Anchor celebrates the unique talents of Abiman Waram winners and the communities that nurtured them

Ongoing journey to inspire Sri Lanka’s future generation to follow their dreams and achieve their potential

Teachers, peers, and the support system within a school play a pivotal role in creating an open and encouraging environment for children to pursue their passions.

With a strong belief in inspiring today’s generation to champion their potential, the team behind Fonterra’s flagship brand Anchor travelled to nine schools across Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, Pasyala, Matara and the Western Province to celebrate the people responsible for supporting the winning students from the Abiman Waram initiative.

Abiman Waram is an initiative co-created by Anchor and the MBC Network to equip and encourage young talent to pursue their passion and achieve their potential. The grand finale of the programme saw 10 exceptionally talented students, representing diverse categories, being awarded scholarships, as well as gaining access to a one-year mentorship programme in each of their chosen fields.

Anchor’s relationship with Sri Lanka spans over 40 years, and the brand continues to believe in inspiring today’s generation helping them reach new heights. Brand Manager for Anchor at Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka Dinith Pathirana said, “The power of youth, their resourcefulness and creativity are strong contributing factors to the development of countries around the world. It’s time for students in Sri Lanka with bright ideas and talent to be free of economic challenges in achieving their potential.”

“Abiman Waram is one initiative we have undertaken in order to give back to our community and nation, to enable these children to take charge of their journey and realise the dream and livelihood they want,” he said.

During October and November, the Anchor team revisited the winners and emphasized the importance of championing the potential of the next generation.

Dulanga Sewmini Vaas, the winner of the Aesthetic category in the Abiman Waram initiative said, “From a very young age I had a keen interest in art. My ambition is to be a designer, and this programme has helped me embark on the journey to achieve this dream. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, teachers, and school principal for helping nurture my talents. I would also like to thank Ms. Geethi Apsara, my teacher who encouraged me to participate in the Abiman Waram programme.”

“This programme has been a source of strength for all of us students to help realise our dreams. I would also like to invite other students to pursue their ambitions – and to be a source of pride for your school as well as your country.”

Commenting on the achievement of their student Sayuri Ponnamperuma, who emerged winner in the Education category, Principal of the S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike School, Kurunengala, Wijayananada Dharmasena said, “This is a proud moment for the school, and on behalf of the school’s development society, teachers and students, I would like to express my gratitude to Fonterra for the support extended to our school.”

“This initiative enables students like our Sayuri to create a successful future for themselves and perform well in their extracurricular as well as academic activities. This is indeed an incredible and much appreciated initiative by Sirasa and Fonterra.”