THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO December 2015 Vol. XII 1st Issue
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR At present, the University of Colombo has become the pinnacle of Sri Lankan Universities. It is my intention to make it a world-class reg ional university using all our talents to maximum potential. For example, the ‘Faculty of Medicine’ already plays a leading role in the region, setting world-class standards. Under my leadership, the ‘Faculty of Graduate Studies’ started to make the university benefit from worldwide horizons. Many Vice Chancellors have made an appreciable attempt to set world-wide accepted international university standards for the University of Colombo. I will continue to engage in the good work which was initiated by them and make maximum effort to expand and develop this to all the faculties and institutes wherever possible. I will promote the strategy of ‘acting in partnership’, because President Rajeev Amarasuriya handing over the Felicitation Plaque to the Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake while State Minister of institutions working together can draw on more talent and add University Education Hon. Mohan Lal Grero looks on at the Felicitation Ceramony more value than can be achieved separately. Achieving this objective is very essential for a student-centred university like ours, if graduates are to use their talents to full potential. This would help the employers to assess the distinctive strength of our students who have been encouraged to develop during their training at the university. Therefore, by opening up all the opportunities available for our students to maintain and upgrade a high quality education, as well as expanding education opportunities for many others who are eligible, we will pioneer a tradition, which believes strongly in partnership and fair play to constantly refresh ourselves, our institutions, communities and society. This vision is well-matched with the development framework of the Government of Sri Lanka. Every student matters, as we are a student-centred institution. Therefore, I plan to begin with students in the centre and then radiate to encompass all other communities in the university. Whether it is being student-centred or linking students to the community outside the university and across the globe, I will adopt the very best practice that can be discerned from our own heritage, as well as the best practices we can discover from benchmarking ourselves against world-class regional universities. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake Vice Chancellor - University of Colombo RAJEEV AMARASURIYA NEW PRESIDENT Upon the resignation of former President Lakshman Keerthisinghe due to professional work commitments, the Executive Committee of the Association which convened on 22nd April 2015 unanimously elected Mr. Rajeev Amarasuriya, the Vice President at the time, as the 10th President of the Alumni Association. It was a significant event with a third generation alumnus taking over the mantle of this Association formed in 1982 by Prof. Stanley Wijesundera, the then Vice Chancellor and Mr. Tissa Devendra as the founder President. The other Presidents have been the Late Mrs. Sujata Jayawardena, the Late Mr. Yogendra Duraiswamy, the Late Dr. Dudley Gunasekera, Mr. J. Charitha Ratwatte, Mr.Thilak Karunaratne, Mrs. Ramanee Amarasuriya, Mr. P.W. Senaratne and Mr. Lakshman Keerthinsinghe. Mr. Rajeev Amarasuriya is a honours Graduate of the Faculty of Law of the University of Colombo, is an Attorney-at-Law and also a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK). He has also been a one time Visiting Lecturer and Examiner in Tax Law at the Faculty of Law. At the time of his appointment, he was one of the most senior members of the Executive President Rajeev Amarasuriya Committee, having served in the Executive Committee since 2004. 33RD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The 33rd Annual General Meeting of which are to be within three broad development of the University. This the Association was held recently at areas; as projects that cater to the can be in the form of assistance in the College House premises of the welfare of the students, projects that curriculum development, training and University of Colombo, with the serve the members of the Association infrastructure development. participation of a large number of and projects that serve the University Alumni and Academic Staff of the at large. Prof. Mohan De Silva, Chairman of University. the University Grants Commission He further stated, although students who delivered the Keynote Address The Chief Guest was Prof. Mohan De excel academically, an area that many whilst stating that an Alumni Silva, the Chairman of the University struggle with is their ability to Association is a forum for discussion Grants Commission whilst the Guest communicate in English, given that a of both personal and professional of Honour was Prof. Lalitha Mendis, majority of them complete their issues, emphasised the importance of the Competent Authority of the secondary school Education in either their being professionalism amongst University of Colombo. Many Deans Sinhala or Tamil. This can be very graduates, and went on to state that and Senior Professors participated at overwhelming for those who are professionals are not oblivious to the this event. required to suddenly switch their environment and are equipped with primary medium of instruction to emotional intelligence. Prof. Mendis President Rajeev Amarasuriya in his English, making their university who was the Guest of Honour stated address said that Alumni of the experience very stressful and there was much that could be done to University of Colombo need to be very preventing them from reaching their improve the university system which grateful to this institution for all that full potential. Therefore, the would also result in improved world they have received from it, by way of Association will run a series of rankings. Areas which need to be education, services, facilities and programmes focusing on developing addressed included improved funding, exposure, all provided to them free of these skills in students. While more autonomy for the Universities charge with no bondage or prior concerns are sometimes raised by the when utilising self generated funds, stipulated conditions. He further stated industry about the “employability” of enhancement of cadres to keep up with that the Association gives Colombo graduates, the Association will also increased student intakes and the need Alumni the opportunity to give back to strive to bridge some of their to provide more research grants. the university in whichever way they identified skills deficits by can, and enables them to play a role in implementing projects on soft skills Several Constitutional Amendments its development and pursuit of development enabling them to be high were also effected at this Annual academic excellence while also runners in the job market. General Meeting. ensuring continued interactions with the university and fellow alumni. Development of Entrepreneurial skills The Committee comprises will be another area that will be President – Rajeev Amarasuriya, Vice He also stated that although the focused in order to better position the Presidents - Vice Chancellor Prof. University of Colombo is ranked graduates to contribute to the Lakshman Dissanayake (Ex-Officio) highly both in Sri Lanka and in South Economy and Society. This will be in and Suranjani Wickremeratne, Asia its world ranking is less addition to the series of student Immediate Past President – Lakshman competitive. One of the most obvious welfare activities that have been Keerthisinghe, Past Presidents as issues that confront the University is conducted over the past 32 years, Advisors – Tissa Devendra, J. that Sri Lanka is still a developing many of which will be resuscitated. Charitha Ratwatte, Thilak nation with a limited allocation of These include the Student Friend and Karunaratne, Ramanee Amarasuriya funding and resources directed Guide Scheme, Eye Camps, granting and P.W. Senaratne, Secretary - towards higher education. This limits of Scholarships, Mentoring Ruwandhi Thanthrige, Asst. Secretary the extent of facilities, technology, Programmes, Entrepreneurship – Naazima Kamardeen, Treasurer – research and other opportunities Programmes, promotion of the J.M.S. Bandara, Assistant Treasurer – available to the university, being one Creative Arts of the students etc. Jithendra Gunatilake, Editor – of the reasons preventing it from rising Mahesha Amarasuriya, Assistant in international ranking. For the Alumni, the Association plans Editor – Ajit Jayawardena and Execu- to have more fellowship events where tive Committee Members - Prof. He also paid tribute to the staff and they can meet and establish Gihan Wickramanayake, M.K. Gnan- authorities of the university, who professional and social contacts and asekera, Channa De Silva, Dayani despite these barriers and deficits have also have closer relationship with the Panagoda, Milton Arandara, K. D. R. worked tirelessly in attempting to University. Siriwardena, G. Wijemanna, D. H. W. provide students with exposure on par Kirinde, Isuru Thilakawardena and with other world class institutions. He The Association will also take steps to Nayantha Wijesundera. also highlighted the several projects make the vast resources of Alumni that the new Committee plans on available to the University and its initiating during the coming years Administration, for the growth and 2 Cont. to page. 5 FELICITATION FOR THE NEW VICE CHANCELLOR A formal felicitation ceremony to State Minister of welcome the new Vice Chancellor University Education Hon. Senior Professor Lakshman Mohan Lal Grero speaking Dissanayake was organised recently at the felicitation said that by the Alumni Association at the approximately 247,500 Senate Hall in the College House students sat for the Advance premises. of the University of Level Examination in Colombo. This Felicitation was held August 2014 and about under the patronage of Minister of 150,000 became eligible University Education and Highways for University entrance. and Leader of the House Lakshman However, only 24,350 Kiriella, State Minister of University (which is 16.4% of those
Education Mohan Lal Grero and the eligible) were accepted to Professor Lakshman Dissanayake Chairman of the University Grants the university system due Vice Chancellor - University of Colombo Commission Prof. Mohan De Silva, to constraints in the and was well attended by many capacity. He said that it is of student of the University of Colombo Alumni and University Academics. paramount importance that the he took part in many extra-curricular government focuses on increasing activities without ever having to miss President Rajeev Amarasuriya access to the university by enhancing lectures and that he always attended to delivering the inaugural address stated the capacity. He further stated in his his studies diligently. The secret to his that the new Vice Chancellor was address that the University of success, he emphasised, was hard someone with a great vision, always Colombo was fortunate to have a Vice work and commitment, a character striving to take the University of Chancellor such as Prof. Dissanayake trait developed during the formative Colombo to greater heights. The being a Demographer who has the undergraduate years, which he President stated that the new VC has necessary skill and sound knowledge maintains to date. Professor always shown tremendous energy, to think ahead and ensure holistic Dissanayake also stated that as a passion and enthusiasm in his development of the University. former student who had experienced endeavours while facing many a all aspects of a university student’s challenge with vigour and dedication Sending a message which was read out life, he was well-equipped to to meet his targets, making sure to get by Mrs. Chamindrani Kiriella, the understand and address issues the job done. The success of the daughter of Minister Lakshman concerning present day undergraduate Faculty of Graduate Studies as a seat Kiriella, the Minister warmly students. His aspiration he said is to of postgraduate learning today, bears welcomed the new Vice Chancellor make the University of Colombo a testimony to some of the important who the Minister acknowledged as World Class Regional University developmental initiatives that he having over three decades of similar to the National University of implemented during his tenure as the experience as a teacher, researcher and Singapore. He further said that he will Dean of this Faculty. administrator of the highest calibre establish proper traditions and and extended the fullest support of the procedures and prevent politicization He went on to state that Prof. Ministry in the execution of his duties. Dissanayake has assumed this within the University. His immediate important office at a very important Professor Nayani Melagoda spoke of plans for the university include juncture, when the Universities have a the dedication and commitment with making the University accessible for big role to play in the planned which Prof. Dissanayake had worked the differently-abled students, multi-fold development activities. right through his career, having establish a service centre which is obtained a rare doctorate in Population equipped with a restaurant, conference University Grants Commission Chair Studies and having introduced a room and a guest house for visiting Prof. Mohan De Silva congratulating Masters of Demography to the faculty and also start a Faculty of the new Vice Chancellor stated that University Curricula in addition to Technology within the University. Prof. Dissanayake has vast experience having played a number of key roles in in his university career, covering most the University as an Academic and an The Vote of Thanks was delivered by of the Administrative and Academic Administrator. the Association's Secretary Ruwandhi roles having gone through the mill so Thanthrige. to speak being the Academic Sub Dr. Naazima Kamardeen, Assistant Warden, Academic Warden, Student Secretary of the Alumni Association Senior Professor Lakshman Counsellor, Co-ordinator of the Demo- who co-ordinated the Felicitation Dissanayake entered the University of graphic Training and Research Insti- formally introduced the new Vice Colombo in 1973 as an undergraduate tute, Rector of the Sripalee Campus Chancellor. and continued his association with the and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate University as an academic after Addressing the gathering, Professor Studies before being appointed as Vice obtaining First Class Honours for his Dissanayake highlighted that as a Chancellor. 3 Cont. to pages. 4 & 6 ALUMNI FELICITATES THE NEW VICE CHANCELLOR
4 33RD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Secretary Ms. Ruwandhi Thanthrige, Vice President Ms. Suranjani Wickremaratne, Guest of Honour, Competent Authority of the University of Colombo, Prof. Lalitha Mendis, President Mr. Rajeev Amarasuriya, Chief Guest, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Prof. Mohan De Silva, Immediate Past President Mr. Lakshman Keerthisinghe, Outgoing Treasurer Mr. M.K.Gnanasekera
5 ENCOUNTERS WITH THE LAW AND HOW TO SAFEGUARD ...... Cont. from page. 3 YOUR DAY TO DAY RIGHTS FELICITATION FOR THE NEW...... : The Alumni Association hosts workshop for undergraduates It is a fact that all citizens require at This workshop aimed at educating the first degree. Thereafter, Professor least a basic knowledge and under- undergraduates of the University of Dissanayake received several standing of the law, which would Colombo on fundamental legal issues postgraduate qualifications including a enable them to respond effectively in which affect them in their day to day Master of Arts degree from the Vrije the various situations that they find lives as consumers, employees, Universitiet Brussels, Belgium and themselves placed in, in everyday life. citizens, property owners / tenants, PhD from the University of Adelaide, These could take place in their places testate and/or intestate beneficiaries Australia. Professor Dissanayake is the of employment, on the road, in shops etc. It featured talks by experienced recipient of many national and and supermarkets, with neighbours and legal practitioners and academics on a international awards and fellowships even with the State and its agents. Very wide array of topics such as branches for his contribution to the field of often, people do not know what the of law, the court structure and how to Demography. expected response is, and wait until the access them, citizen rights, police problem is aggravated before thinking powers, consumer rights, employment He is also a Fellow of the Royal of a remedy. Undergraduates who hope rights, legal aid, as well as matters Society of Arts (FRSA) in the United to join the ranks of the workforce very pertaining to marriage, divorce, land Kingdom. He has also been a Visiting soon, are no exception. As they would and motor accidents. Professor at the Faculty of Health and become responsible citizens of this Social Sciences of the Leeds Beckett country, who are looked up to in their The presenters were all Alumni and University, United Kingdom. communities, it is vital that they included Mr. Ikram Mohamed, P.C, Presently, he serves the University of possess a basic knowledge and Mr. Hiran De Alwis, Attorney-at-Law, Colombo as a Senior Professor in the understanding of how the law Mr. Shantha Jayawardena, Attorney- Department of Demography. operates. at-Law, and moderated by Ms. Additionally, Professor Dissanayake Wasantha Seneviratne, Head of the founded the Colombo University Bearing this in mind, an interactive Department of Public and International Community Centre (CUCEC) which is workshop was hosted by the Alumni Law of the Faculty of Law, University the first multidisciplinary centre in the Association as part of LAW WEEK of Colombo. Close to 400 whole University system devoted to 2015, of the Bar Association of Sri undergraduates participated at this community extension related work. Lanka, on Tuesday, 24th November event. Participants were given 2015, from 2 - 4.30 pm at the Ceylon refreshments and a certificate of Room of the Faculty of Law. participation. The project was chaired by Mr. Nayantha Wijesundera. Cont. to page. 8 WORKSHOP WITH THE ACCOMPLISHED US ENTREPRENEUR SAMIRA COOK GAINES The Alumni Association in collaboration with the Women's Chamber of the U.S Embassy in Sri Lanka organised an Entrepreneurship Skills Development Workshop with the American Entrepreneur and Trainer Samira Cook Gaines. The Workshop covered the following areas; Innovation and Turning Ideas into Business Ventures, How to Build a Startup and How to Craft a Strong Business Plan.
This was attended by one hundred undergraduates from the Faculty of Management and Finance of the University. The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. R. Senathirajah was also present. This project was chaired by Ms. Suranjani Wickremeratne.
6 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES BRAND NEW WEBSITE The Alumni Association launched a Brand New Website The Alumni forAssociation the Association launched designed a Brandand presented New Websiteby the leading for the AssociationWeb Design designed Company and 3CSpresented for the byAssociation the leading which is Web Design linkedCompany to Facebook, 3CS for Linkedinthe Association and other which social ismedia linked to Facebook,enabling better Linkedin communication and other with socialthe membership media and the public as well. enabling better communication with the membership and The Website was formally launched at the Annual General the public as Meetingwell. by the Chief Guest Prof. Mohan De Silva, the The Website Guestwas formally of Honour launched Prof. Lalitha at the Mendis, Annual President General Rajeev Meeting by Amarasuriyathe Chief Guest and Prof. Chairman Mohan 3CS De and Silva, former the Vice Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe Guest of HonourChancellor Prof. ofLalitha the Mendis, University President of Peradeniya Rajeev Prof. Madduma Bandara. Amarasuriya and Chairman 3CS and former Vice Chancellor The of Association the University extends its of gratitude Peradeniya to Mr. Sandaruwan Prof. Madduma Bandara.Madduma Bandara, Chief Executive Officer of 3CS (Pvt) Limited for coming forward to support the Association as its web developer. The association extends its gratitude to Mr. Sandaruwan Madduma Bandara, Chief Executive Officer of 3CS (Pvt) Limited for comingVisit us atforward https://alumni.cmb.ac.lk to support the Association as https://colomboalumni.lk its web developer. Visit us at https://colomboalumni.lk
STUDENT MENTORING PROGRAMME The Association plans to commence a Mentoring Programme for the undergraduates. If you are interested in supporting this endeavour by becoming a Mentor, please write to
Official Launching of the new Website by Prof. Lalitha Mendis & UGC Chairman Prof. Mohan De Silva UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Please write to us on
CONTRIBUTE TO ALUMNI NEWS Please share your thoughts and views with us. Send in your contributions to the Newsletter Attn: Editor, Alumni News and email to :
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME The Alumni Association is currently formulating a structured scholarship scheme for the students, who excel in studies, sports and other extra curricular activities. If you are interested in sponsoring a scholarship please Vice President Ms. Suranjani Wickremeratne receiving the Award contact us:-
Thank You The Editor and the Assistant Editor of the Alumni Association of the University of Colombo together with the members in the Executive Committee wish to extend a very warm thank you to Mr. Thilak Karunaratne, Chairman and Managing Director of Multiform Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., and Past President of our Association, for sponsoring the Alumni News since its inception, including this issue.