FASNA FAROOK
KURNEGALA : Child Representatives Gain Practical Learning Through Exposure Visits Organized by Viluthu Centre for Human Resource Development Under the Support of German Organization Kinder Not Hilfe, Ilanthalir (Protecting and promoting child rights in conflict-affected communities in Sri Lanka) Project
Viluthu Centre for Human Resource Development, under the Kinder Not Hilfe, Ilanthalir Project, successfully organized two educational exposure visits to Kalpitiya on 5th July and 18th July 2026 for Child Representatives from the Puttalam and Wannathawilluwa Divisions. The initiative aimed to provide children with practical learning experiences beyond the classroom while promoting reconciliation, cultural understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
During the exposure visits, the Child Representatives visited several important religious, historical, industrial, and agricultural sites, including a Buddhist temple, the Puttalam Grand Mosque, Narakkalli Kaali Kovil, St. Anne’s Church in Thalawila, the Kalpitiya Dutch Fort, the Puttalam Salt Fields, the Lakvijaya (Norochcholai) Power Plant, and a home garden.
The visits enabled the children to gain first-hand knowledge of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity by interacting with religious leaders and community representatives. They learned about the shared values of love, compassion, respect, equality, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence while experiencing Sri Lanka’s rich religious and cultural diversity. For many Child Representatives, it was the first time visiting places of worship belonging to other religions, making the experience both meaningful and memorable.
The participants also learned about traditional salt production, electricity generation, sustainable agriculture, and Sri Lanka’s historical heritage through visits to the salt fields, Lakvijaya Power Plant, home garden, and Kalpitiya Dutch Fort. These practical experiences helped children connect classroom learning with real-life experiences while broadening their understanding of the country’s history, environment, livelihoods, and national development.
Throughout the programme, the Child Representatives actively participated in discussions, asked questions, shared their experiences, and built friendships with peers from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The exposure visits strengthened their understanding of reconciliation, mutual respect, and appreciation for diversity while encouraging them to become young peacebuilders and responsible citizens within their schools and communities.
By creating opportunities for experimental learning and intercultural engagement, Viluthu, under the KNH Ilanthalir Project, continues to empower children with the knowledge, confidence, leadership skills, and values needed to build a more inclusive, peaceful, and harmonious society.
(Fathima Fasna Farook is a Freelance Journalist, Child Sponsorship Officer – Viluthu Centre for Human Resource Development)
