From June 5th to 7th, 2026, the serene campus of the Tulana Research Centre in Gonawala, Kelaniya, became a vibrant hub of learning, reflection, and community building as it hosted the “Prefects’ Social Justice and Leadership Camp”.
The three-day residential workshop brought together student prefects from Grades 6 to 12 of Mount Calvary High School, Hapugala, Galle. The transformative event was jointly organized by Fondazione MAGIS ETS and The Trustees of The Society of Jesus in Sri Lanka under the project “Paths and Practices of Education, Dialogue and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka” (EDIRI), funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
Cultivating Leadership and Life Skills
Throughout the camp, the young leaders engaged in a series of immersive activities designed to build essential life skills, encourage critical thinking, and instill a deep sense of social responsibility. Moving beyond traditional classroom learning, the students collected invaluable hands-on experiences in teamwork, communication, and leadership, equipping them to guide their peers with empathy and integrity.
A Milestone Moment: The Peace Walk to Kelaniya Temple
A standout feature and deeply moving experience of the camp was the group Peace Walk to the historic Kelaniya Temple. Titled “Nilambare Sudu Paravi Raana Yana”, this symbolic walk provided the student prefects with a unique opportunity to internalize the values of peace, harmony, and inter-religious respect. Walking together in solidarity, the children experienced firsthand the power of collective harmony in Sri Lanka’s multi-cultural landscape.
Growing in Wisdom and Responsibility
The camp concluded on a high note of personal commitment, punctuated by a meaningful tree-planting ceremony symbolizing the students’ vow to grow continuously in wisdom, compassion, and responsibility toward their society.
Tulana Research Centre extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mount Calvary High School, the dedicated animators, and our international partners for making this leadership camp a resounding success. We look forward to seeing these young prefects blossom into true catalysts for social justice and harmony in Sri Lanka.
