More Than a Mark Sheet

More Than a Mark Sheet.

Why We Spent the Morning Reminding Students They Are Enough

Imagine a classroom where the most important question isn’t "What did you get on the test?" but rather "How are you, really?"

For too long, we’ve measured a student’s future by the ink on a mark sheet. But at Leo UOC, we believe that a healthy grade point average means nothing if the mind behind it isn’t at peace. That is the very essence of Project Healing Aura Phase 2, and under the banner of Healthy You, we set out to prove that a student is a universe of potential,not just a number on a report card.

On the morning of March 12, 2026, the halls of President’s College (N/S), Kotte, weren’t filled with the usual rustle of exam papers. Instead, they buzzed with the energy of connection, understanding, and self-discovery.

As the clock struck 8.00 a.m., the venue began to fill. Usually, a Thursday morning program is met with reluctance, with students dragging their feet and counting down the minutes until they can leave. But this felt different. There was a buzz in the air, a quiet anticipation. These students weren’t just showing up for a lecture; they were showing up for themselves. They came with open minds and, more importantly, open hearts, ready to dive into a conversation that is often whispered about but rarely spoken aloud: mental wellbeing.

We were privileged to have voices that didn’t just speak at the students but spoke to them. First, we welcomed Dr. Deemanthe Weerasuriya (MD), Founder of Dr. Dee’s Mental Wellness Center. When Dr. Weerasuriya took the stage to discuss the "Harmful Effects of Harmful Habits," it wasn't a clinical dissection of addiction. It was a gentle, honest exploration of why we run?why we run to our phones, to our screens, to unhealthy coping mechanisms when the pressure of life becomes too heavy. You could hear a pin drop in that room as students recognized themselves in his words, realizing that the first step to healing is understanding why we hurt.

Then, the conversation flowed seamlessly into the hands of Dr. K. M. Jansz, BAMS (Hon's) (UOC), with a session simply titled "Your Mind Matters." Dr. Jansz has a way of making ancient wisdom feel fresh and urgent. He reminded everyone in the room that mental health isn’t a destination you reach after you’ve solved all your problems; it’s a daily practice, a discipline of treating your mind with the same kindness you would offer a dear friend. It was a powerful reminder that in the rush to build a resume, we often forget to build resilience.

And because the best inspiration often comes from those who walk the same path, our very own Leo Dewmini Ranasinghe shared a piece of her soul with the audience. Speaking on the "Prestiges of University Life,".

The energy in the room was electric with recognition. Heads nodded in agreement, laughter echoed at the relatable moments, and in the quieter moments, you could feel the weight of shared experience bonding everyone together. These students participated with an enthusiasm that was truly moving,they asked questions, they listened intently, and they absorbed every word like rain after a drought.

As the program wound down around 12.00 p.m., we took a moment to express our gratitude. We presented tokens of appreciation to Dr. Deemanthe Weerasuriya, Dr. K. M. Jansz, and the Principal of President’s College, whose support made this safe space possible. But as we looked out at the sea of young faces preparing to leave, we realized the greatest appreciation was theirs to take home. They walked out a little lighter, a little braver, carrying the most important lesson of all: that they are not their grades, they are not their failures, and they are certainly not alone. They are the future, and under the Healthy You initiative of Project Healing Aura Phase 2, we were honored to remind them that their minds and their wellbeing truly matter.

-Leo Ilma Cader