Hansa Kalayathanaya was founded by Anura Kumara in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools across Sri Lanka were temporarily closed. Recognising the emotional and psychological challenges faced by school children during this difficult period, the organisation was established at the invitation of the Department of Cultural Affairs as an alternative platform to support children's mental well-being and personal development.
Through various programmes focused on mental wellness and intellectual development, Hansa Kalayathanaya provides children with opportunities to participate in creative art classes and activities organised by the institution and its affiliated societies. These initiatives aim to nurture creativity, strengthen emotional resilience, and encourage positive social interaction among children and young people.
Hansa Kalayathanaya is committed to nurturing a generation of creative, capable, and responsible young people who can contribute meaningfully to the country's future and respond to its evolving economic and social needs. Through its community service activities, the organisation strives to create a positive environment where children and youth can develop their talents, build confidence, and become valuable members of society. Its key services include:
-
Free Art Classes for Children: Providing free art classes for preschool and schoolchildren to develop creativity, artistic skills, and self-expression.
-
Drug Prevention Programmes: Organising awareness programmes to educate children and young people about the dangers of drug use and encourage healthy lifestyles.
-
Shramadana Campaigns: Conducting community-based voluntary activities to promote cleanliness, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.
-
Woodcraft Training for Youth: Providing practical knowledge and vocational training in woodcraft to help young people develop valuable skills and explore future employment opportunities.
-
Innovation and Creative Engineering: Encouraging innovative solutions to traditional practices, including the development of mechanical and robotic elephants for religious and cultural processions. These innovations aim to support cultural traditions through modern technology.