SUSTAINABILITY AT PERADENIYA

Goal 03: Good Health and Wellbeing

Good Health and Wellbeing


Goal 3 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, "Good Health and Wellbeing," is a crucial global objective that aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, irrespective of age, gender, or economic status. This goal encompasses a wide range of targets, including reducing maternal and child mortality, combating communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, and addressing non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment. It also emphasizes access to essential healthcare services, vaccines, and safe sanitation and hygiene facilities. By prioritizing good health and well-being, Goal 3 not only seeks to save lives but also to enhance the overall quality of life, fostering productive societies and enabling individuals to pursue their full potential. Achieving this goal requires international cooperation, investments in healthcare infrastructure, and a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Our Commitments

Health Center

The Health Center of the University of Peradeniya is a vital institution dedicated to promoting the well-being of students, staff, and the university community at large. This facility serves as a beacon of health and wellness on campus, offering a wide range of medical services, preventive care, and health education. With a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, the Health Center provides medical consultations, immunizations, first aid, and mental health counselling, ensuring that students and staff have access to essential healthcare resources. Moreover, it plays a critical role in promoting health awareness through various educational programs and workshops. The Health Center of the University of Peradeniya is not just a place for treating illnesses; it is a cornerstone of a healthy and thriving academic community, contributing to the overall success and well-being of its members.

Counselling and Phycological Support Unit

The Health Centre has introduced an on-campus counseling service, complete with a dedicated phone line (070 1 343 444) for students to reach out to the counselors. This phone line can be used by students either for immediate assistance in emergency situations or to schedule an appointment with the counselors. Initially, there are two qualified and experienced Mental Health Counselors available for students seeking help on two specific days of the week, between 12-2 pm and 4-6 pm. We strongly encourage students to make use of walk-in counseling sessions whenever possible.

Given that the counselors are not available around the clock, during other times, students seeking assistance can approach either the Chief Medical Officer or another medical officer at the Health Centre. After 4 pm, a nurse on call will be available to attend to those in need. In the future, when ample funds are accessible, we aim to establish a 24-hour counseling service.

In cases where a student requires urgent psychiatric assistance due to severe mental and behavioral changes, with a high risk of self-harm or harm to others, the Chief Medical Officer will guide them to the Teaching Hospital in Peradeniya after contacting the on-call consultant psychiatrist.

Sport & Wellbeing Facilities 

The University of Peradeniya is dedicated to promoting the overall well-being of its students and recognizes the integral role that sports and wellness facilities play in achieving this goal. The campus boasts a range of state-of-the-art sport and well-being facilities, providing students with opportunities for physical activity, recreation, and relaxation. These facilities encompass well-equipped gyms, sports fields, tennis and badminton courts, and a swimming pool, catering to a diverse array of sporting interests. Moreover, the university encourages a holistic approach to well-being, offering serene green spaces and gardens where students can unwind and connect with nature. These sport and well-being facilities are not only essential for maintaining physical health but also contribute significantly to students' mental and emotional wellness, fostering a balanced and thriving campus community at the University of Peradeniya.

Physical Education Unit

The Physical Education Unit at the University of Peradeniya plays a pivotal role in shaping the physical fitness and well-being of its students. Committed to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, the unit offers a diverse range of physical education programs and activities to engage students in regular exercise and sports. These programs include fitness classes, team sports, and recreational activities that cater to various fitness levels and interests. The unit not only focuses on enhancing physical health but also emphasizes the development of crucial life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and discipline through sports. By providing access to expert instructors and modern sports facilities, the Physical Education Unit contributes to the holistic growth and well-rounded education of the university's students, fostering a culture of health and fitness on campus.

Center for Research in Oral Cancer

The Faculty of Dental Sciences at the University of Peradeniya established the Center for Research in Oral Cancer (CROC) with the primary aim of facilitating comprehensive research on various aspects of oral cancer. CROC maintains a close collaborative relationship with the National Cancer Control Program of Sri Lanka. To alleviate the oral cancer burden in the country, CROC has devised both short-term and long-term strategic plans. Our goal is to enhance awareness regarding the detrimental consequences of habits like smokeless tobacco and arecanut, targeting not only health professionals and policymakers but, crucially, the general public of Sri Lanka. This effort will serve as a foundation for our initiatives aimed at introducing new legislations essential for regulating these products.