Project completion report

Unawatuna Smiles! - Round 2

Project completion report

Art that makes you smile. This was the thought that this project was based on. When you ask people to draw something simple as a fish, many people first reaction is “ I can’t draw that good”. But soon as they give in to the fear and pick up a brush, the joy of drawing something takes over and immediately and our body’s reaction to this act is to make our face smile. Some adults, who had not drown anything for many years, first found them self just observing, then 5min letter getting involved. The joy of drawing is for everyone, no matter what age, race, gender or nationality.

From the very beginning of this project, we ran in to many obstacles from funding, volunteers, paint, and the whole project going over budget. It’s hard to do a project that’s based around the idea “from the people for the people.” To be wiling to work for it and stay positive is very important. In time people will see your actions and intentions are pure.

Even though we had done this project some years back, this time was much harder as we had to organize most of it from Zurich.  But with many kind acts from many people from all over the world the smiles came one by one.

We are very happy to report that UNAWATUNA SMILES II had over 600 people take part. With over 120 kids from the villages around and from the schools from Galle.

Our main topic was the ocean conservation. In the area where the wall stands. We had to clean so much garbage and litter. Over 2 tractor loads were cleaned. The children lent how simple act of taking your own litter with you and putting it in a garbage bin can have such a big effect on taking care of this beautiful ocean and beach.

All the children from the village that took part (60 kids) were given a gift bag with art supplies, food, drink, hats and a small poster of Sri Lankan fish, all in one very funky school bag.

The children were asked to pick one from the poster and draw it on the given art book, then copy the trace to the wall and fill it with color.

Throw out the day many other kids joined us, and most of them let free their creativity and drawn what they liked. No matter what age they were, all were welcome.

Many of the artists and volunteers came from Colombo and around assisted the children in whatever way possible.

Sea, sand, trees, boats and live music from the all the DJ`s and musician who played out some tunes, photographer and film makers moving from one smiling face to the next. Passes by join in and taking time to dance on the street and then draw a fish. This project was much bigger and successful then expected.

We have a million persons to thank, I am sorry if we forget any of your names. Just know that Karma is your friend and all your kind actions, no matter how small or big your kindness is appreciated.

Our thanks Goes out to

Nina Wehrli - For walking with me down this read of smiles from the start and for all your hard work and time.

Rasika Gamage – For all your hard work and for standing by me in each step of the way.

The British Council Sri Lanka and Dulux Paint Sri Lanka.

For all who dented on the 100-days web page.

Sala Salwatura, Ruvin de Silva, Natalie Soysa, Tim Claessen, Yazz Isyasantha,  Chanudi Wickramasinha, Luka Nina Alagiyawanna, Sunara Jayamanne, Nihara Fernando, Arun Welandawe-Prematilleke, Gaia Kodithuwakku, Ruwangi Amarasinghe, Manuela Buechler, Sagara Amarasinghe, Christina Matarage Sutter, Duminda R Matarage, Melanie and Nalu Barco. Annemarie Reinhardt. Peter Egloff. Avrillé De Vallière, Buddhima De Mel, Shanika Perera, Damith Thisara Dandeniya.

Dj Dishan and Gas Entertainers for the sound set up. And the I love Una boyz!