STUDENT WELFARE COMMITTEE

The “Student Welfare Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (SWC – FMS) is established with a vision of “Prosper lives through education.”

Mission

To provide feasible and sustainable facilities to students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences enhancing the quality of undergraduate life by developing an enabling teaching learning environment through improved student welfare facilities.

Objectives

  1. Develop an enabling teaching learning environment, in the best interest of the students
  2. Manage and maintain the Medical Students Financial Assistance Scheme
  3. Fund the student welfare activities when required

All students registered under FMS, USJ will automatically become members of the SWC. Furthermore, Academic Staff Members who are interested in Student Welfare Activities can join the Student Welfare Committee. Patron is the Dean of Faculty of Medical Sciences

Activities

  • Scholarship Scheme
    Provide financial assistance to more than 150 medical undergraduates. Annually interviews are conducted to identify students in need, and the committee coordinates scholarships through external donors.
  • Development and upgrading students’ facilities, sorting out issues related to hostels, canteens.
  • Construction of a new recreational room on the ground floor of pathology extension, for which funds are being raised.
  • Authorize students’ medicals.

Crafting Living Art

A Journey into Terrarium Design with FMS–USJ & AQUALeads

The Student Welfare Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, successfully hosted a unique and hands-on Terrarium Workshop on 29th August 2025 under the theme “Crafting Living Art.” This creative and eco-conscious event brought together 15 enthusiastic participants, including staff and students, for an immersive exploration into the science and artistry of self-sustaining ecosystems.

The workshop was facilitated by AQUALeads, led by Mr Sathsara Dinujaya, a seasoned biotechnologist and terrarium artist with over 15 years of experience. Participants were guided through the core concepts of terrarium ecosystems, substrate layering, plant care, and aesthetic design—culminating in the creation of their own 5L bottle terrarium to take home.

In addition to its educational value, the workshop had a strong fundraising purpose. All funds have been directed to the Student Welfare Committee to support student wellbeing initiatives.

Workshop Highlights

  • Introduction to terrarium ecosystems and substrate layering
  • Live demonstration by Aqua Leads
  • Guided hands-on session for participants
  • Tips on plant care and terrarium maintenance
  • Eco-conscious focus using sustainable materials
  • Open Q&A and personalised feedback

Participant Feedback & Reflections

The atmosphere throughout the event was warm, engaging, and rejuvenating. Participants described the workshop as:
✨ “Therapeutic”
📚 “Educational”
🌟 “Inspiring”

Medical students, in particular, expressed deep appreciation for this rare opportunity to participate in a hands-on, artistic activity outside their usual academic routine. The presence of parent–child pairs added a special dimension of intergenerational learning, as families co-created their own miniature ecosystems—an experience that was as heartwarming as it was memorable.

By blending science, sustainability, and creativity, “Crafting Living Art” beautifully demonstrated how the Faculty continues to foster student-centred, holistic experiences that go beyond the classroom.