture?

E-culture in education aims to equip students with the skills and confidence to face the future through in-depth learning and access to e-educational content.

How Will ICKC Facilitate Learning?

Students will be able to access lessons and resources either within the ICKC classroom or remotely via computers, tablets, or mobile devices, wherever WiFi is available. This flexibility allows students to learn independently, while teachers can distribute academic material and educational content through a digital platform. The ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of heavy textbooks, minimize homework overload, and make learning more enjoyable, mirroring practices in many developed countries.

ICKC Capabilities

The ICKC will provide a modern learning environment, comparable to similar facilities in developed nations, and is the first of its kind in a Sri Lankan school. Key features include:

• High-speed internet for global connectivity

• Customised software integrating elements of Learning Management Systems (LMS)

• Tools for smart content creation, self-learning, guided learning, analytics, and peer learning

The centre is designed to foster self-learning, critical thinking, and collaborative learning, nurturing a college-wide e-culture that emphasizes not only exam success but also knowledge and life-long learning skills. Teachers and senior students will contribute to evolving the platform over time, ensuring its sustainability and long-term benefit.

Project Cost and Support

The project includes the ICKC Classroom (already completed) and the upcoming ICKC Studio (second phase). The estimated cost of the iPad Knowledge Centre is over Rs. 6 million, excluding the 45 iPads donated by old boy Naresh Liyanage in Australia. Substantial funding from alumni both in Sri Lanka and overseas has made the project possible.

Project Team

The ICKC initiative is led by a dedicated team of alumni and professionals:

• Premasiri Epa – Patron, Principal & President of Isipathana College OBA

• Anura Serasingha – Facilitator, Senior Vice-President 1970/73 Yearly Group

• Prof. Rahula Attalage – Project Chairman & Technical Support, SLIIT; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Moratuwa University

• Mervin Preena – Facilitator, Former Senior Vice-President & Jt. Secretary 1970/73 Yearly Group

• Palitha Wickramasekara – Technical Support, Software Developer

• N.M.S. (Mervyn) Perera – Technical Support

• Raja Sirisena – Facilitator, Former Senior Vice-President 1970/73 Yearly Group

• Mohomed Jiffry – Facilitator & Treasurer 1970/73 Yearly Group

The 1970/73 OBA Group has undertaken this project to ensure that Isipathana students are prepared to “step into e-culture” and benefit from modern, up-to-date learning facilities.