MAS Holdings has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO (SLNCU) to support the implementation of UNESCO’s Green School Quality Standards in Sri Lanka. This partnership is part of UNESCO’s global Greening Education Partnership (GEP), which aims to transform at least 50% of schools in each member state into climate-ready green schools by 2030.

With 17 years of experience in sustainability education through the Eco Go Beyond program, MAS will collaborate with SLNCU to develop a tailored implementation strategy for Sri Lanka. This includes creating an operating model for the Greening Schools Standard, developing a methodology to certify compliance by schools, and piloting the initiative in selected schools under MAS’s management.

Prof. Sirimali Fernando, Secretary General of SLNCU, signed the MoU alongside MAS Directors Rajitha Jayasuriya and Nemanthie Kooragamage on 2 December 2024.

“Our 17 years of experience through the Eco Go Beyond program has shown us the unique challenges and opportunities schools face, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. These insights will be valuable when developing a nationwide strategy and we are humbled by the opportunity to implement unique solutions that work for every school. We see this as a chance to drive real impact where it’s needed most,” said Nemanthie Kooragamage.

This collaboration emphasizes the critical role of education in tackling the climate crisis and highlights MAS’ experience and leadership in sustainability education. By combining UNESCO’s global framework with MAS’s local insights, the partnership aims to establish a blueprint for greening education that ensures no school is left behind, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable and equitable progress.