On Thursday, 6th March 2025, a group of 106 second year students of school of Nursing, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kalutara visited Sarvodaya headquarters to understand the services provided by Sarvodaya as a non-governmental organization for the health and wellbeing of individuals in the community.

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.

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, BEES Network, 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.

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.

Overall, the educational visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. It highlighted the importance of community health nursing in promoting sustainable development and the critical role healthcare professionals play in fostering partnerships with local communities and how Sarvodaya contribute towards the same.