Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) has invested LKR 40 million to restore and modernise information technology infrastructure at the University of Peradeniya, supporting the university’s efforts to provide students with access to modern digital and artificial intelligence learning facilities.
The initiative was launched on September 11, 2026, with the inauguration of the CDB Elevate AI Zone, a newly developed facility designed to strengthen access to technology-enabled education for more than 15,000 students at the university.
The LKR 40 million project includes a fully equipped main server room, a modern IT laboratory, an AI laboratory fitted with high-performance computers, and a furnished seminar room. The investment comes as part of CDB’s response to the disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which significantly damaged the university’s existing IT laboratory.
Following the damage, students faced limited access to essential computing facilities during an important period of the academic year. CDB stepped in to help restore the damaged infrastructure while using the opportunity to introduce upgraded facilities and AI-enabled learning resources.
Speaking about the initiative, CDB Managing Director and CEO Mahesh Nanayakkara said the company views education as an important investment in Sri Lanka’s future. He noted that the project was intended not only to replace what had been damaged but also to create a more advanced learning environment for students.
The CDB Elevate AI Zone is part of the company’s Socially Conscious strategic pillar and falls under its Community Impact focus area, specifically Education & Literacy. Through the initiative, CDB aims to support wider access to digital education and modern learning infrastructure.
The facility is now operational and available to students, providing renewed access to computing resources and AI-focused learning tools. The project also highlights the growing importance of technology and artificial intelligence in higher education and the need for universities to have the infrastructure required to support digitally driven learning.
University of Peradeniya Vice-Chancellor Prof. Terrance Madhujith welcomed the initiative, noting that the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah had created a significant gap in students’ access to essential computing facilities.
According to Prof. Madhujith, CDB’s contribution restored the damaged infrastructure while also providing students with a more advanced facility than the university had previously available. He further noted that the project was completed ahead of its planned schedule and represented one of the largest investments by a corporate entity in the University of Peradeniya in recent history.
The investment reflects CDB’s continued focus on community development, particularly through initiatives aimed at education, digital inclusion and access to technology. By upgrading critical university infrastructure, the project is expected to provide students with improved opportunities to develop their digital and AI-related skills.
As Sri Lanka continues to expand its focus on technology-driven education, initiatives such as the CDB Elevate AI Zone highlight the role that partnerships between the corporate sector and educational institutions can play in strengthening the country’s digital learning ecosystem.
With more than 15,000 students set to benefit from the upgraded facilities, the project marks a significant step in restoring essential infrastructure while preparing the university community for an increasingly AI-enabled future.
