By Peradeniya University Alumni Association of NSW, Australia
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Peradeniya University Alumni Association of NSW (PUAAN) was held at the West Pennant Hills Community Centre on Sunday 21st November 2021.
At the outset PUAAN’s president, Padma Kumarasinghe greeted the membership and explained that even under trying circumstances due to COVID situation, PUAAN managed to carry out some worthy activities in 2021.
Some of the highlights were: Raising sufficient funds from its Membership to send 3 AIRVO high flow oxygen units to 3 hospitals in Sri Lanka. Padma gracefully acknowledged support received from many Members and friends including the Sri Lankan Lions Club in Sydney who undertook shipping and clearing of two of the units. PUAAN also donated close to $10,000 in total to two faculties of our alma mater (Science & Engineering) to upgrade the student facilities.
PUAAN’s Treasurer, Rohana Ediriweera, presented last year’s accounts of PUAAN which was approved by the membership. One of PUAAN’s past presidents, Wasantha Wickramanayke acted as pro-tem chairman and announced that Mrs Padma Kumarasinghe was the only nominee for the post of president for the next year hence declared Padma as PUAAN’s president for the year 2021-2022. This was followed by the election of the rest of the office bearers of the association. The formalities of the AGM were finalised with the President spelling out the broad vision for 2022. Then it was time for the fellowship including a sing-song session.
Due to inclement weather our initial plan of an outdoor BBQ was abandoned. The Committee moved swiftly to arrange an indoor meal and a sing-song session instead. Fortunately, with the relaxed Covid rules we could accommodate up to 90 persons in the hall & we were able to extend the time as needed for this change.
We were very lucky to arrange a guest artist on very short notice because Cecil Fonseka graciously obliged to accept our last-minute invitation. We are very appreciative of his presence and contribution for the sing-song session. All
were provided with sumptuous lumprais packets followed by an attractive spread of delicious desserts prepared by our own members and their partners.
The time was ripe for Cecil Fonseka to spring into action with one of our members opening the sing song with our unofficial Peradeniya song “Hanthanata Payana Sanda”.
It turned out to be a very successful and memorable AGM. We thank our Members for the heartfelt participation shown in all our activities.
Please see below PUAAN AGM 2021 Photo album prepared by Sathyawadi Rajapakse
(Click any photo to view in Album mode)
