Leo Club of University of Colombo

  In an effort to foster inclusivity and empowerment, Sahurda Yathra embarked on a mission to provide a helping hand to the differently-abled. With a strong focus on offering professional guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. On March 11th, 2025, at the Deaf School in Rathmalana, Sahurda Yathra will take another meaningful step forward. The project will provide meals to the students, ensuring they receive the nourishment needed to focus on their growth and learning. Beyond this, the initiative aims to inspire and equip them with practical skills through a motivational speech and a professional workshop on short eats preparation. These activities will not only instill valuable knowledge but also open doors to future career opportunities, fostering self-reliance among the students. Understanding the importance of inspiration in shaping young minds, the project featured a motivational speech delivered by two esteemed guest speakers. They shared their personal experiences, emphasiz...

LEAD C1: Unlocking Leadership through Experience The LEAD C1 Outbound Training Program, organized by Leo Club of the University of Colombo, was a truly adventurous experience that challenged participants to push their limits, develop leadership qualities, and foster teamwork. Held on 12th March 2025 from 8 AM onwards, the event was guided by the officers of the Katukurunda Defence School, who provided invaluable training and insights. The day began with a structured session on discipline, resilience, and decision-making. The instructors emphasized the importance of self-control, perseverance, and quick thinking in challenging situations. Participants were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, adapt to uncertainties, and make strategic decisions under pressure. This session set the tone for the rest of the day, reinforcing the mindset needed to excel in leadership roles. Following the morning session, the real adventure began as participants engaged in a series of outdoor activ...

             Freedom of Expression  Even though freedom of expression is a fundamental need, and a human right to use it as a daily practice, In most third world countries, it is not practiced the way it is supposed to be practiced. It is very disappointing to see that people are not using this right to voice their opinion. This is due to fear and ignorance. Fear due to offending a powerful person. In this part of the world it is seen as disrespectful deed. Meantime, people who are under the impression that they are living under someone’s authority, will never voice against that person. Ignorance of not knowing their rights also plays a huge role in this aspect. Also, people are not allowed to practice it openly because of this fear that they will be punished or ill treated due to being exposed. Unfortunately, I see this taking place in Sri Lanka. The freedom of expression doesn’t have its place to serve the community as a fundamental right. - B...

              Freedom of Expression Freedom of expression is the fundamental right that allows individuals to voice their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without fear of government censorship or punishment. This right encompasses all forms of communication, including speech, writing, art, and digital media, enabling people to express themselves openly and participate in society’s discourse. Protecting the fundamental right of freedom of expression matters now more than ever because it is essential for the functioning of a democratic society, especially in an era of rapid technological advancement and global connectivity. In today's world, information spreads quickly, and people can share their opinions and ideas with a vast audience through digital platforms. This makes it even more important to protect the right to free speech, as it ensures that individuals can participate in open discussions, challenge injustices, and advocate for social change withou...

         Care Gen – Phase 2: MIND BLOOM         Together for Health – Together for Hope! The Leo Club of the University of Colombo has always been at the forefront of community service, promoting well-being and inclusivity through impactful initiatives. As part of this mission, the club launched the Care Gen project, a comprehensive program designed to raise awareness, foster engagement, and spread joy among those in need. Mind Bloom – Phase 2, held on March 12, 2025, at Mith Sewana, Bellanthara, was a significant milestone in this project, focusing on mental health awareness, creative activities, and entertainment for 80 special children. This initiative not only aimed to educate and empower but also to bring happiness and warmth to children with special needs through a thoughtfully curated experience. The foundation for Mind Bloom – Phase 2 was laid well before the event itself. Recognizing the importance of a conducive and inspiring l...

    Strengthening Healthcare at the University of Colombo Continuing our commitment to social sustainability and community well-being, the Leo Club of the University of Colombo, in collaboration with the Oruwala Lions Club, completed Sathkara Phase 2 under the slogan "නවමු රටකට මනුදම් මෙහෙවරක්." This initiative aimed to enhance healthcare accessibility by donating essential medical equipment to the medical unit of the University of Colombo. We were honored to have Dr. Rajitha Silva as our Chief Guest, whose presence and support added great value to this meaningful project. As part of this initiative, we proudly donated a wheelchair, a dental mirror set, and a BP monitor to the medical unit. These essential items will significantly improve the unit’s ability to provide better medical care, ensuring that students, academic staff, and non-academic staff have access to more efficient and responsive healthcare services. By equipping the medical unit with these resources, we contri...

  Freedom of Expression: Can We Cross the Line? "The right to freedom of expression is not absolute, it carries responsibilities. Speech that harms other—be it through incitement, defamation, or breach of privacy—must be scrutinized under the lens of ethics and law." – John Stuart Mill In an era where social media dominates the way we communicate, the question arises, Can we express our thoughts without any limits, even if they are harmful? As the President of Leo Club of University of Colombo, I, Leo Damith Kaushalya, deeply reflect on this issue in light of our research project, The Elicit. Our project, rooted in the fundamental principle of Freedom of Expression, aims to uncover hidden stories, give voice to the unheard, and emphasize the significance of this right in modern society. However, in our pursuit of free speech, do we sometimes cross the line? Freedom vs. Harm: Where Do We Draw the Line? Social media has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, it empowers in...

 The Value of Freedom of Expression as a UN Volunteerin SriLanka Maintaining freedom of expression in Sri Lanka is crucial for advancing human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development, according to a United Nations Volunteer (UNV). Itisafundamentalrightthatgivespeopletheabilitytoexpresstheirthoughts,challenge authority, and advance society. Protecting freedom of expression is essential for promoting peace, stability, and inclusive development in Sri Lanka's post-conflict and economic recovery environment. EnhancingGoodGovernance and Democracy AccountabilityandTransparency:Byallowingpeople,journalists,andcivilsocietytoholdthe government responsible for its acts, freedom of expression fosters accountability and transparency in government. MakingInformedDecisions:Thepublicmaymakewell-informeddecisionsregardingelections, policy, and government when there are free and open dialogues and media. AdvancementofSocialJusticeandHumanRights Advocacyforhumanrightsiscloselyrela...

 Freedom of Expression: A Right Sri Lanka Must Protect Growing up in Sri Lanka, I have always been fascinated by the power of words. A single conversation, a bold statement, or even an unspoken truth can shape society in ways we often underestimate. Yet, I have also seen how easily voices can be silenced whether through laws, social norms, or simple fear. As part of The Elicit, the Leo Club of the University of Colombo’s research initiative, I want to share my thoughts on why freedom of expression is not just a right, but a responsibility. It is something we must actively protect if we want Sri Lanka to progress as a nation that values truth, justice, and diversity of thought. What Freedom of Expression Means to Me; To me, freedom of expression is not just about being able to speak freely it is about being heard. It is about the ability to question, to criticize, and to demand change without fear of being punished. Sri Lanka is a country with a deep history of storytelling, debate,...

  Freedom of Speech in Sri Lanka: The Role of Social and Legal Accountability Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in Sri Lanka, enshrined in Article 14(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely express opinions. However, this right is not absolute and is subject to restrictions in the interest of national security, public order, racial and religious harmony, and morality. The recent enactment of the Online Safety Act (2024) has reignited the debate about the balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect individuals and society from harmful speech. This document explores the current situation of freedom of speech in Sri Lanka, examining the roles of both social and legal accountability in ensuring that freedom is exercised responsibly and without harm to others. Current Situation of Freedom of Speech in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's Constitution provides for the freedom of speech, but it also allows for restrictions to be imposed in specific circum...

Together As Humans 7.0 - 1st Phase 2nd initiative   In an era where technology shapes the future, understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Recognizing this, the Leo Club of University of Colombo proudly hosted an insightful and engaging AI workshop on the 28th of February as part of the second session of the Together as Humans 7.0 project. Mr. Umayanga Sooriyaarachchi, Mr. Nisala Shyamal and Mr. Pathum Harshana who are the members of “Voice of Nalanda” club joined hand with us to conducting this valuable workshop.    The Together as Humans initiative has always been about fostering knowledge, unity, and personal growth. This time, we took a deep dive into the fascinating world of AI, ensuring that university students had the opportunity to explore its transformative potential. The workshop served as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, helping students gain a better grasp of how AI impacts industries, c...

              One Drop 7.0 – Phase 03  " Eco Vision Case Study Competition: Empowering Young Minds for Energy Conservation" The Eco Vision Case Study Competition, held under Phase 03 of One Drop 7.0, was successfully conducted at the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, inspiring young minds to take an active role in energy conservation and sustainable innovation. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, followed by a welcome speech from Project Chairperson, Leo Dhananji Umayangika. The competition was graced by esteemed guests, including Mr. Ruchira Adhikari, Assistant Lecturer and Research Assistant at the Department of Sociology, University of Colombo, Leo Nisal Dulmith, FLM District Vice President of Leo District 306 C1, and Leo Damith Kaushalya, President of the Leo Club of University of Colombo. The event was skilfully hosted by Leo Nethmi Kaveesha, setting the stage for an engaging and insightf...

           MATHIN THORA HETAK - Phase 03     School Drama Competition Award Ceremony Leo Club of University of Colombo organizes around 40 projects each year, most of which are social welfare-oriented. Among them, our project—executed under the theme "Mathin Thora Hetak"—is aimed at curbing the rapidly spreading tendency of the use of intoxicating substances in society; the first phase of which was successfully completed at Nawadiganthaya Youth Prevention Treatment & Rehabilitation center and the second phase at Moratuwa bus stop, whilst the third and final phases as shown below. Drama is a very powerful form of communication by which we can effectively convey our objectives to society in a very interesting and engaging manner. Therefore, as the final stage of our project, we decided to organize a drama competition among schools in the nation with the objective of creating awareness and stopping the extensive abuse of drugs among students. O...

                    තිරසාර 6.0 - Phase 01          Breaking Barriers, Building Futures. The Leo Club of University of Colombo has once again stepped forward to make a meaningful impact on society with its latest initiative Project තිරසාර 6.0. This year, the project focused on five Grama Niladhari divisions around Horana, aiming to uplift impoverished communities and provide them with better opportunities for sustainable living. Project තිරසාර 6.0 is rooted in the belief that sustainable empowerment is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. By carefully identifying the most vulnerable communities in the selected domains, the project has been able to focus its efforts where they are needed the most. Understanding the dire economic conditions faced by many families, Leo Club carefully selected 40 families from identified regions, directly benefiting approximately 120 individuals, assuming an average of three fam...