Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.”
– Akshay Dubey
Parivarthana – meaning “transformation” – is more than just a project. It is a heartfelt initiative that tackled two of Sri Lanka’s most pressing issues: drug addiction and mental health. Organized by the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya by the Team DynamiX for Rota Tomorrow 5.0, under the theme “Collaborating for Drug Rehabilitation and Mental Health”, the project focused on empowering lives through awareness, therapy, and sustainable rehabilitation.
The journey began with a visit to Senehasa Rehabilitation Centre, where the team interacted directly with residents and gathered real-life stories. These stories were crafted into a short film that shed light on the emotional journey of addiction and recovery. Released via SallapaCinema’s YouTube channel, the film created ripples across digital platforms and served as a powerful awareness tool.
Parivarthana unfolded in three impactful phases. Phase 1 included the awareness flyer campaign and the short film based on the true story on drug rehabilitation. Phase 2 focused on mental health awareness sessions in schools, reaching over 300 students from President’s College and D.A. Rajapaksha Vidyalaya. Facilitated by university counsellors and supported by Ada Derana Education as the official media partner, the sessions opened space for honest dialogue on drug use, stress, and emotional well-being.
Phase 3 took a deeper dive into therapy and empowerment. At Senehasa, interactive sessions using clay and art allowed residents to express and heal. Organizing Committee members actively participated, fostering strong bonds and shared purpose. Career guidance and vocational scholarships followed at Nisansala Rehabilitation Centre, offering two full scholarships for salon courses through the Vocational Training Authority – a major step toward long-term reintegration.
A key strength of Parivarthana was its strong network of partnerships and sponsorships. The External Relations team led an effective campaign to secure essential financial and in-kind support. The project was proudly backed by Rhino Colorup as the Title Partner and DAR Al Aayan Contracting LLC as the Gold Partner. CBL Munchee joined as the Official Snack Partner, and Ada Derana Education provided wide-reaching Media Partnership, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation as the Official Broadcasting Partner also Monara News Paper as the Printed Media Partner. These collaborations not only fuelled the execution of each phase but also validated the project’s credibility and impact.
Behind the scenes, the project was powered by a passionate and closely bonded Organizing Committee with defined roles, from secretarial duties to public relations. Weekly meetings, spontaneous brainstorms, and mutual support kept the energy alive throughout.
The project’s impact goes beyond numbers; it touched lives. With sustainable efforts, from motivational boards at centres to post-project media such as after movies, blog posts, and articles, Parivarthana promises to continue its message long after its formal end.
Parivarthana wasn’t just about healing others; it was about becoming agents of change ourselves.
