ComBank to set up 'math labs'

A program to stimulate and develop the mathematical and analytical skills of schoolchildren has been launched by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon as a project aligned with the Bank's education-centric corporate social responsibility agenda.

Inspired by the results of the 'Math Lab' concept pioneered by former teacher and innovative learning materials designer H. A. Dharmasiri, at the Miyenakandura government school, Passara, the Commercial Bank initiative begins with a pilot project involving 4,500 students at four government schools and a home for differently-abled children.

The Bank will fund the setting up and equipping of Math Labs at these locations, the training of teachers and students on how to use and maintain the labs, monitoring and assessing progress and the formation of Math Societies in these institutions, as part of the Bank's Sustainable Math Lab Development project.

The Bank's Managing Director and CEO, Jegan Durairatnam said, "The importance of mathematical skills in an increasingly technology-driven world cannot be over emphasised. The proposed Math Labs will be designed to create a sustainable impact on the way the subject is taught and learned in our school system, by using the tools and methods developed by the pioneer of the concept."

The five institutions chosen for the pilot project are Anura Central College, Yakkala, Wewita Maithree Navodya MV, Bandaragama, Siri Piyarathana MV, Padukka, Dompe Primary School and the Sevana Children's Home, Pita Kotte.

The Commercial Bank has brought together a team of resource persons led by the founder and developer of the Math Lab, H. A. Dharmasiri as Lead Teacher to implementation the project. The members of the team include R.M. Premathilaka, H.P. Leelaratne, Dileep Rohana and Anural Jayewardene.

They will be supported by advisors Dr R. Sanjeewa and Sanath P. Vidanagamage.