With a steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and community service, the annual Siripa Sathkaraya (සිරිපා සත්කාරය) social welfare project was successfully conducted on May 7th and 8th 2025, by the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). This year’s project saw the participation of over 300 students and staff members, continuing the legacy of protecting and preserving the sacred Sri Pada site.
Sri Pada, revered by many as a spiritual pilgrimage site, is also home to a diverse ecosystem that nourishes Sri Lanka’s natural landscape. The annual influx of devotees unfortunately results in the accumulation of non-degradable waste, posing a severe threat to the environment. Recognizing this pressing issue, KDU has remained steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and taking action to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable eco system in the Sri Pada area.
Under the patronage of Rear Admiral Dhammika Kumara VSV USP psc, the Vice Chancellor of KDU, this massive cleanup initiative was supported by government bodies and local authorities to ensure effective waste management and awareness outreach. The program encompassed awareness raising campaigns to encourage responsible waste disposal among pilgrims and a large scale clean up drive covering the Hatton-Nallathanniya route.
The participants of Siripa Sathkaraya left KDU in the morning hours on 7th May and commenced the hike to Udamaluwa during the late hours. The cleaning project was conducted on 8th May starting from 07.00 am, with volunteers descending from Uda Maluwa, meticulously collecting and removing waste along the route leading to the peak. In addition, engaging placards were displayed to reinforce the theme of (වනසමුද? රැකගමුද?) Preserve or Destroy urging all visitors to reflect on their role in environmental conservation.
The active engagement of KDU military, academic and non-academic staff and students, with the members of the KDU Rotaract Club, Leo Club, Media Circle, IEEE SB, Toastmasters and National Rover Crew played a vital role in the project’s success.
Through this initiative, KDU strives not only to clean up the sacred site, but also to instill a lasting sense of responsibility among devotees and the broader public. The university looks forward to further expanding its conservation efforts and advocating for sustainable pilgrimage practices in the coming years.
