Project ආරක්ෂා

Project ආරක්ෂා

Bus Repair Project: Phase 06

The Leo Club of University of Colombo proudly marks the successful completion of Project Araksha, a six-phase community service initiative dedicated to enhancing the safety and reliability of Sri Lanka’s public transportation system. Undertaken with the purpose of strengthening and supporting the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), this project focused on restoring and upgrading buses through structured fundraising, sponsorship, and volunteer-driven efforts. The conclusion of the final phase signifies not only the achievement of a meaningful objective, but also a lasting contribution towards safer journeys for thousands of daily commuters.

Why We Chose This Project

Every day, thousands of people across Sri Lanka rely on public buses to reach school, work, and essential services. These buses are more than vehicles; they are lifelines for communities. Yet, many face frequent mechanical issues that compromise passenger safety and reliability. Recognizing this, the Leo Club of University of Colombo felt a responsibility to act, transforming concern into meaningful service rather than words alone.

Project Araksha was initiated to strengthen and support the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), focusing on practical interventions that directly improve bus safety. Through inspections, repairs, and necessary upgrades, we aimed to restore vehicles in daily operation to safer and more reliable standards, protecting the lives of countless commuters.

The project reflects our commitment to service that goes beyond awareness, with every bus repaired and every system restored representing a tangible impact on the community. By addressing real-world challenges head-on, Project Araksha embodies the belief that meaningful action can safeguard lives, strengthen public trust, and leave a lasting mark on society.

Fundraising and Sponsorship

To successfully carry out the six phase of Project Araksha, our committee dedicated a full day to fundraising at Galle Face, where we sold tickets and pens printed with the name “University of Colombo.” These efforts not only helped raise essential funds for bus repairs but also allowed us to engage with the public and share the vision of our project. In addition to these activities, we received generous donations from individuals who supported our mission, reflecting the community’s shared commitment to enhancing the safety and reliability of public transportation.

Reviving Phase Six at Mawanella Depot

Following careful coordination with the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Mawanella Depot, the sixth and final phase of Project Araksha was conducted on 27th March 2026. On that day, all project committee members arrived at the depot and worked closely with the depot engineers. For this final phase, we focused on two buses. First, bus GH 3183, a short-distance rural bus running on the Mawanella to Gabadathenna route, where we installed a foot valve repair kit to ensure safer braking. Second, bus NC 0753, a long-distance bus operating daily on the Colombo to Kandy route, received crucial repairs, including a front brake liner set, front brake cam bushes, and a brake chamber repair kit.

Committee members actively assisted the technical team, ensuring all tasks were completed efficiently. With strong teamwork and coordination, both buses were ready by the end of the day, ensuring safer daily travel for both rural and long-distance commuters. This successful phase marked a powerful conclusion to Project Araksha, solidifying our commitment to safer, more reliable public transportation.

Repairs and Upgrades Completed

To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the selected buses, several essential components of the braking system were repaired and upgraded during this phase:

·        Bus GH 3183 - Mawanella to Gabadathenna Route

– Foot Valve Repair Kit

Installed to restore precise control of air pressure during braking, ensuring smooth and responsive operation of the brake system.

·        Bus NC 0753 - Colombo to Kandy Route

– Front Brake Liner Set

Replaced to enhance braking efficiency and provide reliable friction for safer stopping performance.

– Front Brake Cam Bushes

Installed to support the smooth functioning of the brake cam mechanism, improving overall braking stability.

– Brake Chamber Repair Kit

Used to restore the proper functioning of the brake chamber, ensuring consistent air pressure regulation and dependable braking response.

 

With these repairs successfully completed, both buses were restored to optimal working condition and are now ready to return to service. This ensures safer and more reliable journeys for daily and long-distance commuters, reflecting the true impact of Project Araksha.

A Step Toward a Bigger Mission

The successful completion of Project Araksha marks more than the conclusion of a six-phase initiative. It reflects the beginning of a greater commitment towards community safety and responsible service. Through this project, the Leo Club of University of Colombo has demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when dedication is transformed into action. Each phase was guided by a clear purpose, which was to protect lives by strengthening the systems that people rely on every day.

While the restoration of these buses stands as a significant achievement, the true impact of Project Araksha lies in the awareness it creates and the sense of responsibility it inspires. By supporting and strengthening the efforts of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), this initiative emphasizes the importance of continuous care, proper maintenance, and collective effort in ensuring safer public transportation.

As this journey reaches its conclusion, it also opens the door to future initiatives driven by the same vision and dedication. Project Araksha will remain not only as a completed project, but as a meaningful step towards building a safer, more responsible, and service-oriented society.

By Leo Iruni Kawya