Open Uni’s CEMBA/CEMPA Alumni Association donates PPE to Health Ministry

In recognition of yeomen services rendered by the health workers, the Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration/Public Administration (CEMBA/CEMPA) Alumni Association of Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) decided to donate personal protection equipment (PPE) to the Health Ministry. 

The PPEs were handed over to Director General Health Services Dr. Asela Abegunawardena, in the presence of Deputy Director General (Planning) Health Services Dr. S. Sridharan, Dean of Faculty of Management Studies Prof. V. Sivalogadasan, OUSL, and the executive committee of CEMBA/CEMPA Alumni by OUSL Vice Chancellor Prof. P.M.C. Thilakarathna.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Thilakarathna commended the initiative taken by the Alumni to undertake an important CSR project and said he was pleased as the Vice Chancellor the numerous activities carried out by the Alumni.

Dr. Asela Abegunawardena thanked the OUSL CEMBA/CEMBA Alumni for recognising the services of the health workers. Prof. V. Sivalogadasan too conveyed his appreciation to the Alumni for undertaking an important CRS activity. 

On the initiative of the Alumni members of CEMBA/CEMPA of Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), 100 PPE kits were donated to Director General Health Services Abegunawardena.

The formal ceremony of handing over to the Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardana was held on 23 December 2021 at OUSL Vice Chancellor’s Chamber.

The ceremony was attended by the Vice Chancellor Prof. P.M.C. Thilararatne, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies Professor Sivalogadasan, Registrar and Vice President of Alumni Vindya Jayasena, Representative of OUSL Upekha together with President of Alumni, Indraka Liyanage, Immediate Past President and Deputy DGHS Dr. Sridharan Sathasivam, Vice President Dr. Dananjaya Dharmarathne, Secretary Indika Wijerathna and exco members. The Health Ministry was represented by Dr. Asela Gunawardana and Dr. Sridharan DDGHS and Immediate Past President.

At the outset President of the Alumni Indraka Liyanage formally welcomed the gathering and gratefully appreciated the presence of the Vice Chancellor, DGHS and Alumni executive committee members for being present in midst of their busy schedule. He mentioned that this project was the brainchild of Yajith De Silva, executive member of the Alumni. Further he commended the contributions made by the Alumni during challenging times specially the liaison officer Sisil Pereara. Alumni had conducted five webinars in varied subjects, in one of the webinars the keynote speech was delivered by the Vice Chancellor.

The Vice Chancellor in his address thanked the Alumni for their utmost support towards the health sector and reiterated the contributions made by the most active Alumni of OUSL. In his speech appreciated the salient contribution made by the Director General Health Services towards combating the pandemic. 

Dean of Faculty Prof. V. Sivalogadasan appreciated the Alumni for coming forward with this unique contribution towards the health sector.

Dr. Gunawardena who is a distinguished Alumnus of CEMBA/CEMPA said that his health team is working around the clock during the last two years to mitigate the effect of the pandemic on society. He further mentioned that though the situation is coming slowly towards normalcy no one cannot be complacent. Everyone has to follow the health guidelines. He further stated how important these PPE kits were to his staff and thanked the Alumni for their contribution.