Written by: Rtr. M.K.Dihara Silva

For the past three years, Sihina Yathra has been close to our hearts, organised by the Community Service Avenue as a continuous effort to empower young minds, foster education, and broaden horizons.

18th September marked a truly unforgettable milestone for RACUSJ as we officially launched the first phase of our flagship project, Sihina Piyawara. This year, we kicked off our journey with Sihina Yathra, a special phase created to bring the magic and inspiration of the capital city to the bright young students of Anuradhapura Katupathwewa School.

From early morning giggles to warm sunset goodbyes, the day was filled with moments that reminded us why we have stayed dedicated to this cause over the last three years.

Unlocking Curiosity at the Museum

When the students first arrived, there was a quiet, nervous energy in the air. For many, this was their very first time stepping into the bustling heart of Colombo. But as soon as we entered our first stop, the Colombo National Museum of Natural History, that initial nervousness vanished into pure, unfiltered wonder.

Wide-eyed and curious, the kids showered us with innocent questions: “Are these animals real?” “Are they dead?” “How did they get so big?” They stood in absolute awe beneath the massive skeleton of the blue whale and marvelled at the preserved ancient eggs and artefacts. Seeing the world through their eyes was nothing short of magical.

Taking Center Stage at Nelum Pokuna

Our next destination was the grand Nelum Pokuna Theatre. As we walked through the iconic premises, the children’s eyes glistened with excitement. The highlight came when a few lucky students got the chance to step onto the actual Nelum Pokuna stage!

Seeing their faces light up as they stood where Sri Lanka’s greatest artists perform was a moment of pure joy for all of us.

A Feast of Firsts

By lunchtime, excitement was at an all-time high as we visited Wildish Restaurant. The kids were captivated by the surrounding modern skyline, staring up at tall, mighty skyscrapers touching the clouds.

Every little detail was a new discovery, from the elegant architecture to the beautiful washroom interiors! Gathered together around the table, the children shared giggles over their very first taste of pizza and refreshing mojitos. The joy on their faces as they tried these new flavours was priceless.

Waves, Warships, and Bus Rides

The adventure continued as we headed towards the Colombo Harbour. Seeing massive cargo ships up close was a thrill like no other. Their eyes widened as they spotted giant vessels, including ships used in naval defence that they had only ever read about in textbooks or seen on TV.

Throughout the journeys between stops, the bus ride was alive with energy. Any leftover shyness was long gone; the kids were endlessly talkative, joining us in singing songs, laughing, and playing fun bus games every mile of the way.

Sunsets and Smiles at Port City

We saved a special grand finale for the evening: Port City Colombo. As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the shore, we sat together on the sandy beach.

We shared delicious cake, brought out a guitar, and sang our hearts out against the gentle sound of the ocean waves. We gave the kids soap bubble bottles, and soon the air was filled with floating, iridescent bubbles across the beach.

Watching them chase the bubbles and run along the warm sand with pure, unyielding happiness was the perfect reflection of what Sihina Piyawara has stood for over these past three years.

Before saying our final goodbyes, we presented each child with a small token and gift to remember the day.

A Step Toward Bigger Dreams

Sihina Yathra was more than just a city tour; it was a journey of building confidence, expanding horizons, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Carrying forward three years of dedication through Sihina Piyawara, we were reminded that while the day had ended, the dreams planted in these young hearts were just beginning to grow.

Graphic Designed by: Rtr. Vinodya Herath