Reviewed by D. W. S. C. Danthasinghe & T. Humrushan
In the early hours of 5 August 2025, long before dawn touched the hills, members of the Trinity College Kandy Ornithology Club set out for Avifauna Nexus ’25 – a two-day residential field programme held at the Trinity Eco Learning Arena (TELA) premises in Pallekele.
More than a simple excursion, this event was designed to combine environmental conservation with leadership, teamwork, and experiential learning. Students from Grade 7 upwards took part in a thoughtfully curated programme that connected nature with the skills and values needed in the 21st century.
The day began at 4.30 a.m. in the College Main Hall with a prayer led by the Teacher-in-Charge. By 5.00 a.m., the group was en route, arriving at TELA an hour later. Upon arrival and check-in, participants were divided into four mixed-age teams, each guided by a pair of Grade 12 leaders:
- Team Gracula – Dulein Rathnayake & Oneth Croos
- Team Gallus – Sawin Danthasinghe & Sandeesh Mullegama
- Team Loriculus – T. Humrushan & A. R. M. Sharaf
- Team Centropus – Biman Mederigama & Denuka Somaratne
The programme opened with a planting initiative. Each team contributed to enhancing TELA’s biodiversity in unique ways: Team Gracula arranged plants to spell “TELA”, Team Gallus created a butterfly garden, Team Loriculus curated a medicinal garden, and Team Centropus planted trees to establish a future “bird paradise”. This activity not only beautified the grounds but encouraged sustainable thinking and creative problem-solving.
After breakfast, Mr Paul Navamani led a leadership workshop. Through trust-building exercises, physical challenges, and role-based problem-solving, students developed skills in delegation, adaptability, and effective communication. Many finished the session with greater confidence in their leadership and teamwork abilities.
In the afternoon, students participated in a birdwatching session led by Mr Dinal Meecle (Old Trinitian) and Mr Akila Peiris. They learnt how to identify species and interpret bird behaviours in relation to habitats. This was followed by a talk on the marvels of avian flight, which sparked curiosity about aerodynamics, evolution, and migration.
The evening concluded with a joyful campfire hosted by the Trinity College Scouts Troop. Lit by the troop leader, club president, and Teacher-in-Charge as a symbol of unity, the event featured music, stories, and performances by each team – an opportunity to relax and strengthen friendships.
The second day began with dawn birdwatching, followed by survival skills training led by the Scouts. Students learnt shelter-building, navigation, and first aid – all of which highlighted resilience and adaptability. A visit to the TCK farm brought the event to a close, where participants explored how sustainable agriculture can support surrounding ecosystems.
Over two days, Avifauna Nexus ’25 offered far more than academic enrichment. Students gained practical conservation experience, developed leadership and communication skills, and cultivated a stronger sense of responsibility for the natural world. The programme effectively combined environmental education with essential life skills – critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability – that are central to the 21st-century learner.
Acknowledgements
The TCK Ornithology Club extends sincere gratitude to all those who supported Avifauna Nexus ’25:
- Mr Paul Navamani, for his engaging training and valuable insights
- Mr Dinal Meecle, for sharing his ornithological expertise
- Mr Akila Peiris, for his expert guidance throughout
- Ms Piyumi Uthpala, for her contributions to the planting initiative
- The Trinity College Scouts Troop, and Mr Prabath Gunaratna, for the memorable campfire
- The Trinity College Health Centre, for their care and support
- The TCK School Officers’ Guild, for coordination and logistics
- The TELA Premises Manager and Staff, for their kind assistance
- The Teacher-in-Charge, for her unwavering support
- The TCK Ornithology Club Committee, along with parents and well-wishers, for their generous support
Avifauna Nexus ’25 reflected Trinity’s vision of holistic education: learning that extends beyond textbooks and into the rhythms of the natural world. The experience equipped participants with fresh insight, hands-on skills, and a deeper sense of purpose. It also reaffirmed the College’s dedication to shaping individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the wider world.
