Community Service
Pawsitive Plates
Project Pawsitive Plates – An initiative of the Rotaract Club of NIBM’s Public Relations Avenue and
Community Service Avenue with the main goal of addressing the pressing issue of feeding homeless
animals in the community and showing love and compassion towards them. The main aim of this
project was to celebrate the International Homeless Animals Day which was on the 19th of August
2023 by creating awareness to the general public of the numerous amounts of stray animals with no
home and proper food in Sri Lanka.
The project was carried out in two phases namely; 1) The Distribution Phase & 2) The PR Awareness
Video Phase.
The Preparation and cooking of the food needed for distribution took place from 08:30AM – 1:30PM
on the 12th of August 2023 at the NIBM School of Computing’s cafeteria where members of the
Organizing Committee and a few NIBM Students helped us out with the cooking of the meal.
Afterwards the Organizing Committee was split into 4 groups and were delegated few areas where
they had to carry out the distribution of the food and feed stray animals within the assigned areas. We
managed to conclude the projects Distribution phase on the 12th of August 2023 at 8:00PM
successfully with us feeding over 150 stray animals around areas such as Borella, Colombo 07,
Dematagoda, Narahenpitiya, Kirulopane, Rajagiriya, Timbirgassaya, Ratmalana. In addition to that
the project was also able to influence over 2000+ individuals across social media with our awareness
video which was released on the 19th of August and getting them to indirectly take part in the project
as well and to be a part of it by feeding stray animals around their residence and premises.
SYMPHONIES
Project “Symphonies” was an initiative organized by the empathetic souls of the Rotaract Club of NIBM
to lend a hand to the patients of Lady Ridgeway hospital. These helpless children of age 15 years and
below suffer from various chronic diseases and face many heart wrenching challenges every day. With
consideration of the Christmas season, our objective was to entertain these young patients with a
session of Christmas carols. A few of the musically talented members of the club came together to form
a choir and provide these children with a pleasurable day of carols. The choir worked hard and tuned
their voices for a melodious day to bestow joy upon these bright souls this festive season.
Additionally we were able to donate a few essential dry rations to these children with regard to their
nutritional benefits as per the requests of their doctors. The compassionate team of the Rotaract Club
of NIBM dedicated their busy hours into spreading the word and collecting donations within a period of
one month.
“Symphonies” was a project conducted to assist these young children to take their minds off the pain
and discomfort they experience daily at least for a few hours. It was an awakening experience for the
club members to engage in this heartwarming project and to spread kindness to those who are in need.
RIGHTS IN FOCUS
The awareness session on the fundamentals of human rights, which was named “RIGHTS IN FOCUS” held on
24th November 2023, aimed to educate the people on essential principles and importance of human rights.
The session sought to raise awareness, foster understanding, and promote a culture of respect for human
rights in our community.
The session was conducted by MR. Jeyapirathapan jayaratnam, Attorney-at-Law(R)and legal officer at
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. He is a very young lawyer excelled with so many work experiences
and in the field of education too. Their insightful perspective and engaging presentation style contributed
significantly to the success of the awareness session.
Mr. Jeyapirathapan initiated the session by providing a comprehensive overview of the concept of human
rights, emphasizing the universality and inalienability of these rights, delved into the historical evolution of
human rights, shedding light on key milestones and the development of international frameworks that
underline the protection of human rights.
The fundamental principles of human rights, including dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, were
explored in detail. He illustrated these concepts with real-life examples to enhance participants’
understanding.
The awareness session included interactive components such as Q&A sessions and group discussions,
allowing participants to actively engage with the material. Mr.Jeyapirathapan skillfully facilitated these
interactions, creating an inclusive and participatory learning environment.
SATHKARA
Project Sathkara pays tribute to Valentine’s Day by celebrating the unsung heroes of our environment.
(the cleaners) This initiative redefines Valentine’s Day beyond romantic love, emphasizing the love we
share with all those around us. Through Project Sathkara, we aim to honor the dedication and hard work
of these individuals who tirelessly keep our surroundings clean. By recognizing their contributions, we
not only express gratitude but also promote a culture of inclusivity and appreciation for all forms of
love and care in our communities. Through various activities and gestures of appreciation, Project
Sathkara seeks to make Valentine’s Day a meaningful occasion for everyone, fostering a sense of
belonging and unity among individuals from all walks of life.
SMILING BLOOMS
“Smiling Blooms”, an initiative led by the compassionate hearts of the Rotaract Club of NIBM. The
mission was clear: to provide invaluable educational support to the children residing in LOLC Child
Development Center, Madiwala. These young souls, though full of potential, faced a significant
challenge, they struggled with English, a language that opened doors to countless opportunities. With
unwavering determination and a spirit of giving, the Rotaract Club members embarked on a
transformative journey. For two months, they dedicated their time, knowledge, and expertise to
conduct English language classes specifically for these children. The classes became a sanctuary of
learning, where the once-weak foundations of English began to strengthen.
Each session was not merely a lesson but a stepping stone toward a brighter future. The club
members used innovative teaching methods, engaging activities, and genuine care to bridge the
language gap. They patiently nurtured the children’s confidence, providing them with the tools they
needed to express themselves expressively and comprehend the world around them. Moreover, the
project instilled a sense of self-belief and empowerment in these young hearts, showing them that
with determination and support, they could overcome any obstacle.
“Smiling Blooms” not only transformed the lives of these children but also left an indelible mark on
the Rotaract Club members. It reinforced the club’s commitment to making a difference in the
community and showcased the power of education as a compound for positive change. Through their
dedication and kindness, the Rotaract Club of NIBM created a legacy of learning and empowerment,
proving that a small act of kindness could illuminate the path to a brighter future for all.
Sihina Dakina Sinawan
At the core of our values and human rights, lies the fundamental principle of gender equality.
In light of our previous project, the committee and we have chosen Surasa Home in Moratuwa,
a home dedicated to empowering girls. Furthermore, in order to maintain consistency in
promoting gender equality, we have decided to embark on phase 3 of our project.
Established in 1954 and recognized as a Government Approved Charitable Organization in
1960, the National Council for Child & Youth Welfare of Sri Lanka (NCCYW/SL) operates eight
Child Development Centers (CDC) across the provinces of Western, North Western,
Sabaragamuwa, and Central Province. These Child Development Centers serve as havens,
providing shelter, care, education, and training to over 350 children and youth who have been
deprived of basic necessities in life. Tragically, these children come from backgrounds marked
by extreme poverty, malnutrition, destitution, abandonment, and mental impairment.
Hence, Sihina Dakina Sinawahan is an inspiring project aimed at bringing joy and enrichment
to the lives of the 15 children from Surasa Home, who will be taken on Colombo City Tour. The
City tour promises a day filled with exploration and excitement, and from the home, the
journey unfolds with stops at numerous iconic locations such as Galle face, Gangarama Temple,
Lotus Tower, and concludes with a visit to Dream World Studio. After a day of exploration and
activities, the children will be safely returned to their home, creating lasting memories.
Aff-Her-Mation
Project Aff-Her-Mation, held at Muruthettuwa Dehiowita School on May 3rd, 2024, was a
collaborative endeavor aimed at empowering women through menstrual awareness. In Sri Lanka,
where access to proper sanitary products can be limited, initiatives regarding the menstrual
hygiene plays a pivotal role in addressing this crucial yet often overlooked issues of women.
Through engaging awareness sessions facilitated by our very own Rotaractors Rtr. Anthea
Christopher, Rtr. Dinuvi Kumarathunge, and Rtr. Maleesha Gamage representing the Rotaract
Club of NIBM, and Rtr. Melisha Ranasinghe representing the initiative ‘Femography by MAS
Holdings’, participants gained invaluable insights into menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and the
importance of reusable sanitary products. This initiative provided a platform for students and
teachers to openly discuss a topic that is typically shrouded in silence.
A key highlight of the project was the distribution of reusable sanitary napkins to the students and
teachers. These simple yet impactful products not only offer a sustainable solution to menstrual
hygiene but also symbolize freedom, dignity, and empowerment for women and girls. In a country
where some girls miss school due to the inability to afford sanitary products, and where adult
women face challenges in maintaining their daily routines due to the high cost of such items, the
provision of reusable sanitary napkins washable up to 50 times represents a significant step
towards addressing these pressing issues.
Moreover, by donating reusable sanitary napkins, Project Aff-Her-Mation contributed to
environmental sustainability. Traditional sanitary napkins take a longer time period to decay,
contributing to environmental damage. In contrast, reusable sanitary napkins are eco-friendly,
reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
By breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and providing access to reusable sanitary
napkins, Aff-Her-Mation has taken a crucial step towards empowering women and girls in Sri
Lanka. This initiative not only addresses a pressing health issue but also fosters a sense of
community and support among participants. We feel proud of our Rotaract Club of NIBM for taking
a significant step forward in women empowerment with the Project Aff-Her-Mation initiative. The
enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and participate from everyone involved highlight the positive
impact we are making in the community.
A high tax on imported menstrual products exacerbates this issue, making them nearly
inaccessible to low-income households. Period poverty, the inability to afford or access menstrual
products, affects 50% of Sri Lankan households, with many not spending any money on such
products.