On Friday, 7th February 2025, a group of 63 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honors) students from Batch 18 (2021/2022) of the Department of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, embarked on an educational visit as part of their Community Health Nursing I Field Program, accompanied by two academic staff members.

The visit was designed to provide the students with an opportunity to witness how healthcare and social services are integrated into community settings. During their time at Sarvodaya, the students were able to gain invaluable insights into the organization’s approach to public health, social development, and community empowerment. A highlight of the visit was an enriching session conducted by Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, the President of Sarvodaya, who shared his expertise on public health and Executive Director Mr. Damith Kulanayake discussed Sarvodaya’s pivotal role in improving the well-being of marginalized communities across Sri Lanka.

Additionally, the students had the opportunity to visit Vishva Niketan, the International Peace Centre, where they participated in two enlightening sessions led by Dr. Charika Marasinghe and Dr. Upali Marasinghe. The sessions focused on the intricate connection between the mind and body, and explored the role of spirituality in personal and communal health. The discussions highlighted how spiritual practices and holistic well-being are integrated into Sarvodaya’s model of community care, fostering both mental and physical health.

The students’ visit continued with a tour of various Sarvodaya initiatives, including the Suwasetha Nutrition Centre, where they learned about the organization’s efforts to promote the wellbeing of the kids. They also visited the Field Operations Division, the SDG Model Classroom, and the Disaster Resilience Unit. These visits provided the students with a profound understanding of community-based co-learning and engagement, allowing them to see how Sarvodaya implements sustainable development goals (SDGs) and builds resilience in communities prone to natural disasters.

Overall, the educational visit was an invaluable experience that allowed the students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications. It also reinforced the importance of community health nursing in promoting holistic and sustainable development, as well as the critical role of healthcare professionals in fostering partnerships with local communities for enhanced well-being. The visit not only broadened the students’ understanding of public health and community engagement but also reinforced the significance of spirituality, nutrition, disaster preparedness, and resilience in the context of healthcare delivery.