EDEX Nenapahana:

Igniting wisdom at Colombo International Book Fair

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Chairman EDEX Kamal Abeysinghe

EDEX Nenapahana, a project to empower students from rural areas inspired many book lovers at the ongoing International Book Fair 2015 at the BMICH.

Whilst visiting the fair, a keen observer could not miss a ‘collection booth’ that stands near the entrance to the main hall. Volunteers at the booth would accept donation of books which are both new and/or in re-usable condition to be distributed among the less-privileged communities.

A project that began in 2012, many students aware of the effort were seen deriving great satisfaction in giving away their own books while adults generously donated brand new books. The EDEX Nenapahana team visited 67 schools since 2012 bearing the gift of knowledge in the form of books. Those who wish to contribute to this effort can donate, in addition to books, other school items such as tables, chairs, cupboards, book racks, computers, musical instruments and sports gear.

Kamal Abeysinghe, Chairman EDEX calls on all leading schools in Colombo and other main cities, to collaborate and collect books and to be part of its campaign. “If those of us who are more resourceful can be thoughtful and generous, together we can make a huge difference, with a collective effort that may not cost us much,” he said. EDEX is the Social Responsibility arm of Royal College Union.