Project සෞභාග්‍යය – Phase 3: දැනුවත් හෙටක්

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Project සෞභාග්‍යය – Phase 3: දැනුවත් හෙටක්

“Youth-led awareness transforms knowledge into lasting, sustainable food systems”

Project සෞභාග්‍යය  was launched to strengthen food security and restore livelihoods in Sri Lanka. After Phase 1 restored a flood damaged corn field in Anuradhapura, and Phase 2 established a chili garden for elderly residents in Horana, Phase 3 shifted to youth led awareness on hunger prevention, food safety, nutrition, and sustainable food practices. This phase recognized that lasting food security also requires an informed, responsible citizenry.

In Sri Lanka, food safety awareness among school children remains critically low. Studies show Colombo students score only around 60% on food safety tests, and nearly 30% study while hungry. Social media is filled with misleading food content, and young people lack platforms to create accurate messages. The Leo Club of the University of Colombo designed Phase 3: දැනුවත් හෙටක් an interschool video competition for Scout students. Scouts produced short videos on malnutrition, food safety, or home gardening. Eligible videos were posted on Facebook, with public voting from 23–25 April 2026 based on likes, comments, and shares.

The prize giving ceremony was held on 27 April 2026 at the University of Colombo. The event included the national anthem, Leo pledge, welcome speech, and lighting of the oil lamp. Chief Guest Mr. Isuru Sathsara (Chairman, Josephian Rover Crew) praised Scouts as “problem solvers of today.” Leo Club President Miran Malinga noted the project’s journey: from fields to gardens to young minds. Winners received cash prizes and plaques. A musical performance added warmth, and Project Chairperson Leo Kethaka Kalubowila thanked all participants and partners.


Beyond the ceremony, Phase 3 built lasting assets. The competition model (guidelines, rubrics, scoring) is now a replicable toolkit for other clubs and districts. Discussions with the Sri Lanka Scout Association aim to create a proficiency badge on Food Safety and Sustainable Nutrition. Through දැනුවත් හෙටක්, Project Saubhagya proved that empowering youth as messengers creates lasting change. From a flooded field to a chili garden to a Scout’s video studio sustainable development, rooted in creativity and compassion, can grow anywhere.

By Leo Dinil Wickramasinghe

 

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