Ruhuna University alumni celebrate unity and success at AGM and Reunion 2024

Thursday, 19 December 2024 01:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

RUACA President Geethamani Karunaratne addresses the gathering

Special Guest former University of Ruhuna academic staff member and former Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne addresses the meeting

The Ruhuna University Alumni Colombo Association (RUACA) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Reunion at Hotel Ariyana, Maharagama, with the participation of 200 distinguished alumni. The event, which brought together former students from the very first intake of 1978 to recent graduates, highlighted the enduring bond and diverse achievements of the university’s alumni.

A former academic staff member of the University of Ruhuna and Higher Education Ministry former Secretary Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratna graced the occasion as the Special Guest. Several senior academic staff members also attended, contributing to the event’s significance.

A special highlight of the event was the felicitation of two notable alumni: the university’s first registered student and the creative student who designed its iconic University logo. This gesture underscored RUACA’s commitment to honouring its rich history and the contributions of its members.

During the AGM, outgoing President, Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminal Ltd. former Deputy General Manager Priyasri Dharmawansa chaired the meeting. The following key appointments were made:

Chairperson: Ayurvedic Drug Corporation Senior Administrative Officer and Chairperson Geethamani Karunaratne
Secretary: Advance Technological Institute Director Lal Shantha Kumara (succeeding Imendra Wattuhewa from Kotalawala Defence University)
Treasurer: Inland Revenue Chamly de Silva Deputy Commissioner (succeeding Shamila Mendis from Senkadagala Finance)

The newly elected committee consists of 21 dedicated alumni, reflecting a broad representation from various faculties and intakes.

The event also featured the screening of “Akshara”, a documentary showcasing RUACA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, “Akshara Saksharatha”. Launched amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the project successfully enhanced essential learning skills among primary students at Konwewa Siddhartha Vidyalaya in the Anuradhapura District. Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratna, a key figure behind this initiative, delivered a speech emphasising its transformative impact.

Two innovative proposals emerged during the event:

Enhancing State sector efficiency: Proposed by former Surveyor General Palitha Udayakantha, this initiative aims to create a more efficient and disciplined public service.
Sustainable model forest: Suggested by former Ministry Secretary Shantha Bandara, this project envisions establishing a small-scale forest on the Ruhuna University premises. It will focus on planting perennial, food-bearing Ayurvedic trees, promoting environmental sustainability, education, health, and nutrition.

Both proposals received enthusiastic support from the attendees, and the newly elected committee pledged to explore their implementation further.

The event concluded with a convivial lunch and a vibrant musical performance, celebrating the camaraderie and spirit of the Ruhuna University alumni community.