Efac on the Hanthana Trail: A Journey of Tradition and Unity

When someone mentions Hanthana, what comes to mind? For me, it has always been a place of mystique and adventure, shaped by the stories passed down by elders and the nostalgic melodies of "Hanthaneta Payana Handa.” Growing up, I was fascinated by the tales of lush green mountains, misty trails, and the breathtaking views from the peaks. It was a dream of mine to one day embark on the Hanthana trail, to experience firsthand the beauty that had been so vividly painted in my imagination.

The Legacy of the Hanthana Hike

For decades, the Faculty of Engineering (Efac) at the University of Moratuwa has upheld a cherished tradition, the official batch trip to Hanthana. This journey is more than just a hike; it symbolizes unity, resilience, and the spirit of adventure that defines engineering students. Unfortunately, due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this tradition was paused for a few years. However, in 2024, the E22 batch revived it, reigniting the flame of this long-standing custom.

This year, the E23 batch proudly carried forward the legacy, embarking on the Hanthana trail with an overwhelming participation of over 500 students. What made this journey even more special was the fact that the entire Engineering faculty, regardless of departments, came together as one unified batch. This sense of togetherness is rare in academic life, where students are often divided by disciplines, but Hanthana has a way of breaking barriers and fostering camaraderie.

The Journey Begins

The day started early, with excited students gathering in front of the Library before heading towards the University of Peradeniya. The atmosphere was electric laughter, chatter, and the occasional burst of song filled the air. As we began our ascent, the trail revealed its wonders: dense forests, winding pathways, and panoramic views that made every step worthwhile.

The hike was not just a physical challenge but also a mental one. Some stretches were steep, testing endurance, while other parts allowed for moments of reflection. Along the way, seniors shared stories of past hikes, adding a sense of continuity to the tradition. The higher we climbed, the more the landscape unfolded, tea estates stretching into the horizon, the distant silhouette of Kandy city, and the cool mountain breeze that carried a sense of freedom.

Into the Pine Forest

Our journey began at dawn, with the faculty grounds buzzing with excitement. The trail started gently, leading us into the serene Pine Forest. The towering trees, their needles carpeting the ground, cast long shadows as sunlight filtered through the branches. The air was crisp, filled with the earthy scent of damp wood, a stark contrast to the humid chaos of lecture halls. For a moment, it felt like stepping into another world.

But nature had other plans.

Rain, Mud, and a Relentless Climb

As we ascended, the skies darkened. By midday, rain poured down, turning the trail into a slippery slope. What was already a challenging hike became a test of sheer will. Lunch breaks were chaotic, huddling under whatever cover we could find, gripping soggy sandwiches while rainwater trickled down our backs. Yet, no one complained. Instead, laughter erupted as we slipped in the mud, helping each other up, shouting encouragement. The struggle was the adventure.

The Summit: Drones, Photos, and "MORAAAA!"

After hours of climbing, we finally reached the peak, exhausted but triumphant. The view was worth every stumble: endless green ridges, mist curling over distant hills, and the faint outline of Kandy below. This was the moment we’d waited for.

Drones buzzed overhead as we gathered for the official batch photo, 500+ engineers packed together, drenched but grinning. Then came the chant, loud enough to echo across the mountains:

"MORAAAA!!!!"

The sound roared through the valley, a collective declaration of pride. In that instant, any lingering exhaustion vanished. We weren’t just classmates, we were a family who had conquered Hanthana together.

The Descent and Reflections

Going down was easier, though the rain had left the trail treacherously slick. Conversations flowed freely now, jokes about who fell the most, debates on the toughest part of the hike, and quiet reflections on what we’d just achieved.

Hanthana wasn’t just a mountain. It was a battlefield where we tested our limits, a classroom where we learned resilience, and a bonding ground where engineering divisions melted away. As we returned to campus, legs aching but spirits high, I realized something: This was the memory we’d replay for years to come.