HSBC Group opens English Language lab

The HSBC Group Service Centre, Colombo opened an English Language Laboratory at S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Rajagiriya. The chief guest at the opening ceremony was David Budd, Director and Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Bank plc, Europe, who was in Sri Lanka on a brief visit.

The English Language Laboratory is equipped with five computers and several language programs to aid the students in written and spoken English. A teacher sponsored by the HSBC Group Service Centre, Colombo will instruct the students and teachers on how to use the programs.

Alan Burton, Managing Director, HSBC Group Service Centre, Colombo said that the opening of the laboratory was a project very close to the Centre's business in that it involved both information technology and communication.

He said that as English is the predominant business language, the HSBC Group Service Centre was pleased to contribute to the development of the language skills of the students of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike Vidyalaya and hoped that the students would benefit immensely from the newly installed laboratory.

The HSBC Group Service Centre's association with the S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike Vidyalaya began in January 2006 when the Centre donated ten computers and established a Computer Training Centre at the school. In June 2006, students of the school also participated in a walk to commemorate World Environment Day, in addition to participating in a poster competition on the theme of protecting the environment.

Before the new school term commences in 2007, the Centre will also install taps for drinking water in the school premises and provide clean drinking water subsequently. The Centre also has plans to support the school in various other requirements during 2007.

Commenting on the partnership, the school principal, L. Gamage said, "My sincere thanks go to the HSBC Group Service Centre, Colombo for the assistance extended to uplift the standard of education of children from low income families. We welcome the gift of the Language Laboratory, which will give our students the opportunity to improve their English.

We look forward to the support extended to us for the development of these school children's education."