STEM Center Launched

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Centre, marking the beginning of the 160th Jubilee Year Celebrations, was officially launched on the 17th of January 2025. Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena took part as the chief guest of the launch. He was joined by Mr Sunil Ranjith Dediwalage, a loyal Old Ben residing in Melbourne and the architect of the STEM centre, along with Rev. Bro. Betram Perera, Provincial Visitor and the Director of St. Benedict's College, Rev. Bro. Dr Pubudu Rajapaksha. The occasion was graced by a large number of esteemed Old Bens.

It is Sri Lanka’s very first STEM institution to be offered in a school. This project is a pivotal moment for the Sri Lankan community and the future of education in the country. 

The Old Boys Union of Victoria alongside the Old Boys Union in Canada contributed towards this project. These generous donors from Victoria contributed with EV3 Robots, and funds towards LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime sets and Lenovo tablets.

Chamber 1 of the STEM Center was dedicated to the Old Boys Union Victoria, in recognition of our sponsorship to launch this project. The STEM Centre is named after Old Ben Felix Dias in recognition of 50 years of dedication to the College. Felix Dias was also felicitated on the same day.

Bens OBU Victoria contributed over 12,000 AUD worth of equipment including direct donations towards the STEM project and proceeds from the 2023 Dinner Dance.  The OBU committee in Victoria diligently worked with the team in Colombo on this project from March 2023 until January 2025 when it was launched. 

The launch was covered by major media outlets in Sri Lanka and below is a clip from News1st Sri Lanka.

The full video coverage of the event from Quadrangle.lk can be viewed below.

Thank You 🙏

The committee wishes to thank each and every one of you for your monetary and moral support in making this project a reality! Thank you.