“Beyond the Shell 2025”: Advancing Nutrition Awareness and Community Health in Sri Lanka
Thanks to funding from the Poultry Science Association’s Hatchery Brooder Program, a community outreach initiative—Beyond the Shell 2025—was successfully held on November 14–15 in the Nuwara Eliya estate sector of Sri Lanka. The program aimed to address critical nutritional challenges by promoting the power of eggs as a practical and affordable dietary solution, especially among vulnerable populations such as school children and pregnant women.
Evidence-Based Nutrition, Delivered Locally
Organized by a dedicated team from the University of Peradeniya and the University of Ruhuna, the two-day event was rooted in scientific evidence and focused on sharing accurate, accessible nutritional knowledge with families in the region. A major goal of the initiative was to dispel persistent myths about egg consumption and help communities better understand the health benefits of incorporating eggs into daily meals.
The program was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Janak Vidanarachchi (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya) alongside Ashen Epa Arachchi, a student leader and committee member of the PSA Student Hatchery. They were joined by Dr. Hasitha Priyashantha and Dr. Shishanthi Jayaratne from the University of Ruhuna, who provided essential technical expertise and support.
PSA Student Hatchery Brooder Program in Action
The Poultry Science Association proudly supported this initiative through its Student Hatchery Brooder Program, which funds student-led projects that contribute to public education, health, and poultry science outreach. Additional sponsorship came from other key partners, including the Sri Lanka Association of Animal Production.
Student Leadership and Lasting Impact
The success of Beyond the Shell 2025 was also powered by the IAAS Association and students from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya, whose enthusiasm and leadership were instrumental in reaching the community. Not only did the event equip local families with valuable health information, but it also gave students hands-on experience in organizing, leading, and communicating scientific knowledge—developing the soft skills essential for future professionals.
Looking Beyond the Shell
More than just an outreach program, Beyond the Shell 2025 represents a meaningful step toward reducing malnutrition in Sri Lanka’s estate sector. It underscores the value of eggs in promoting food security and better health outcomes through affordable, protein-rich nutrition. The PSA is proud to support the next generation of scientists and advocates who are working to bring science to the heart of communities—one egg at a time.