Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet for millions across the globe, especially in rural communities, this remains a daily struggle. According to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion people worldwide still lack safe drinking water. In schools, the absence of clean water compromises health and undermines the dignity and educational experience of children. In Sri Lanka’s rural heartlands, this issue is not uncommon.
It is with great joy that we share the successful completion of the Water and Sanitation Project at Uppalawatta Junior School, located in the village of Uppalawatta, Anamaduwa in the Puttalam District. This milestone was made possible through the generous donation of Chanaka Ranasinghe, as well as Murtaza and Avanti Esufally, whose support has transformed the daily lives of the school’s students and teachers.
Uppalawatta Junior School serves 234 students, 111 boys and 123 girls, guided by a dedicated team of 20 teachers. Until recently, the school faced the daily challenge of functioning without a direct water supply. Water had to be purchased and transported to the premises, a time-consuming and costly effort that strained the school’s limited resources and compromised essential sanitation needs.
Thanks to your support, this situation has undergone a profound change. A 250-metre pipeline has now been constructed from a nearby lake, delivering a consistent water supply directly to the school. The washrooms have been renovated and connected to this new system, ensuring a more hygienic and dignified environment for all.
The total cost of the project was Rs. 1,285,523, a modest investment when compared to the immense and lasting impact it will have. Beyond the physical infrastructure, this project restores a basic sense of well-being to children who deserve to learn and grow in a safe and healthy space.
Clean water in schools improves sanitation, boosts attendance (particularly among girls), reduces the incidence of waterborne illnesses and contributes to better academic performance. It is also an equity investment, allowing rural schools like Uppalawatta Junior School to offer their students the same fundamental standards that urban schools often take for granted.
On behalf of the entire Foundation of Goodness team and the grateful students and teachers of Uppalawatta Junior School, we extend our sincere thanks. This project stands as a testament to what thoughtful generosity can achieve, a tangible step forward in our shared mission to bridge the urban-rural divide.
