The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Kelaniya continues to lead by example in promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being. As Sri Lanka’s premier green state university, the Faculty of Medicine has been at the forefront of initiatives that merge healthcare with environmental consciousness. The Sustainability Development Volunteer Projects 2024, conducted under the Professional Development and Family Medicine strand of the MBBS programme, have recently concluded, showcasing how education and sustainability can create meaningful change. These projects were specifically designed to engage students in real-world initiatives that blend environmental conservation with healthcare development, both on campus and in surrounding communities.
Key Achievements of the Sustainability Development Volunteer Projects 2024
- Psychological & Soft Skills Development of Children
At the ACC Children’s Home, this project focused on enhancing the psychological and soft skills of children, equipping them with tools to succeed in education and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, practical tips were provided to their guardians, enabling them to support the children’s holistic development and well-being.
- Enhancing Campus Greenery by Planting Ornamental Plants
Conducted at the Buddha Shrine of the Faculty of Medicine, this initiative aimed to beautify the surroundings by planting ornamental plants, creating a healthier, visually appealing environment. The project also encouraged biodiversity and raised awareness about the importance of green spaces in fostering a sustainable campus environment.
- Cafe MEDKEL: Improving Healthy Food Culture
Held at the Medical Faculty Canteen, this project promoted a healthier food culture within the faculty by upgrading the canteen’s physical and social environment. It aimed to foster both physical and mental well-being among the faculty community, encouraging better nutritional choices and creating a more conducive atmosphere for relaxation and socialization.
- Green Project
The Medica faculty Library Basement became the focal point for this project, which aimed to improve campus biodiversity in alignment with SDG Goal 15 (Life on Land). Students participated in extracurricular activities, including flower planting, which served as a method of carbon capture. The project also raised awareness about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable green practices on campus.
- Enhancing the Faculty Canteen Experience
This initiative, carried out at the Faculty Canteen, aimed to improve hygiene standards, promote sustainable practices, and raise awareness about healthy eating. The project contributed to the creation of a cleaner, more sustainable environment, encouraging both staff and students to adopt healthier habits.
- Awareness and Active Measures for Saving Electricity
Conducted at the Medical Faculty, this project focused on reducing electricity consumption to lower the faculty’s carbon footprint and utility bills. It also raised awareness about energy conservation and its impact on the environment, fostering a culture of resource-saving practices within the medical faculty.
- Prevention of Plastic and Polythene Pollution
As part of the university’s ‘Zero Tolerance to Polythene’ policy, this project, held across the Medical Faculty, aimed to reinforce the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). It raised awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and promoted sustainable waste management practices, helping to significantly reduce plastic waste on campus.
- Car Park Land Area Architectural Design and Improvement Project
This urban planning project, carried out at the Medical Faculty Car Park, focused on improving the design and functionality of the car park to promote mental well-being and provide better access to green spaces. The initiative rehabilitated public spaces, making them cleaner, safer, and more accessible to all faculty members.
- Cultivating Well-Being: A Green Society Approach
At Ayati Hospital, this project focused on promoting holistic health and well-being for children, parents, and staff. It also aimed to enhance the quality of education through innovative teaching methods, contributing to the hospital’s overall sustainability and the well-being of its community.
- Development Group Project
Conducted at the Medical Officer of Health Office in Ragama, this initiative involved educating local populations in Batuwaththa and Ragama about health and well-being. Community clinics promoted good health practices, contributing to the overall improvement of public health and sustainability in these areas.
The Sustainability Development Volunteer Projects 2024 have left a lasting impact on both the Faculty of Medicine and the communities it serves. By integrating sustainability into medical education and campus life, these projects have not only enhanced learning experience for students but have also contributed to a greener, healthier future for all. The University of Kelaniya continues to lead the way in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, serving as a model for other institutions in Sri Lanka and beyond.
