By Manampitiya Nimal Jayaratne
A group of Japanese university students who voluntarily used their labor and personal funds to pave a difficult village road in Susirigama, Welikanda, North Central of Sri Lanka, left the community deeply moved as they bid farewell yesterday (22) after completing the project in just seven days.
The students, who had been in Sri Lanka for a 14-day stay, began work on February 15 and successfully concreted a 50-meter stretch of road that had long troubled residents. According to Venerable Susirigama Sangharakkhitalankara Thero, the total cost of cement, metal, and sand amounted to approximately Rs. 250,000. He noted that if the same work had been undertaken by the government, it would have cost at least Rs. 1 million.
The newly completed road was formally opened to the public with the blessings of the Chief Incumbent of the historic Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanadhipathi, Venerable Dimbulagala Rahulalankara Thero; the Incumbent of Susirigama Sri Samawardhanaramaya, Venerable Susirigama Sangharakkhitalankara Thero; and the Incumbent of Aluthwewa Sri Sudarshanaramaya, Venerable Walaswewe Chandrarathana Thero.
Implemented by the Good Institute in Japan and coordinated locally by Venerable Walaswewe Chandrarathana Thero, founder of the Sathjana Paura Social Charitable Foundation, the initiative also became a powerful cultural exchange.
During their stay, the fifteen Japanese students lived in fifteen village homes, where residents warmly provided meals, refreshments, and all necessary facilities. The bonds formed during those days were evident at the emotional farewell ceremony held at Susirigama Sri Sudarshanaramaya.
The event turned into a touching celebration of friendship, with village children and the visiting students joining in songs and dances. However, the most moving moment came when the Sri Lankan national anthem was played. Many of the Japanese students were visibly emotional.
In scenes rarely witnessed in the quiet village, Susirigama residents embraced the departing students like family members—mothers, fathers, and children openly weeping as they said goodbye.
Delivering a sermon at the ceremony, Venerable Dimbulagala Rahulalankara Thero described the students’ service as an inspiring example for Sri Lankan university youth and for the future generation of the nation.
What began as a small road-building effort ended as a powerful story of compassion, unity, and human connection—one that Susirigama villagers say they will never forget.
