Towards a Safer Journey through Awareness and Action
In a world where one's distraction for a moment behind the wheel can turn life upside down, "සුරැකි හෙටක් 8.0 – Phase 03" did not become an event; it became a mission to save lives. It was a project of the Leo Club University of Colombo that took its socially successful initiative to the streets of Haldanduwana on April 30, 2025, with one and only strong objective—to promote road safety through education and awareness.
Structured between 8.00 A.M. and 2.00 P.M. at St. Mary's Church, Haldanduwana, covering the town, this third phase was a step in the right direction of confidence in the drama that was unfolding in Sureki Hetak. With over fifty energetic volunteers involved, the program was to develop a culture of commuter politeness where every pedestrian, cyclist, and driver is a considerate part of road risk minimization.
The day was full of interactive sessions on traffic rules and road signs, the purpose of which was to invite participation by all ages. Far from being abstract, the sessions were concrete in terms of hands-on demonstrations, real-life scenarios, and interactive dialogue. The message came across forcefully: road awareness is no less critical than walking or traveling on the road. From learning how to identify the most critical road signs to discussing general safety hazards, participants left with information that one day could save a life.
Contributing material to the program, specific focus was given to accident-avoidance strategies and the effect of everyday decisions—wearing helmets, crossing streets only at designated pedestrian crosswalks, staying off cell phones while traveling. These were not presentations on passing legislation but on making smarter, safer decisions. It was the grassroots nature of this stage that truly made it shine. By bringing the message out of four walls onto the streets of Haldanduwana, the programme guaranteed not only that awareness was being communicated—but also experienced. Shopkeepers, passersby, and strangers alike were drawn into informal discussions, and demonstrated that security is everyone's concern.
It would never have been an option if not for the incessant hard work of the organizing committee. Club President Leo Damith Kaushalya and Project Chairperson Leo Demini Prathibha gave vision and dedication in steering and demonstrated leadership of substance can convert ideas into actions that have a physical effect. It was their ability to rally an army and motivate a crowd that turned this campaign not only into a success, but also in to a memorable experience. When the campaign finally came to an end, one thing was certain—"සුරැකි හෙටක් 8.0 – Phase 03" didn't just leave its imprint on Haldanduwana roads; it planted seeds of awareness in minds. It taught us that safety doesn't begin with signals or signs but begins with knowledgeable minds who choose to care.
We'll walk together—toward roads not just less clogged, but safer. Towards tomorrow that's not just brighter, but secure.
- By Leo Lakshi Anuradha -
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