කොරෝනා සහ තාරුණ්‍ය.

 

Leo Club of the University of Colombo – Bus Repair Project: Phase One Successfully Completed!

Leo Club of the University of Colombo proudly celebrates the successful completion of Phase One of our six-phase community service project. This meaningful initiative aims to support the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) by collecting funds and providing volunteer assistance to repair broken-down buses, helping strengthen Sri Lanka’s public transport system and ensure the safety of passengers across the country.

Why We Chose This Project

This project was inspired by our deep concern for passenger safety. In recent months, Sri Lanka has witnessed several tragic bus accidents — including the Alla-Wellawaya bus accident — which highlighted the urgent need for better maintenance and safety in public transportation.

Recognizing this issue, our club decided to take action. We wanted to make a difference by ensuring that buses on the road are safe, reliable, and well-maintained, protecting the lives of thousands of passengers who depend on public transport every day.

To make this initiative official, we visited the SLTB Head Office, presented our proposal, and received full permission and support for the project. The SLTB allocated six depots for the six phases of our plan, with Kadawatha Depot selected as the first location.

Fundraising and Sponsorship

To make this project a reality, we raised funds entirely on our own through various fundraising activities organized by our club members. In addition to our collective efforts, we were also fortunate to receive a generous sponsorship from Sanasa General Insurance, whose support played a key role in enabling the successful completion of Phase One.

This combination of teamwork, creativity, and community support allowed us to gather the necessary financial resources to repair and restore the selected bus.

Reviving a “Sisu Sariya” School Bus at Kadawatha Depot

For Phase One, we began our journey at the Kadawatha SLTB Depot. After discussions with depot management, we identified a broken-down sisu sariya bus that had been out of service due to multiple mechanical and electrical faults.

Our members used the funds we raised to purchase the required spare parts and materials. Beyond financial support, our Leo members also actively participated in the repair process alongside SLTB mechanics.

Over two consecutive days, we worked at the depot to complete the restoration — and with great pride, we successfully finished repairing the bus. Now, this Sisu Sariya bus is back on the road, ready to safely transport school children once again. Knowing that our efforts contribute to protecting children’s lives is the most rewarding part of this achievement.

 Repairs and Upgrades Completed

The repair process included several major improvements to ensure the bus is safe and reliable:

·         Replacement of brake pads to ensure proper braking and safety

·         Repairing the gearbox for smoother and more efficient operation

·         Removing old signal lights, brake lights, and roof lights, and installing brand-new ones

·         Replacing worn-out tires to improve stability and road grip

·         After these repairs, the bus is now fully operational and ready to serve students safely and comfortably.

A Step Toward a Bigger Mission

The success of Phase One reflects the true Leo spirit of leadership, teamwork, and service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated members for their effort, to Sanasa General Insurance for their sponsorship, and to the staff of the Kadawatha Depot for their guidance and support.

With one phase completed, we are now preparing to move forward with the remaining five phases at other depots assigned by the SLTB. Through this project, we hope to continue improving public transport safety and creating a lasting positive impact in our community.

 

Together, we believe in driving change — one bus at a time.