Microsoft and DP Education join hands to empower the future generation of Sri Lanka with future ready tech skills

Microsoft Sri Lanka and DP Education, the education arm of the Dhammika and Priscilla Perera Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently to empower the nation’s youth in digital literacy, knowledge to harness the power of technology, especially 21st century tech skills and secure pathways to a brighter future. With Sri Lanka increasingly advancing towards a digital economy where comprehension of STREAM, coding and digital skills would be imperative, there is a critical window of opportunity for Sri Lankan youth entering the workforce over the next decade.

The MoU was signed by Dhammika Perera, Chairman and Founder, DP Education and Harsha Randeny, Country Manager for Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives in the presence of representatives from Microsoft and DP Education.

Driven by a mission to ensure students island wide receive an opportunity to learn AI, coding, robotics and computer programming free of charge, DP Education commissioned its project to the DP Education AI, Coding and Robotics Campus recently.

“Coding is the new language of the world, all including girls, should learn how to code and be part of the digital world. DP Education Coding School will produce one million Sri Lankan coders to build and drive the digital economy of Sri Lanka,” said Dhammika Perera, Chairman and Founder, DP Education.

Within the next three years, DP Education aims to establish 331 coding schools and robotics campuses in all Divisional Secretariats across the country enabling over 165,000 students the opportunity to learn AI, coding, robotics and computer programming free of charge. Centres will be equipped with over seven thousand computers and in addition, every location will be equipped with educational robots to enhance STREAM learning.

Microsoft is on a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Accordingly, Microsoft has collaborated with the initiative to provide tech support and help to bridge the gap between the students and the DP Foundation as they rollout their programs island wide. Thereby connecting students to the courses and materials, bolstering their digital skills, and supporting the creation of a skilled workforce able to compete in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.