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‘Achcharu’days are here again
By N.Dilshath Banu
Tuesday, April 26 was another bustling morning. In the midst of all the rush, a little crowded hut decorated with thatched green palms in front of the Arts Faculty of the University of Colombo didn't escape the attention of people passing by.

The voices and melodies of a music band floated out from the green hut. But that was not its main attraction for it housed a delicacy that few of us can resist- achcharu.

The Achcharu pola as it was called served three types of achcharu: mango achcharu, mixed fruit and verallu achcharu. A reasonable serving of achcharu neatly wrapped in kanda kola was just Rs.10.

"This is the first outdoor activity to promote tourism organised by our society. We are promoting eco -tourism and seeking ways to avoid environmental pollution. So we use kanda kola which is biodegradable instead of polythene bags to pack the achcharu," said Chathuri Jayasooriya, President of the Tourism Society of the Colombo University- a student body working to promote community based sustainable tourism development in Sri Lanka.

A third-year student, Chathuri explains that apart from her main subjects, she elected to do tourism and hotel management as an optional subject. The students on the same optional course as Chathuri, initiated the Tourism Society to link themselves with tourism and the community.

"When we talk about tourism, most of us have the picture of mass tourism, that is hotels. But tourism is much more than that. And most of the time, tourism doesn't involve the community. What we are trying to do is to involve the community and promote our culture as well. Our vision is to ensure the wellbeing of the Sri Lankan community through sustainable tourism development," reflected Chathuri

Apart from the Achcharu pola, the Tourism Society has organised various other activities such as awareness programmes in both urban and rural communities.

They also conduct fund raising programmes such as glass and paper recycling programmes, making and selling candles and maintaining a stationery shop. Amidst the giggles of the girls at the achcharu stall, Sandeep was busy selling achcharu. Asked if he felt uncomfortable doing this, he grinned and said, "We don't categorise men or women’s work but we joined the Achcharu pola and worked with the rest of our team members, like brothers. We really enjoyed it.”

Senior lecturer of the Department of Economics and the Advisor of the Tourism Society of the University of Colombo, Dr. D.A.C. Silva said, "At this point when the government and private institutions criticise university education for not providing ‘marketable’ students, this kind of activities will enhance the capacity of students in the business world. At the same time, the student can share their knowledge on tourism with the community."

Dr. Silva added that the University of Colombo is also planning to establish a diploma course for those who are working in the tourism industry.

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