Leo Legacy 2026 - Phase 1: Career Lift

 Miles of Smiles 2nd Phase

On 21st December, the Leo Club of the University of Colombo proudly established a fully functioning library with a formal library management system by completing “Grantha Manoroma,” the second phase of the project Miles of Smiles 7.0, at Weerakatiya, Keppitiyawa Purana Mahavihara.

The main objective of this initiative was to collect books that people had read once or twice and kept unused, and to transform them into a sustainable and well-managed library for children who lack access to proper library facilities. In addition to second-hand books, a significant number of new books were also purchased. Through this effort, an open library was established around the Weerakatiya, Keppitiyawa Temple, applying principles of library science, with the long-term aim of developing children’s reading habits and promoting education within the community. To establish this library, the required resources and technical guidance were provided by the Librarians of the Walasmulla Pradeshiya Sabha, who functioned as the resource authority for the project.

The book collection process began in the second week of November and was carried out through a structured awareness and outreach campaign involving both the university community and the general public. Books were collected with the support of various institutions and individuals, and formal requests were sent to institutions such as the Department of Official Languages and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Contributions were also received from the external community, including book authors and members of the legal profession.

Within the University of Colombo premises, collection points were established in every faculty, where book boxes were placed along with clear notices inviting students and staff to donate their second-hand books. Beyond the university, awareness was expanded through the distribution of handbills, the display of posters, and a large-scale social media campaign. In addition, short and engaging videos were created and shared to encourage public participation and promote the idea of giving unused books a new purpose. Through these combined efforts, a significant number of books were successfully collected from both the university community and the wider public.

We also received valuable support from the Walasmulla Lions Club, which a financial donation to support the project.

Attorney-at-Law Senarath Subhasinghe graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Ven. Prof. Pannarathana Thero, Dean of the Faculty of Language Studies, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, was also in attendance. The Walasmulla Lions Club was represented by its President Lion Aruna Ranmuthu Jayawickrama; Director Lion Ravindra Colombage; D08 Cabinat Treasurer Lion Sarth Weerasuriya; D08 Director Lion Aruna Vidanaarachchi; and Cabinet Officer, Lion Upul Mabarana.

Venerable monks from neighboring temples, including Kapuhempola Chandima Thero, Kamaduwe Chandrathana Thero, Pasgoda Dhammaloka Thero, and Venerable Katuwana Subhadra Thero, accepted our invitation and attended the event. The Grama Niladhari, village residents, and nearly 150 Dhamma School children were also present. With the participation of all invitees and the blessings of the Venerable Sangha, the library was ceremonially opened by the Chief Guest together with the Project Chairperson.

To commemorate this special moment, few children were symbolically enrolled as the first members of the newly opened library. A unique feature of this library is that membership is completely free. Instead, children gain membership by donating a second-hand book, thereby encouraging a culture of sharing and responsibility.

Following the opening ceremony, a reception was held in the main hall of the Dhamma School. The Head Monk of the temple delivered a vote of thanks, followed by speeches from the guest speaker and a representative of the Lion Club of Walasmulla, Leo Club of University of Colombo. During this session, nearly 150 books were donated by the Chief Guest, members of the Walasmulla Lions Club, local residents, Dhamma School teachers, and students.

A reading circle was established, and badges were awarded to students of Reading Circle. These students were entrusted with responsibilities such as maintaining and protecting the library, delivering a short speech on a book they read during morning assembly, and maintaining the wall newspaper.

 The event was further enriched by songs and dances performed by the Dhamma School children.

Through this initiative, we successfully established an open community library cantered around the temple, accessible not only to children but also to local residents. With the assistance of the

The library was inaugurated with nearly 1,500 books, and the Leo Club of the University of Colombo is committed to long-term supervision and continuous donations to ensure its sustainability. The initiative received high appreciation from local residents, parents of Dhamma School children, monks, and well-wishers, who praised the establishment of such a well-organized and meaningful library for the community.

“Grantha Manoroma” stands as more than the establishment of a library it represents a lasting investment in knowledge, literacy, and community empowerment. By transforming unused books into a shared resource and placing the responsibility of learning in the hands of children and the community, this initiative created a space where education, values, and cooperation come together. The Leo Club of the University of Colombo remains committed to nurturing this library as a living institution, ensuring that it continues to inspire curiosity, reading, and lifelong learning for generations to come.

 

Penned by,

Leo Hasika Sewwandi