Improving Access to Safe Drinking Water for School and Community in Kegalle District

Access to clean and reliable drinking water remains a significant challenge for many rural schools in Sri Lanka, particularly those serving plantation and low income communities. In these settings, the lack of safe water affects not only daily school routines, but also student health, hygiene, and overall wellbeing.

In the Kegalle District of Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province, Yatiyanthota Barathi Tamil Maha Vidyalayam faced long standing difficulties due to the absence of adequate drinking water facilities. Serving both schoolchildren and surrounding community members, the school struggled to meet basic water needs, placing students at risk of waterborne illness and limiting proper hygiene practices during the school day.

To address this urgent need, a dedicated drinking water facilities project was implemented to establish a sustainable and reliable water source for the school and nearby community.

School and Community Context

Yatiyanthota Barathi Tamil Maha Vidyalayam is located within the Dheiyovita Educational Zone and serves approximately 400 students, while also supporting an estimated 1,000 community members who rely on the school as a shared resource.

The surrounding area is home to plantation workers and families dependent on daily wage labour and small-scale farming. Many households have been significantly affected by Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic challenges, making access to basic services such as clean water increasingly difficult. Within this context, the absence of a dependable water supply at the school placed added strain on students, teachers, and families alike.

Understanding the Water Access Challenge

Initial assessments and consultations highlighted that the school and nearby community lacked a reliable source of clean drinking water. Students often had limited access to safe water during school hours, creating challenges for maintaining hygiene and increasing vulnerability to illness.

Without adequate water infrastructure, handwashing and sanitation practices were difficult to sustain, particularly for younger children. Time spent sourcing water also disrupted learning and daily routines, reinforcing existing barriers to education and wellbeing.

Delivering a Sustainable Drinking Water Solution

Based on assessment findings, a targeted project was designed to provide drinking water facilities that would serve both the school and surrounding community. The initiative focused on creating a dependable water system that could be maintained locally and continue to function long after installation.

Key activities included:

• School level data collection and needs assessments
• Consultations with relevant stakeholders and technical personnel
• Installation of drinking water infrastructure and fittings
• A formal handover process with the school community

To ensure long term impact, the project incorporated a sustainability approach that emphasized community ownership. School staff and community members were engaged throughout implementation to build awareness, responsibility, and capacity for system upkeep.

Plans were also put in place to support routine maintenance and promote good hygiene practices, helping ensure continued access to safe water for future generations of students.

Impact on Health, Hygiene, and Learning

Improved access to clean drinking water supports healthier school environments by reducing exposure to waterborne diseases and enabling proper hygiene practices such as handwashing. Reliable water access also contributes to improved school attendance and more consistent learning conditions.

For students and families connected to Yatiyanthota Barathi Tamil Maha Vidyalayam, the project represents a meaningful step toward improved daily wellbeing, dignity, and educational opportunity. Access to safe water helps create a school environment where children can focus on learning without the added burden of unmet basic needs.

Acknowledging Our Sponsors

This drinking water facilities project was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Thamo and Pushpam Gangatharan. Their support played a vital role in enabling the establishment of a sustainable water solution for the school and surrounding community.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Thamo and Pushpam Gangatharan for their commitment to supporting health, education, and wellbeing in underserved communities. Their contribution has created a lasting impact for students and families in the Kegalle District, helping improve daily life and strengthen the foundation for healthier learning environments.

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