Fonterra renovates sports pavilion

Fonterra Sri Lanka's Grassroots Fund has helped over 6,000 people across dairy farming communities since its launch in October 2014. The milestone was reached when Fonterra, a dairy co-operative, re-opened St. John Bosco College's renovated sports pavilion.

The Fund aims to grow more sustainable dairy communities through a series of projects that have a positive social, economic or environmental impact, and St. John Bosco's College is the latest project to be supported by the Fund.

Without running water and sanitation facilities, a leaking roof and broken doors and windows, the pavilion posed a significant safety hazard to the 1,300 students and the Hanwella community using it.

Principal, St. John Bosco College, K.B. Theresa said, "It was a pleasure to work with the Fonterra team. They worked tirelessly with us as one family to ensure all our needs were fulfilled."

Fonterra with the School Development Society and Kansarmen Foundation, renovated the building and made it functional and safe to use.

The pavilion and its facilities were opened by Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala and Managing Director, Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, Leon Clement.

Deputy Speaker Sumathipala said, "St. John Bosco's College is attended by the children of dairy farmers. The school has a renowned history in sports and is one that has produced many sportsmen."

"We welcome the involvement, support and help extended by Fonterra for this project. It is difficult to maintain a school with the sole help of parents, past pupils and the government. This is why the support of the business community is invaluable," he said.

Clement said, "We are committed to building a strong dairy industry in Sri Lanka, and as part of this we believe it's important to support dairy communities."

"Since 2014 we have been involved in projects which have enabled us to enrich the lives of over 6,000 children, teachers, dairy farming families and community members. Together with our implementation partners, we look forward to supporting these communities through the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund for years to come," said Clement.