Shortly after being elected into office for the first time in 2001, Milinda initiated a programme to renovate children’s parks that had fallen into disuse and neglect. The primary objectives of the programme were to provide children in overcrowded urban areas with a safe area for recreation and play, which in turn would bring relief to their parents, and to foster community cohesion and participation. Funding was provided for the renovation and improvement of the children’s parks, on the condition of community assistance in the upkeep and vigilance of the parks. To date, the programme has succeeded in giving eight parks in the Colombo South electorate a face-lift.

The idea for this project originated during an election campaign meeting in 2001, when Milinda Moragoda noticed that the playground in which the meeting was being held was overgrown, derelict and strewn with broken glass and garbage. When he asked whether children actually played there, he was told that it was not a safe place and was inhabited by drug addicts. As a challenge to the community, he offered to help organize and equip the playground if the community in turn would help in the clean up and maintenance of the premises.

Parks renovated to date include:

Badovita Park, Dehiwela
Elvitigala Park
Gajaba Park at Kirulappone
Gotami Park, Borella
Kalinga Park, Polhengoda
Mahawatta Park at Narahenpita
Poorvarama Park at Kirulapona
Roxy Park at Wellawatta
Torrington Park at Jawatte
Veluwanarama Park at Pamankada

Unfortunately, due to a lack of resources, the programme was not able to realize its full potential. Even keeping up with repairs due to the constant wear and tear of playground equipment is a continuing challenge.