About Us

Our Story

The Upcountry Education Development Society (UEDS) is a community-driven, non-profit social organisation established in 2006 in Colombo. Its origins lie in the experiences of young people who migrated from Sri Lanka's upcountry region to the capital in search of employment and better opportunities. What began as a network of mutual support developed into an organisation dedicated to improving education and strengthening the social development of upcountry communities.

These young people faced considerable challenges while establishing their lives in Colombo. Financial hardship, limited accommodation, social isolation and the absence of a dependable support network created a shared need for cooperation. They began helping one another, irrespective of their occupations or economic circumstances. Their connection to their home communities, combined with their experience of hardship, became the foundation of a wider commitment to service.

As this informal network grew, its members recognised that their collective efforts could extend beyond supporting one another in Colombo. They wanted to contribute to the long-term progress of the communities from which they had come. This shared purpose led to the establishment of UEDS in 2006, with education becoming a central focus of its work.

Education as a pathway to progress

UEDS's educational mission reflects the ambition to help children from plantation and other upcountry communities continue their studies, enter higher education and progress towards graduation and professional opportunities.

The organisation's work addresses several barriers to education: household financial difficulties, shortages of learning materials, limited school facilities and uneven access to teaching support. Its approach connects assistance for individual students with support for the schools and teachers serving them.

Over time, UEDS's educational activities have included examination preparation, the provision of learning resources, academic guidance and support for students at different stages of their education. These initiatives aim to help students remain engaged in learning and continue beyond the points at which financial or practical difficulties might otherwise interrupt their studies.

Examination preparation and teaching support

UEDS has supported students preparing for the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, G.C.E. Ordinary Level and G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations. Its activities have included providing past papers and model papers, organising preparatory examinations and facilitating educational support.

The organisation has also worked with educators to strengthen learning opportunities through seminars, teacher training and academic guidance. These activities complement the work of schools, particularly where students have limited access to additional educational resources.

Monthly scholarships and higher education

An important part of UEDS's work is the provision of monthly scholarships for university students who face financial difficulties in continuing their studies.

This support extends its educational commitment beyond school examinations and university admission. For students from financially vulnerable households, entering university does not remove the challenges of meeting day-to-day study and living expenses. Regular assistance helps recipients continue their education and work towards completing their qualifications.

Alongside financial support, UEDS's broader work includes guidance and encouragement for students pursuing higher education. This reflects its aim of helping young people move from school education towards graduation and greater independence.

Improving school facilities

UEDS's activities have also included support for under-resourced schools in upcountry areas, including assistance with school buildings, water facilities, furniture, photocopiers, computers and smartboards.

These contributions address practical needs that affect the quality of the learning environment. Better facilities and access to equipment can help teachers conduct lessons and provide students with resources that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

Digital learning and wider access

UEDS has also used Tamil-language educational content on YouTube to extend access to learning. This is particularly relevant to students in areas affected by teacher shortages or limited subject support.

Digital learning forms part of the organisation's effort to make educational resources available beyond individual classrooms and physical events. Earlier plans also included further development of e-learning, reflecting an interest in using technology to reach more students.

Membership and community participation

From its beginnings among a group of young workers in Colombo, UEDS has grown into an organisation with approximately 3,500 members.

Its membership includes people from varied economic and occupational backgrounds, ranging from businesspeople to daily-wage labourers. This broad participation reflects the spirit of mutual assistance from which the organisation emerged.

Community gatherings, May Day events and cricket tournaments have also formed part of its activities, supporting relationships among members, community participation and fundraising. These events help maintain the connection between UEDS's educational work and the wider community that supports it.

Twenty years of service

The year 2026 marks twenty years since UEDS was established. Its journey connects the experiences of upcountry youth seeking employment in Colombo with a sustained commitment to educational opportunity in their home communities.

Across that period, its work has developed to encompass school resources, examination support, monthly university scholarships, infrastructure assistance, digital learning and community engagement. At the heart of this work is a continuing purpose: to help upcountry children and young people overcome barriers to education and build a future with greater opportunity.