Supporting Tamil children in Sri Lanka with the gift of technology
Friday 20 June marks World Refugee Day. We are proud to stand in solidarity with refugees by making a meaningful contribution to support the education of Tamil children in Sri Lanka who are impacted by ethnic conflict.
We’ve partnered with the People Welfare Association Australia (PWAA), a charity founded by former refugees, to donate 10 refurbished laptops to school students in war-affected areas of Sri Lanka. These laptops will help bridge the technology gap for children in remote and displaced schools, giving them access to vital learning tools and opportunities.
How these laptops will make a difference
The Tamil children supported by PWAA live in areas deeply impacted by the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict. Many of these schools lack basic resources, let alone access to technology.
“Children are the future foundation of a society, so we are focused on providing educational support projects,” said PWAA President Gurusamy 'Guru' Sriniwasan. “The laptops are going to school kids who are attending schools that have been displaced – they don't have much technology and are in very remote areas. These will be an enormous help.”
The laptops will enable students to access online learning, improve their digital literacy, and open doors to future job opportunities.
A partnership built on compassion
The donation was made possible thanks to the collaboration between SA Power Networks’ Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) Committee and our IT Asset Management (ITAM) team.
PWAA reached out to us after receiving increasing requests for computers to support students’ education. With the support of our CEO Andrew Bills and Chief Digital Officer Eva Balan-Vnuk, the laptops were officially handed over to PWAA representatives on 10 June.
At the presentation, Guru and his colleagues shared their personal stories of being refugees of the Sri Lankan conflict. After enduring a resettlement process that took over 11 years, they now dedicate their lives to helping those still struggling back home.
Refurbished laptops, renewed hope
The laptops were refurbished by our ITAM team, who have a strong track record of giving back to the community. In the past, refurbished laptops have been donated to Ukrainian refugees, BlazeAid on Kangaroo Island, and even sold internally to raise funds for the SA Power Networks Employee Foundation.
Eva Balan-Vnuk highlighted the transformative power of technology: “Having a laptop can be life-changing. It opens up the world to learning, job opportunities, and new ways of thinking.”
About the People Welfare Association Australia
PWAA is dedicated to supporting those affected by the Sri Lankan conflict. In addition to educational support, the charity runs programs to assist widows, the elderly, low-income families, and those in need of medical aid.
By donating these laptops, we’re helping PWAA continue their vital work and empowering the next generation of Tamil children to build a brighter future.
What is World Refugee Day?
World Refugee Day, held annually on 20 June, is a United Nations initiative to honour the strength and courage of refugees worldwide. The 2025 theme, Solidarity with Refugees, reminds us to take action and show that refugees are not alone.
Learn More
By working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.