17th Kanboree

The Kandy District Scout Branch proudly hosted the 17th Kanboree - the grand gathering of scouts across the Kandy District - from the 26th to the 28th of June 2026, at Gampola Zahira College, Gampola. Held under the theme "Excellence in Scouting," this three-day, two-night camp brought together scouts, rovers and leaders from across the district for an unforgettable experience of competition, camaraderie and character building.

The Beginning - Opening Ceremony

The 17th Kanboree commenced with a formal and memorable opening ceremony. The lighting of the traditional oil lamp marked the official beginning of the camp, followed by inspiring speeches from the Chief Guest, District Commissioner and distinguished guests including Mr. Krishan Wasalage, Provincial Commissioner of the Central Province, and Mr. Kapila Priyantha, Assistant Chief Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association and Former District Commissioner of the Kandy District Scout Branch. The ceremony was further enriched by a graceful cultural dance performance and the echoing of the Kanboree voice — a moment that set the tone for the days ahead.

Campsite - Built by Scout Hands

Before the camp officially began, scouts worked tirelessly to prepare the campsite at Gampola Zahira College — pitching tents, raising flags and transforming the grounds into a vibrant scout village. The dedication shown during the preparation phase reflected the true spirit of scouting — discipline, teamwork and pride.

Kanboree SAGA - The Heart of the Competition

One of the most anticipated highlights of the 17th Kanboree was the Kanboree SAGA — a series of competitive events that tested the skills, creativity and teamwork of school-based scout teams from across the Kandy District. The SAGA included:

• Gadget Making — Teams showcased their pioneering skills, building structures using ropes and wooden poles with precision and creativity.
• Cooking Competition — School teams presented their finest recipes, turning the campsite into an open-air kitchen full of flavor and team spirit.
• Physical Training & Exercise Dance — Scouts demonstrated fitness, coordination and rhythm in a synchronized training challenge.
• Singing Competition — Hidden vocal talents were revealed as teams took to the stage and performed for the entire camp.
• Dog and Bone Game — A crowd favorite that tested speed, instinct and strategy in the most intense face-offs of the camp.
• Mini Gadget Building — A display of fine scout craftsmanship through small-scale pioneering structures.

Camp Fire - An Evening of Tradition

On the evening of the 27th of June 2026, the 17th Kanboree hosted its iconic Camp Fire at 7:00 PM — an evening of tradition and camaraderie. Scouts gathered around the fire, sharing stories, songs and the warmth of brotherhood. It was a moment that captured the very soul of scouting — unity under the open sky.

DJ Night - When the Camp Came Alive

Beyond the competitions and ceremonies, the 17th Kanboree had its share of pure fun. The DJ Night turned the campsite into a dance floor under the stars — scouts by day became dance floor legends by night, creating memories that will last long after the tents came down.

Leaders Night - Brotherhood Beyond Rank

The Leaders Night was a special gathering dedicated to the scout leaders of the 17th Kanboree — an evening of fun, teamwork activities and genuine friendship. District leaders set aside their titles and came together as one family, reinforcing the bonds that make the Kandy District Scout Branch a united and strong community.

Distinguished Guests & Supporters

The 17th Kanboree was honored by the presence and support of several distinguished guests and community partners including:

• Mr. Krishan Wasalage - Provincial Commissioner, Central Province
• Mr. Kapila Priyantha - Assistant Chief Commissioner, Sri Lanka Scout Association
• Mr. Miral Praneeth - ADC Colombo District & Leader Trainer
• Mr. Mihira Praneeth - ADC Colombo District & Assistant Leader Trainer
• Mr. Saliya Dasanayake - ADC Kandy District & Chairman, 17th Kanboree
• Mr. Priyantha Abeykoon - 2nd Vice District Governor, Lions Club Gampola
• Mr. E.S.M Iqbal - Medical Officer of Health, Gampola Udapalatha

The generous support of the Lions Club Gampola and the MOH Office Gampola Udapalatha played a vital role in making this event a safe and successful gathering for all participants.

The Grand Finale — Closing Ceremony

The 17th Kanboree concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony — filled with speeches, certificate presentations and well-deserved awards recognizing the outstanding achievements of scouts and teams throughout the camp. A final dance performance added color and joy to the farewell, before the Kanboree voice was raised one last time and the flags came down.

Three days of excellence. Two nights of memories. One district united.