Akurata Athwelak: Tourism Club Extends Support to Schoolchildren Affected by the 2025 Disaster

For a young student, losing school supplies can be more than a material loss. It can disrupt learning and make returning to school after a disaster particularly challenging. Recognising this need, the Tourism Club of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, launched a community outreach and relief initiative titled “Akurata Athwelak” to support schoolchildren affected by the floods and storm of 2025.

The initiative focused on schools in the Dehiattakandiya area, where many families experienced significant difficulties following the disaster. With approximately 150 schoolchildren identified as beneficiaries, the Tourism Club sought to provide essential educational materials and create a positive, encouraging experience for the children.

The initiative involved extensive planning and fundraising by the student organisers. Collection points and awareness activities were conducted within the University, while undergraduates from various faculties contributed funds and materials. Academic staff from the Department of Archaeology and other departments also provided financial assistance, guidance, and encouragement. Support from external businesses, sponsors, community members, and other well-wishers further strengthened the initiative.

Through these combined efforts, the Tourism Club prepared 150 educational kits, each containing a new school bag, a pair of school shoes, exercise books, drawing books, and essential stationery, including pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, and geometry boxes. Club members carefully checked and packed the materials before transporting them to the participating schools in Dehiattakandiya.

The distribution programme provided an opportunity for university students to interact directly with the children and their families. The educational kits helped ease some of the financial pressure families faced during the recovery period and enabled the children to return to school with the basic materials required for their studies.

Recognising that recovery after a disaster involves both emotional and material needs, the Tourism Club also organised a motivational and recreational programme. Club members interacted with the children through friendly conversations, motivational messages, and inspiring stories. The programme was designed to encourage the children to remain hopeful and continue their education despite the difficulties they had experienced.

The motivational activities were followed by a series of games and outdoor activities, creating an energetic and enjoyable atmosphere. The children participated enthusiastically in team games, while prizes and gifts were presented to winners and active participants. The activities provided an opportunity for the children to relax, interact with one another, and enjoy a day of recreation following a difficult period.

The success of Akurata Athwelak was made possible through the collective contribution of academic staff, students, volunteers, donors, and well-wishers. Special appreciation is extended to Senior Lecturer Umanga Rammungoda, Head of the Department of Archaeology, for his leadership, encouragement, and institutional support. The Tourism Club also acknowledges the valuable guidance and support provided by Senior Lecturer Harendralal Namalgamuwa and other academic staff members of the Department of Archaeology.

The Tourism Club members played a central role throughout the project, from fundraising and collecting supplies to preparing educational kits, coordinating the outreach programme, and conducting activities with the children. Their involvement provided valuable experience in leadership, communication, teamwork, organisation, and community engagement, while strengthening their understanding of social responsibility.

The Akurata Athwelak initiative demonstrates the potential of student-led community engagement to create meaningful social impact. By combining practical educational assistance with opportunities for interaction and recreation, the Tourism Club contributed to the recovery of children affected by the 2025 disaster and demonstrated how university-based initiatives can extend the values of education and social responsibility beyond the campus.