Colombo University alumni felicitates Education Minister
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Prof. G. L. Peiris receiving a memento from UoC Alumni Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya
The University of Colombo’s (UoC) Alumni Association felicitated their former Vice Chancellor G. L. Peiris, the newly appointed Education Minister at a function held recently at a function in the University’s Senate Hall.
Prof. G.L. Peiris is also an alumnus of the university. The event was attended by vice chancellors, deans, academics and alumni.
“During your term of office we look forward to many revolutionary changes in our education system, which has much room for improvement,” UoC Alumni Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya, said in his welcome address said. He also mentioned the support extended by Prof. Peiris to the association.
“When we were formulating the plan for University of Colombo’s Swimming Pool Complex, Prof. Peiris was someone I shared the plans with early on, and we look forward to your support in seeing this project being completed before long.”
He also thanked Prof. Peiris’ wife, Savithri Peiris for her presence and said she has been the silent strength behind his success.
Addressing the gathering, UoC’s Vice Chancellor Chandrika Wijeyaratne congratulated Prof. Peiris on his appointment and wished him all the best in the important national task of reforming the educational sector which had been entrusted to him.
She reiterated that the University had been ranked No. 1 among all universities in the country as a result of strategic planning targeted at sustainable development goals, extensive research and development work that was carried out by the University. She also emphasised on the University’s commitment to value addition, hosting the AUA Youth Forum in 2019, participating in international webinars and becoming the best performing university after the COVID-19 shut down.
Former UoC Alumni Association President Thilak Karunaratne, traced the milestones of Prof. Peiris’ outstanding education and academic achievements and his political journey. He also referred to some fond memories and anecdotes about his school days.
Mr. Karunaratne said that he was happy to be back in the University of Colombo which was familiar territory to him, having been in the University for 26 years in different capacities, finally ending up as its Vice Chancellor.
In his address, Prof. G.L. Peiris said each of the 13 universities must focus in a unique and different way to be identified for their strengths and capacities. Each university should be seen as different from the other.
He further raised concern that university system was unable to accommodate a large number of students, although they qualify with the marks required for university entrance. He said he had plans to increase the intake to the universities.
Prof. G L Peris also referred to the contribution made by the UoC Alumni Association Past President, the late Mrs. Sujata Jayawardena - a hostel to accommodate women undergraduates at Buller’s Lane, as the university had only rented 32 individual houses to accommodate students.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by the Alumni Association Vice President Suranjani Wickramaratne.