Training Today, Saving Lives Tomorrow

 

Training Today, Saving Lives Tomorrow: How Leo Club UOC Is Shaping a Safer Community

Under the bright January sun, a quiet transformation took place at Matara Rice Mill. On the 4th, the steady hum of machinery was joined by a different, vital energy: the sound of shared learning and proactive commitment. This was the launch of the "Survival" project’s second phase, "Safety First," a day dedicated to moving from theoretical knowledge to tangible, life-saving practice.

From the morning hours into the afternoon, the mill's premises became a dynamic classroom. The focus shifted seamlessly from the rhythms of daily production to the principles of prevention, recognizing that true productivity is built on a foundation of security. In an environment where the synergy of hard work and potential hazards like dust, electrical systems, and stored materials is a constant reality, empowering every team member becomes more than a protocol,it is a profound investment in protecting lives, livelihoods, and the very heart of our local economy.

The day unfolded as a journey from awareness to action. It began with an engaging and crucial dialogue, where employees explored the unique fire risks inherent to their workspace. Together, we mapped out the landscape of prevention, identifying daily protocols and establishing a clear, calm sequence of actions for an emergency. But knowledge, we know, finds its true power in application. The session moved outdoors, where theory met the ground. Here, the team learned to distinguish between different types of fire extinguishers and, most importantly, mastered the confident sweep of the P.A.S.S. technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. In a controlled setting, hesitation gave way to capability, building the confidence to act decisively should the need ever arise.

To ensure this new culture of safety would endure long after the training concluded, the "Survival" project solidified its partnership with a lasting contribution: a donation of fire extinguishers worth LKR 37,000 to Matara Rice Mill. This gift ensures that the readiness fostered on this day is supported by the essential tools needed for ongoing protection.

None of this would have been possible without the exceptional guidance of Mr. DMC Rathnayaka, Senior Airport Fire Officer/Fire Prevention Incharge. His deep expertise, drawn from a career dedicated to fire prevention, and his unwavering commitment to sharing that knowledge, elevated the training for every participant. We are profoundly grateful for his invaluable contribution.

As the day drew to a close, it was clear that this was more than an event; it was the ignition of a shared responsibility. By equipping the dedicated staff of Matara Rice Mill with both understanding and resources, we have taken a meaningful step toward fortifying a pillar of our community. The "Survival" project continues its mission, building resilience from the ground up, one phase at a time. Stay with us as we prepare to write the next chapter.

Our journey is a testament to a simple truth: the strongest foundations for the future are built not just with materials, but with shared knowledge and a collective will to protect one another. The "Survival" project continues, one step, one skill, one community at a time.

-Leo Ilma Cader