By Padma Kumarasinghe, President, Peradeniya University Alumni Association, NSW, Australia (PUAAN)
It was a wintry night, dark early, cold and windy!
We were happy to see a “house full” attendance on the night in spite of such weather.
As the guests arrived at the hall, they received a warm welcome from our reception and usherers. The hall arrangements added to the ambience.
Thank you to all who braved the weather to be with us. We enjoyed having you.
As was mentioned on the night and also on the flyer, the net proceedings of the Hopper Night will be utilised to continue to support our Alma Mater in the projects we have commenced.
PUAAN provides support to graduands by way of scholarships and studentships within all nine faculties. We have sent library books to several faculties.
PUAAN also provides the different faculties with funds to support their projects as required by the senior staff and the Deans. These projects are to upgrade facilities for students, eg. a 24/7 fully equipped reading room was the most recently completed project for the faculty of Engineering. The opening ceremony was held just a week ago and the appreciation PUAAN received was tremendous. We have completed similar projects with four of the nine faculties.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank our Executive Committee and their spouses, who always work as one, for coming forward with help whenever needed. The camaraderie is unsurpassed. With their support, everything comes together so well and so warmly. This is the great PUAAN spirit.
We had many positive comments from the guests on the night, which was very encouraging. The comments were not only for the warm atmosphere, but also for the tasty food and the sleek service provided.
We thank everyone for a wonderful night.
Will we do it again? An astounding “Yes!” It will be in the agenda for next year, maybe with a different flavour.
With best wishes
Padma Kumarasinghe
