The annual educational and recreational tour for the children of the Pamunugama Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) successfully took place on November 15, 2025, starting at 5:45 AM from the Seththappaduwa Church of the Mother of God. The group comprised 40 participants, including 31 children from Makalause Dream School and YMCA, staff, youth members, and parents. The initial stops included the Kalutara Bodhiya, where the structure of the stupa and Buddhist history were visited and explored, followed by a visit to Richmond Castle to study Sri Lanka's colonial history and traditional architecture.
The tour then covered conservation and culture. The group visited the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery to learn about sea turtle conservation methods. Following this, the Ambalangoda Mask Museum offered a unique cultural experience, providing valuable knowledge on traditional masks and the history of Shanthikarma (healing rituals). Lunch was later enjoyed on the beautiful Peraliya beach.
After lunch, the educational visits continued at the Peraliya Tsunami Museum. Here, participants learned about the scientific process behind tsunamis and the facts surrounding the 2004 disaster, as well as the history of the Peraliya train accident. The final destination was the Galle Fort, which the group visited at 5:00 PM. They spent time exploring the fort, learning about its historical significance and colonial past.
The group departed the fort at 6:30 PM, successfully concluding the tour and returning home by 9:15 PM. Overall, the trip was highly beneficial, providing important knowledge and enriching the participants' understanding of Sri Lanka's Buddhist and colonial history, the importance of nature conservation, and the nation's rich cultural heritage.
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