SLTC ‘Thrive 2025’

By Piyarathna Jayawickrama – Neluwa 

‘Thrive 2025’, three-day community development project organized by third-year students of the Department of Tourism Management at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) was successfully concluded at Ethiliwewa in Monaragala District recently. 

Conducted in parallel with the United Nations World Tourism Day theme — “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” — this project served as a remarkable platform for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical manner for the purpose of achieving sustainable social and environmental development. 

The ‘Thrive 2025’ initiative primarily focused on three critical areas: Environmental Conservation, Education and Health Promotion, and Rural Entrepreneurship Development. The project’s goals were successfully achieved as follows: 

1. Environmental Conservation Program - A tree-planting program was carried out to promote environmental sustainability in the village. With the active participation of local residents, new eco-friendly trees were planted, laying the foundation for long-term environmental benefits. 

2. Education and Health Promotion - To enhance learning opportunities for students of D. S. Senanayake Junior School, library books and school supplies were successfully donated. A water filter was also donated to ensure access to clean drinking water and safeguard students’ health. In collaboration with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA), a skills development workshop was conducted, providing many students with new knowledge and practical skills for their future.

3. Rural Entrepreneurship Development - A community-based entrepreneurship enhancement program was successfully conducted with high participation from local residents, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods. The program was further enriched by the active contribution and participation of officers from the Divisional Secretariat’s Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship Division, providing valuable guidance and practical knowledge to local entrepreneurs.