This paper presents the results of a pilot project conducted at selected remote and rural schools in Sri Lanka to enhance skills of English as a Second Language (ESL). Albeit English is taught at all schools from year one to year twelve, the ability of school children on practical use of English leaves much to be desired as evident in many a study conducted. The vast gap between the language competence of students of urban and rural schools cannot be ignored since the education policy of the country strives for equal opportunities for all. This project conducted by a group of undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka under the auspices of the Alumni Academy of University of Siegen, Germany on Urbanisation and Rural Development aimed to contribute to bridging the gap between urban and rural school children by integrating interactive collaborative learning in the ESL classroom. The students selected suitable schools and classes, obtained required approval, developed baseline tests as well as lessons to execute their teaching projects. The feedback from school children, their teachers of English, results of the pre- and post-tests as well as project reports, and feedback on the teaching experience of the undergraduates provided data for this study. The outcomes show that the novel approach in integrating interactive collaborative learning into the ESL classrooms awakened the interest of the school children in enhancing their language skills and motivated them to actively participate in the lessons which contributed to enhanced performance.