SHRINI K. SENAVIRATHNA
KELANIYa : The 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Kelaniya University Alumni Association held recently at the Indra Hotel in Kadawatha, bringing together alumni from across all faculties at a spirited gathering that honored the university’s rich legacy and ongoing contributions to higher education.
Established in 1959, the University of Kelaniya has grown from its humble beginnings at the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda to become a leading institution in Sri Lanka’s state university system, now recognized globally for academic excellence. From its initial two faculties, the university now boasts of seven faculties, two postgraduate institutes, and a Center for Distance and Continuing Education.
The Alumni Association, founded in 1986 under the visionary leadership of the late Professor Ilangasinghe Mahatma, has become one of the most active and respected alumni networks in the country. Officially recognized by a government gazette and endorsed by the President of Sri Lanka, the association represents graduates from all faculties and academic years.
The AGM served not only as a reunion for former students but also as a platform to reflect on the university’s achievements and challenges over the past six decades. Alumni expressed pride in the university’s continued service to the nation, particularly through its academic resilience and commitment to educational outreach.
In recent years, the Alumni Association has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at uplifting both the university and the broader community. These include scholarship and bursary programs for financially disadvantaged students, improvements to hostel and dining facilities, and the organization of island wide educational seminars targeting under-resourced schools.
During the meeting, attendees also commemorated the university’s founding fathers through the annual Vidyalankara Day celebrations.l
The ceremony featured the presentation of golden shields to graduates who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, and the prestigious “Adi Vidyarthi Abhimani” awards were conferred upon retired doctors and professors in recognition of their distinguished services to the university.
With strong district branches and a commitment to fostering merit and excellence, the Kelaniya University Alumni Association continues to be a model for alumni engagement in Sri Lanka. As the university moves forward, the alumni community remains a vital force in preserving its heritage while championing progress in education and social development.
