Restoring health and sanitation to rural schools

Colombo, May 28 (Daily Mirror) - True community service goes beyond temporary relief and instead builds lasting systems for future generations. This principle guided Project Flowing Hope, a multi-phase infrastructure initiative implemented by the Rotaract Club of Kandy in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kandy and the Educate Lanka Foundation.

Spanning from August 2025 to May 2026, the project focused on improving water and sanitation facilities in three under-resourced schools in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, which had been severely affected by a declining water table and the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

At K/Mawussawa Kanishta Vidyalaya, the team installed high-capacity water pumps and constructed a campus-wide PVC pipeline network, providing running water across the school premises for the first time in its history.

At Thalihungama Kanishta Vidyalaya, damaged infrastructure caused by the cyclone was replaced with a heavy-duty motor system, restoring reliable tap water access for more than 170 students.

Recognising that access to water must be matched with dignity and hygiene, Phase III of the project saw the construction of a modern multi-cubicle sanitation facility, replacing unsafe and outdated structures with hygienic and private amenities for students.

In the final phase at Devahandiya Kanishta Vidyalaya, a 120-foot deep borehole was drilled into bedrock to secure a stable water source. This was further supported by an industrial Reverse Osmosis plant to ensure safe drinking water and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

With a total investment of Rs. 1,982,513, Project Flowing Hope has delivered sustainable water and sanitation solutions benefiting over 240 students across the three schools, along with approximately 250 families in surrounding rural communities.