RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO -With the soft breeze that envelopes the lush green hills of Peradeniya floh ws a promise – one that carries hope, health, and life to communities far beyond university gates. Reach for Water, a purposeful initiative by the Rotaract Club of University of Peradeniya that provides clean water to rural Sri Lanka, is keeping that promise alive.
Dry zones of the island are plagued with a deadly yet invisible battle, contaminated groundwater packed with fluoride and heavy metals. This is one of the leading causes of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu), which silently claims over 1,400 lives annually.
But “enough is enough!”, the voice of the Rotaractors echoes, as they pioneer the project Reach for Water to aid the victims of this battle. Since 2017, water filtration systems have been installed in areas like Kekirawa and Polonnaruwa as a result of this project. Our team of Rotaractors has been raising awareness, finding new solutions, and continuing installation, even during the challenges of the pandemic.
The latest Victory of 2025? With the financial contribution of the Rotary Foundation and in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kandy, Reach for Water successfully installed two 1000-litre Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration systems at rural schools located in high-risk areas. Providing clean and safer drinking water to over 400 students, one system was set up at Galporuyaya Primary School, Mahiyanganaya. The second was established at Meegaswewa Primary School, Medirigiriya, benefiting 400 students, 20 teachers, and 3 non-academic staff members. With these water filtration systems, hundreds now have daily access to safe, purified water. The outcome is none other than lasting protection against waterborne diseases and CKDu, transforming these schools into healthier, safer learning environments.
With over 270 active members and a digital network of 12,000+, the Rotaract Club of University of Peradeniya stands tall as a symbol of youth leadership in action. Their work shows that real impact doesn’t need fame or fortune, it just needs compassion, consistency, and a little courage.
In a world where clean water should be a right, not a privilege, the Rotaractors of University of Peradeniya have made a positive difference in the community by choosing action over indifference. Reach for Water is not just about clean water, but it is about building a future where every child has access to safe drinking water and no family fears what flows from their faucets. It is a quiet revolution led by the youth, flowing not just through rural villages, but through the conscience of a nation.
Reach for Water is an abiding promise that ensures that clean water and dignity still reach the farthest corners of our island, one drop at a time, vitalizing all communities alike. President of Rotaract Club of University of Peradeniya Rtr.Pradeep Buddhika Bandara and his enthusiastic young team working tirelessly to make this project a Reality. Principal R. A. Wasantha Kumara , President : Rotary Club of Kandy PHF. Rtn. Dr. Awanthi karunaratna, Secretary Rotaract Club of University of Peradeniya Rtr. Chamuditha Mahee ,Rtr. Pubodi Liyanage , Rtr. Amayuru Senadheera Rtr.Imesha Pushpanjali participated at the handing over ceremony.
