Restoring Safe Water and Hygienic Sanitation Facilities for Rural School Students in Ratnapura

The long standing need for safe drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities at R/B/Kanaganayagam Tamil Central College in Balangoda and R/Hidellana Tamil Vidyalaya in Ratnapura was successfully addressed through a major renovation and improvement initiative carried out for the benefit of students studying in these rural schools.

These schools had been facing serious challenges due to neglected and poorly maintained toilet facilities, limited access to clean water, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure, which affected students’ health, comfort, attendance, and overall school experience.

Renovation of Toilet and Water Facilities

As part of the project, all existing unused and deteriorated toilet facilities within the schools were fully renovated and restored to proper working condition. The renovation work included repairing damaged structures, repainting the facilities, installing essential fittings, replacing doors, improving water connections, and ensuring a cleaner and more hygienic environment for students.

New water taps were installed across the school premises to provide easier access to water for students and staff members. In addition, essential water storage tanks and water supply systems were provided to support uninterrupted access to clean water throughout the school day.
The improvements also included the renovation of hand washing areas and sanitation units to encourage better hygiene practices among students while creating a safer and healthier school environment.

Supporting More Than 1,100 Students

R/B/Kanaganayagam Tamil Central College, located in the Balangoda Divisional Secretariat Division of Ratnapura District, serves approximately 812 students, while R/Hidellana Tamil Vidyalaya supports around 303 students within the Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat Division.
The completion of these sanitation and water facility improvements has directly benefited more than 1,115 students by providing them with safer, cleaner, and more dignified facilities for their daily use.

The project also aimed to reduce sanitation related health risks, improve hygiene awareness among students, and create a more supportive and child friendly learning environment that contributes to improved attendance and concentration in school.

Creating a Healthier Learning Environment

Access to safe sanitation and reliable drinking water plays a vital role in protecting children’s health and well being within schools. The renovated facilities have now given a new lease of life to both schools by significantly improving cleanliness, hygiene standards, and the daily school experience for students.

The upgraded facilities were officially handed over for the benefit and continuous use of students, helping create a safer and healthier educational environment for years to come.

This meaningful initiative was generously sponsored by SMEC and implemented by Vanni Hope to support the well being and education of rural students in Ratnapura District.

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