During the launch, youth volunteers were briefed on the projects planned for the district and were subsequently deployed to their respective worksites. A series of community service activities are scheduled to be carried out across the Badulla District today (27) and tomorrow (28).
The two-day operation includes the repair of schools damaged by recent disasters, cleaning of irrigation systems and roadways, organizing entertainment programs for residents in welfare centres, donating medicines to hospitals, and distributing essential supplies to children and adults at safety centres.
Addressing the volunteers, Chairman of the National Youth Services Council and Director General of Youth Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Supun Wijeratne, said this initiative marks the second phase of the “One Million Volunteers” program, following the successful labour mission held recently in Chilaw. He noted that the program provides an opportunity for youth to contribute at their maximum capacity to assist affected communities and support national rebuilding efforts.
Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake said the country could not be allowed to decline again due to the disaster, especially at a time when the economy was showing signs of recovery. He expressed appreciation to the young volunteers who came forward to serve the nation.
Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne said that, with the support of voluntary labour, schools in the Badulla District are expected to reopen on February 5. He added that the disaster had highlighted the importance of volunteerism as a key pillar in rebuilding the country.
The event was attended by the Governor of the Uva Province, officials from the National Youth Services Council and the National Youth Corps, along with a large number of volunteers. Interested individuals can continue to register for the program via volunteer.nysc.lk.
