Raise the Woof

“The day hunger disappears, the world will see the greatest spiritual explosion humanity has ever seen." 

"Raise the Woof" the animal lovers project organized by the Leo Club of University of Moratuwa was held successfully on 19th December 2019 around the university premises. We tried to give a better day for around 50 stray animals around the university.

Around University of Moratuwa, there are hungry stray animals, while there is a huge food wastage in canteens. So, we thought that we would be able to use that wastage, for the purpose of mere humanity. First, we arranged special boxes with the name of the project and kept them in canteens to collect leftover food from students. Within few hours, we were able to collect the expected amount of food in our food boxes. Large green leaves found at university premises were used as plates. After mixing the collected food with cooked fish, we packed them to food boxes and walked far away on the streets searching for dogs. However, when it came to an end after few hours, we were able to feed more than 50 stray animals.

 At the end of the project, all of us were very happy since we did a great deed by taking care of some lonely animals who did not seen to be noticed by any one. Not only Leos and prospects, but also a lot of animal lovers got together their hand to make this project a successful one. Finally, the project ended as another social service which was conducted by the Leo Club of University of Moratuwa.

Warna phase 1

Colours make our world beautiful and bring much-needed light and relaxation in our lives. But they are more important to have a free mind when studying. So in order to make life colourful for those who in need, project “Warna” was initiated. For conducting the project ‘Warna’, we selected the school Kongaspitiya, Siyabalanduwa. There we made school more attractive for educating by adding extra colour to the school. Not only we painted and planted trees there but also provided those children with sports and educational equipment.  

We reached the school after travelling more than 350km. The first phase of the project was conducted on 7th, 8th, and 14th, 15th December of 2019. Those days, we spent for adding colours to desks, walls, and classrooms. Electricity was not there at night which made our painting task much difficult. But the group did not fall back for a moment. We finished our paintings with the help of the torch lights. Leos planted some plants and made student classrooms for a better place to educate. Not only that but also, we made a water pipe-line.

Since we hoped to complete many tasks during this project, the budget of the project was high. We got donations by more than eighty-eight people. SPC bookstore, DSI company, and Sudha book shop also joined with us. We must be very thankful for all your generous donations that helped us to make this event a massive success. On the other hand, thank you very much for the great hospitality given to us by school teachers during our visit.

Finally, we altogether made the dreams of the blooming buds into reality. ‘Warna’ phase 1 was a great effort that accomplished with a massive success with the immense guidance of UoM past Leo Wasantha aiya and with the collaboration with classical music society of University of Moratuwa, Colombo NTS and MAS.

Kedella

"A friend in need is a friend indeed"
UoM Leos always search for the neediest to make their lives easier and happier. As another successful step taken to bring a smile to an innocent face, “Kedella”, a project to renovate a house roof of a family who lives in Horana was held on 7th December 2019 with the participation of a lot of volunteers of UoM Leos. The roof which was nearly broke down was finally renovated to last for a longer period. This social service was done with the collaboration of Leo Club of Horana Mid City. The happiness and gratitude of the residents strengthened the souls of participants to carry this type of projects continuously.

Zero Hunger Day - Phase 1

Hunger is actually the worst weapon of mass destruction claiming millions of victims every year. There is proof that one-eighth of the world’s population still lives in hunger. Through their Journey of contributing to the world, UoM Leos halted for another prolific project to be initiated.

'Zero Hunger Day' Phase 1 was organized as a Poster Design Competition under the theme "Hunger Relief". This was a collective effort of IEEE student branch and Leo Club of University of Moratuwa which was held on December 10th 2019 at Goda Canteen area of University of Moratuwa. First, all the participants were supplied with colours and papers to design posters. The participants were allowed to start their work at any hour between 8.15 am to 4.15 pm. The posters collected from the painters were then judged and the best three out of all were selected to award prizes. This was indeed hard under the talent and creative ideas of all the participants. The first winner was awarded Rs.3000/= while the second and third winners were awarded Rs. 2000 /= and Rs.1000 /= respectively.
Pleased and cherished by the skilful UoM undergraduates’ meaningful poster designs, UoM Leos and IEEE members ceased another successful project being thankful to all those who helped through it.

LEAP Phase 3

 'Leap' the ceaseless effort by UoM Leos to gift great leaders to the nation, successfully completed its third phase on the 30th of November and the 1st of December at Jayahela National College, Kothmale. The leadership programme was initiated with the participation of nearly 100 students from grades 9 and 10.

The proceedings of the camp started with a discussion on leadership qualities at the end of which, the students were divided into groups that they were going to work with for the rest of the tasks. Then they were given some time to select a name, a leader and a cheer for their team. There onwards, marks were offered for each and every challenge they complete.

 On the first day, a number of fun games including the net ring, blind walk, puzzles and lava walk were arranged for the teams to improve their team spirit. Then in the afternoon, chinese whisper and lion-lady-hunter games were played to give them an idea about the importance of communication skills. In the evening, the bad weather condition did not permit us to have a campfire and the drama competition outdoors. So, the dramas were performed indoors in the presence of the principal and some of the staff members of the school. The competition started with a drama performed by our own leos and then each team was given time to present their own dramas. All the dramas were very interesting and creative. The events of day one came to a close with the end of the drama competition. Students were sent home safely.

The day two started with the physical training session which mainly focused on the physical fitness of the children. Then each team was given a sudoku puzzle to solve. As it was not safe to go on a hike in the mountains in the rainy weather, a treasure hunt was arranged in the school premises. Teams were expected to follow the hints given and find the path to the treasure. On their way, they had to perform different tasks like acting, singing and dancing to get the required hints at the checkpoints. After hunting the treasure, they had to prepare a meal and present it in an inspiring way for the cookery competition. The teams cooked noodles and were very creative in presenting them to the judge board. At the end of the cookery programme, the winners and the winning team of the two-day leadership camp were announced. Everyone was humble and gracious to accept their results.

The farewell was very heart-touching and both the students and the staff admired the service rendered by the young Leos to make a better nation and a better world. That was the end of another wonderful leadership camp that unveiled the young leaders hidden unknown.

Akila Anuruddha Memorial Blood and Eye Donation Camp

 “If you’re a blood donor, you’re a hero to someone, somewhere, who received your gracious gift of life.”

"Akila Anuruddha Memorial Blood and Eye Donation Camp" organized by the Leo Club of University of Moratuwa was held successfully on 14th of November from 8.30a.m. to 3.00p.m. at Old Gymnasium of University of Moratuwa.

This was organized by UoM Leos remembering our beloved late Leo Akila Anuruddha. As humans we all love for a long life. But, we hear many tragic stories in our day to day life. So, blood donation is such a worthy case which can save millions of peoples’ lives. Blood donation is a voluntary procedure. Millions of people need blood transfusions during surgeries after an accident or some have diseases that require blood components. If you agree to have blood drawn, then it can be given to someone who needs a blood transfusion. 

Not only Leos and prospects but also a large number of students and staff members got together to make this project successful one. Humanity was well embossed in that project because without a good heart they would never tend to do this generous work.

LEAP Phase 2

 Leadership is one of the key aspects to overcome hardships through strength and enhanced attitudes. With the utmost motivation of upgrading the leadership skills of school children in rural areas, UoM Leos have initiated “Leap” and continued in several phases around the country. LEAP indicates Learn, Engage, Apply and Perform which are considered as the main characteristics every leader should develop in order to lead a nation towards success and prosperity. 

 “Leap" phase 2, the Leadership Camp organized by UoM Leos was held on 19th  and 20th of October 2019 at Malwaththawala National College, Wellawaya. The drama competition held on the first day of the programme added an extra value, enhancing creativity and confidence of school children. A leader has to undertake numerous roles and challenges in the society to direct the subordinates to the correct path. This lesson was highlighted through the drama competition. Also the camp fire at night was the most memorable item in the agenda. Singing and other fun activities around the camp fire spread the message to the whole world that these children too deserve these experiences.  

Day two of the project started with several physical activities that brought energy and developed enthusiasm. Then it was followed by the Treasure Hunt done to improve their group work and coordination skills. All the Leos and prospects who participated in the programme were thrilled to experience the joy and happiness of the little companions. All the tiredness was payed off with the happiness of the children as well as teachers and parents.

They might be the neediest of these types of experiences because they have not enjoyed the life earlier due to different hardships prevailing in the area. UoM Leos could rejoice on their ability to bring an everlasting memory to those innocent hearts.

Hithawathkam

 True kindness lies within the act of giving without the expectation of something in return. It’s the kind of happiness UoM Leos get with memory after each and every project we accomplish.

‘Hithawathkam’ is a project done by Leo Club of University of Moratuwa at the “Shelter for Homeless” elders’ home at Piliyandala to bestow those homeless elders with the greatest gift of kindness.

 Leos started the project by tending the garden at elders home. After cleaning and making a bed of plants they also made some spots to feed birds. Elders were taught how to make paper bags and we witnessed the pleasure they behold making them. Ending it in a fruitful manner, leos gave back the money they got after selling the paper bags which elders made in two weeks.

Making a difference with another good day, UoM Leos left the homeless shelter with a blaze of happiness in their minds.

Hunger Relief

 "It is an eternal obligation towards human being, not to let him suffer from hunger when one has a chance of coming to his assistance."

“Hunger” the greatest pain of all living beings, still happens to remain as a crisis worldwide even in the 21st century. A considerable number of people including children in our society suffer from hunger due to their poverty.

 "Hunger Relief", an International joint project organized by UoM Leos intended to be a relief to those helpless people who suffer from hunger was successfully held on the 14th of October. On that day about 100 rice packets along with some financial donations collected from kind-hearted Leos and generous donors were distributed among poor and helpless people in Piliyandala and Colombo Fort areas. It was a rainy day and we were dismayed to see the sorrowful and miserable lives of these helpless people who live on roads.

 

We also had the opportunity to have friendly conversations with these innocent people about their lives and problems they face. This was able to conceive a strong desire within ourselves to help them more in the future. At the end of the project everyone was happy to see the delighted smiles on these innocent faces.

Beyond the Stars

 There is nothing valuable than an innocent child’s smile. It’s just so radiant with unadulterated happiness. Knowing that you are the reason behind it, makes the moment of us even sweeter. UoM Leos spent a night with those smiles under the bright stars in the sky and among the warmth of the campfire. Smiling faces were nicely lightened up by "Beyond the Stars" with the sparkles of fireworks on 4th October night at Sumudu Pre School, Katubedda.

The night brings the most fascinating imaginations especially for the little souls who believe that there are deities and gods who emerge through the darkness of night. We, UoM Leos tried to reveal the fantasy of dark sky and enjoy the night with kids. We showed them the beauty of night sky and helped to build creation of night sky in their papers. And then, we prepared meals with that little toddlers and shared that meals with them. At last, we shared the experience of the campfire with that little angels. I think that night we gave light to the fearful night through the smiles of little todds.

We sang song with them and also danced with them which gave all of us an immense pleasure. Not only that, we all were taken back to our childhood by lightning fire crackers with them. It was more than a project, as always for the UoM Leos. 

A Drop of Life

 ‘Healthy Citizens are the greatest asset a country can have’

The health of citizens in a country is a major factor that describes the development of that country.

In Sri Lanka, although everyone is offered with free public medical services most of the people in rural areas do not grab the maximum use of these services due to their occupied life style. Sometimes this lead them to deadly results while being a threat to others as well in case of an infectious disease.

 With the kind hope of lending a hand to these low income families, UoM Leos organized ‘A Drop of Life’, a health camp to address the health issues of people in Noori Estate. Health camp which included medical checkups, treatments, clinics and awareness sessions was held on 3rd of October from 9.00 am onwards at Noori State, Daraniyagala. Patients were registered at the entrance and then they were directed to relevant units by the Leos. There were a number of checkup points installed for the patients including an eye clinic, a dental clinic, a blood testing service and a cholesterol testing service. A mobile lab was also arranged to do the medical testing. 

The camp was conducted for about five hours and nearly hundred people were given treatments. The generous service provided by the medical staff was highly appreciable. 

All the people who were gathered there, including the Doctors, staff and the villages admired the social service rendered by Leos.

Mini Mracles

 The most precious thing in this world is the smiling face of a child. On a special day for all the little children, the 1st of October, we made them happy. UoM Leos spent a day with the little kids of Sumudu Pre School, Katubedda. We all together celebrated the children day with these toddlers by arranging various kinds of entertaining events that we had in our childhood which are new to present time youngsters. The generous sponsorship of ‘Maaya creations’, Rathmalana helped us a lot to make this event more successful.   

 As children grow up, unfortunately their natural freedom is often eclipsed by the teaching and behavior of elders. At school, they learn many things, which are no doubt useful, but they gradually forget that essential thing to be human and kind, playful and make life richer for ourselves and others. On that day we put an effort to make a revolution on their minds. We played with them, we showed them what we were doing at their age and showed them how to ride the “Kola Patha” which is all gone at the present. Also, we sang with them and to add an extra glamour, we brought a bunny costume and it was worn by one of us which gave little kids a fabulous time. At the end of the program, we observed that the fruitfulness of our effort was on a very high level.

UoM Leos were able to go to their childhood again with these little kids. In that lighthearted day, both of us got huge pleasure. Every happy child is a different kind of flower, and all together, UoM Leos and prospects helped to make this world a beautiful garden.

Dream Alive

 “The work of education is divided between the teacher and the environment.” 

- Maria Montessori

It is obvious that environment plays an important role in every child's education. Aspiring this thought, we succeeded in yet another project.

'Dream Alive' is a project done by Leo Club of University of Moratuwa in coordination with Lions Club of Galle Galupura and Leo Club of Baddegama at Pathavelivitiya College, Baddegama on the 1st and 2nd of October.

 Leos and Lions were lucky enough to spend some quality time with those little kiddos while creating them an herbal garden, building a playhouse and a seesaw despite the oppressive rain that bothered. Our main objective was to build the herbal garden which will eventually inspire younger generation for a green future. 

It was such an amazing time spent with the children, their parents, teachers and the principal who not only supported us in every way doing the project but also treated us with delicious meals and refreshments.
Dream Alive got added to UoM Leo history as another flourishing project.

Shilpatharana - Phase 03

The third phases of “ShilpaTharana”, an eminent effort made by UoM Leos with the focus of improving educational level of younger generations, was successfully held on month of September at G/Sri Rathanasara Maha Vidyalaya, Ka/Dehi/Ruwa Mudugamuwa Vidyalaya, and Maramba Maha Vidyalaya, Akuressa.


In this seminar series we would aid in sharpening mathematics knowledge of the students and they would be exposed to a good mathematical environment. This Seminar series varies from our usual seminar projects because we will be doing this throughout the year for those four schools. So, it won’t just be another seminar. Other than a seminar, there was a motivational program also to uplift their educational works and build the mindset of the students who are facing for the O/L examination this year.

In this program, we individually support every student and additionally, we wish to do difficult units in mathematics with the requests from students. Not only educational, but also sharing our experiences in university life was appreciated by students and teachers of those schools. Those days remarked a successful and a happy ending along with the emotional, heartwarming feedback of the students.

Heal the Burns

Can you ever imagine a world without plants? It would not survive as life is generated within plants and distributed to all living beings. It is only several months from when the world underwent through the hardest experience of the burn of Amazon. In parallel, the Ella reservation in Sri Lanka also kindled and got destroyed.



To blow life into the barren reservation, UoM Leos organized a plantation campaign, “Heal the Burns”, at Ella with the participation of a huge number of Leos and prospects of the club on 20th September 2019. 100 plants in various species that would add specific environmental values were planted and nurtured adding novel initiation to the blooming of hope of Ella.



Ella Regional Secretariat Office and Regional Forest Office gave a valuable helping hand to succeed the project.  Ella Flower Garden Resort and Uva Capital Lions Club generously sponsored to transform the tiresome day of the participants into a joyous experience. With the inspired minds of Leos and prospects of Leo Club of University of Moratuwa, the programme met the climax of success.

දහම් ප්‍රදීපා

වෙහෙර විහාර නමස්කාරය මෙන්ම පිරිසිදු කිරීම හා පිළිසකර කිරීමද උතුම් පුණ්‍ය කර්මයන් වේ. ඈත් අතීතයේ පටන් පැවත එන මෙම පුණ්‍යක්‍රියා රැක ගැනීම සමාජ වගකීමක් කර ගනිමින්, මොරටුව විශ්ව විද්‍යාලයේ ලියෝ සමාජයද ඉකුත් සැප්තැම්බර් මස 16 වන දින, කෑගල්ල මොලගොඩ ශ්‍රී පොකුණුගල පුරාණ විහාරයේදී උතුම් මෙහෙවරක් සිදු කරන ලදී.




මෙහිදී විහාර භූමිය අවට පිරිසිදු කිරිමේ නිරත වුනු අප ලියෝ වරු, ඉන් අනතුරුව රුක් රෝපණය කිරීමේ වැඩසටහනක්ද දියත් කළහ. වෙහෙස නොතකා ශ්‍රම දායකත්වය ලබාදුන් සැමගේ සහයෝගයෙන් මෙම කර්තව්‍යය සාර්තකව අවසන් කිරීමට හැකි විණි. කෙමෙන් බුදු දහම පිරිහී යන මෙවන් වකවානුවක, මෙවන් සිද්ධස්ථාන රැක ගැනීම හා සංරක්ෂනය කිරීම සැබවින්ම අගයක කල යුතු කටයුත්තකි.