Ruhuna University alumni pay tribute to Ronnie De Mel

Ronnie De Mel, the former Finance Minister and pioneer of the Ruhuna University, was felicitated by the Ruhuna University Alumni Colombo Association recently. 

The second Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Colombo Association was held at the Western Province Aesthetic Centre, Colombo 7.  A total number of six past Vice Chancellors also were felicitated at this event. Professor G.P. Samarawickrama, Professor S. Pinnaduwage, Professor Chandrasiri Niriella, Professor Ranjith Senaratne, Professor Susirith Mendis and the present Vice Chancellor Professor Gamini Senanayake were among them. 

Retired senior academics such as Professor Sirimal Ranawella, Professor Vinnie Vitharana, Professor Danny Athapattu, Professor Ranjith Pathirana and Professor Chithra Pathirana were also felicitated. A large number of academic staff and alumni attended this function. 

‘Thaksalawaka Arumethiya’, a documentary produced by the Alumni Colombo Association was screened at the function. The documentary was directed and scripted by a couple of alumni and it charts the university’s inception, historical journey, architectural uniqueness, culture and service it renders to the nation. The documentary was well commended and appreciated by the audience. 
The keynote address was delivered by the chief guest, Ronnie De Mel. The function was very successful and well attended. It was a platform for the alumni to interact not only with their colleagues but also with their academic gurus. 

The veteran singers Edward Jayakody and Krishantha Erandaka entertained those present with their vocal talents. 

Former SLRC DG and association President Chandrapala Liyanage delivered the welcome address and Surveyor General and alumni association Secretary Palitha Udayakantha delivered the vote of thanks.