“මහා සෑ අභිවන්දනා” (Maha Se Abhiwandana) was successfully conducted as a religious offering and community service project at the sacred Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura from 1st to 3rd May 2026. The project was carried out as part of the IMGT 3242 – Project Management course module offered by the Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, under the guidance of Dr. Asanka Dharmawansa, with the encouragement and support of the lecturers and academic members of the Department of Industrial Management.
The initiative was organized by two undergraduates reading for the BSc Honours in Industrial Management, with the valuable support and participation of fellow undergraduates, friends, donors and well-wishers. What began as a course project developed into a meaningful experience that brought together spirituality, community service and practical learning.
The programme brought together 40 university students to participate in a range of religious activities, including Se Maluwa cleaning, gilanpasa offerings, medicine and pirikara offerings, a lighting ceremony and Pirith chanting.
One of the most memorable aspects of the journey was the opportunity to contribute to cleaning activities at the sacred Ruwanweli Maha Seya. The programme provided participants with a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful service while strengthening their connection with religious and cultural values. Throughout the project, participants demonstrated unity and commitment, contributing their time and effort towards making the initiative a success.
A particularly memorable part of the programme was the preparation of 24 varieties of gilanpasa together with other religious offerings. During the evening, participants also arranged and lit more than 1,000 oil lamps, creating a beautiful and meaningful moment of collective devotion at the sacred site.
“Maha Seya Abhiwandana” ultimately became more than an academic project. It was a journey that brought young people together through spirituality, service, friendship and shared responsibility. Beyond the spiritual and social value of the initiative, experiences of this nature play an important role in shaping students’ practical skills and personal development. By stepping beyond the classroom and working towards a common purpose, students gain valuable experience in teamwork, communication, leadership, responsibility and problem-solving.
The successful completion of the project reflects the value of learning through experience and demonstrates how meaningful initiatives can contribute to the holistic development of university students while creating lasting memories and a positive impact beyond the classroom
