On 27 January 2026, 19 fourth-year MBBS students from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) visited Sarvodaya for an interactive, community-based learning program facilitated by the Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning (SIHL).

The visit aimed to introduce students to community development and public health practice, enabling them to understand community health issues, assess available services, and observe health promotion initiatives beyond clinical settings.

Students engaged in learning sessions led by Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, Honorary President of the Sarvodaya Movement, on public health in Sri Lanka and Sarvodaya’s health interventions, followed by an introduction to Sarvodaya’s community development model by Mr. Damith Kulanayake, Executive Director.

The program also included immersive visits to selected units, including the Field Operations Division, Suwasetha Nutrition Centre, and Vishva Niketan, offering practical insights into grassroots health and development initiatives. Further, students got an opportunity to meet Mrs. Neetha Ariyaratne.

This field practicum reaffirmed Sarvodaya’s commitment to education beyond the classroom and SIHL’s role in fostering interdisciplinary, experiential learning. For the KDU medical students, the visit served as a valuable opportunity to connect clinical knowledge with community realities—an essential step in shaping compassionate, socially responsible future doctors.