Yearly Archives: 2024

The 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Peradeniya Engineering Faculty Alumni Association (PEFAA) was held on November 23, 2024, at the EOE Pereira Theatre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. Beginning at 2:30 PM, the event featured registration and tea, allowing attendees to network.

The Chief Guest, the Vice Chancellor of the University, was welcomed, followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp and the national anthem. A Pooja dance added a cultural touch. The President of PEFAA delivered the welcome address, along with the Dean of the Faculty and the Chief Guest, who discussed achievements and future plans.

Another cultural dance performance entertained the audience, and awards were presented to recognize alumni and student achievements. The President briefed attendees on Diamond Jubilee projects and acknowledged donor contributions, while certificates of appreciation were awarded. The AGM included the presentation of the Annual Report for 2023/2024, and attendees were invited to discuss motions. The newly elected President for 2024/2025 shared the vision for the coming year, and the General Secretary provided a vote of thanks.

After the AGM, participants gathered at the Oak Ray Regency Hotel in Getambe for cocktails and a dinner dance, marking a successful conclusion to the day’s events.

More captures from the event can be found here. (PC: GAUGE Newsletter)

More of the captures can also be found here

A thankful note by Prof. Jeewananda Keerthisena – former professor at the Faculty of Engineering, UOP.

“The Peradeniya Engineering Faculty formed its Alumni Association PEFAA in September 1991 initiated by Prof M.P. Ranaweera who was serving as the Dean of Engineering. The membership of PEFAA though mainly comprised Peradeniya Engineering Graduates was not limited to them. From its inception, the president of the Peradeniya Engineering Faculty Alumni Association (PEFAA) was elected from among PEFAA members serving in the industry.

Dr. B.M.A. Balasooriya a renowned Pera Alumni from E59 batch (entered in 1959 and graduated in 1963) was the founding president of PEFAA. He was followed by Mr. N.K. Gunawardana (E64), Mr. Parakrama Jayasinghe (E63), Mr. Mervyn Gunasekera (E71), Mr. Gemunu Silva (E63) laying a solid foundation for PEFAA activities such as providing support to needy students, book donations, contributing to academic activities through talks, seminars, field visits, and also social activities among Alumni and families.

Peradeniya Alumni show a candid bonding among themselves wherever they meet bringing alive joyful memories of campus life in breathtaking Peradeniya environs. The present committee headed by Ravi Theaver (E82) has made an impressive effort to implement the Engineering Faculty facelift and learning process improvement projects amounting to Rs 80 million in time for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

It is truly amazing to see the Alumni from E1962 to E2008 coming forward so generously to support these much-needed projects for the Pera-EFac Jubilee celebrations in July 2025. The ability to raise funds to implement these impactful projects without having to go through the University bureaucracy yet transparently speaks volumes in favor of PEFAA. As an E63 Alumni and a pioneer member, I wish to congratulate PEFAA and offer my best wishes for every success in the 33rd anniversary celebrations on 23 November 2024.”

The original note can be found here.

PEFAA proudly extend heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake on his appointment as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya. His unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and profound expertise will undoubtedly steer the faculty toward continued success and excellence. We firmly believe that under his guidance, the faculty will thrive and carve out a bright and promising future.

As the former Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UOP, Professor Samaranayake has already demonstrated his capacity for impactful leadership.

Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved appointment. We commend you for your outstanding contributions to the academic community and look forward to the great advancements that lie ahead.

The 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Peradeniya Engineering Faculty Alumni Association (PEFAA) will be held on November 23, 2024, at the EOE Pereira Theatre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. The meeting will begin at 2:30 PM. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya will serve as the chief guest, along with the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and various alumni members.

Following the AGM, there will be a Cocktails and Dinner Dance starting at 7:00 PM at the Oak Ray Regency Hotel, located on Deveni Rajasinghe Mawatha, Getambe. Tickets are priced at Rs. 2,500 and will be available at the entrance.

Registration link can be found here

The Techno24 exhibition, held from October 11th to 13th at the BMICH, provided an excellent platform to explore the latest cutting-edge innovations and breakthroughs. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into groundbreaking technology and discover practical solutions across various industries.

The University of Peradeniya and 75th Diamond Jubilee (of Faculty of Engineering) stalls, in partnership with Gauge as the official media partner, offered a firsthand look at the innovative advancements shaping our world, providing visitors with valuable insights into the future of technology. It was an event that truly showcased the potential and possibilities of tomorrow.

PEFAA sponsored travel between Kandy and Colombo for staff, students, and alumni to participate in the event. Further, the executive committee meeting of the PEFAA for October was held at BMICH.

More photos/videos can be found at Gauge Social media pages.

https://fb.watch/vkjurkm6X0/

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1068403995293155&type=3

As the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya proudly celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, a series of events is being organized to mark this milestone, culminating in 2025 with emphasis on its rich history and its vision for the future. Among the planned events, a significant one was the commemoration of its founder, Vidya Jyothi Eng. Prof. E.O.E. Pereira (13 September 1907 – 22 May 1988), a visionary leader who not only established the faculty but also laid the foundation for engineering education in Sri Lanka.

This commemorative event took place on 21 August 2024 at the faculty premises. The commemoration included a visit from Prof. E.O.E. Pereira’s elder son, Lorenz Pereira, followed by a symbolic tree-planting ceremony. Subsequently, there was a discussion with faculty staff and alumni, where participants fondly revisited memories of Prof. Pereira, sharing stories that highlighted his remarkable contributions to the field of engineering education.

The PEFAA organized the event to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the Engineering Education in Sri Lanka in 2025.

A newspaper article written by Dr. Damayanthi Herath about the event can be found here.

Further, more photos of the event also can be found here (Photo Credits: GAUGE Newsletter).

The Inauguration Ceremony of Peradeniya Engineering Faculty Facelift and Learning Process Improvement Projects (Diamond Jubilee) took place at the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, within the esteemed Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya, on the memorable date of July 31, 2024. Distinguished Alumni of the Faculty came together with a shared vision, generously committing funds towards transformative projects aimed at revitalizing the campus and enriching the educational experience. The esteemed presence of Dr. U.I Dissanayake (Dean, FoE), Mr. Kolitha Sampath, Mr. Ananda Senarath, Dr. Ariyarathne Godaliyadda, and Mr. Sarath Senevirathne added a touch of brilliance to the occasion, inspiring all with their passion for progress and dedication to their alma mater.

This was initiated by the PEFAA as a preparation to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Engineering Education in Sri Lanka in 2025.

More photos of the event can be found here (Photo Credits: GAUGE Newsletter)

We were overjoyed to host a fantastic gathering in the tranquil Simpson’s Forest, Wattegama, Kandy. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and create new memories together!

The event, originally scheduled for July 27, 2024, was postponed to August 3, 2024. It took place from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Simpson’s Forest, Meenawatta Estate, Elkaduwa Road, Wattegama, Kandy. Event Highlights included light Breakfast, buffet Lunch, evening Tea, and Complimentary access to the swimming pool throughout the event.
Participants confirmed their attendance, and we celebrated our shared experiences and achievements together!

Cost:

Above 12 years: Rs. 5000.00
Under 12 years: Rs. 3300.00

Click here for the Gallery

As you all are aware, Peradeniya Engineering Faculty will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee (75 years) in July 2025. PEFAA, the official umbrella organization of its alumni, is planning to pay the gratitude to our Alma-mater in the eve of its Diamond Jubilee by embarking on a number of Faculty development projects.

PEFAA wish to request faculty alumni to come forward as groups or as individuals and extend their fullest support for this worthy cause.

Detailed information on the proposed projects are available here.

You may also find the Try-Fold Project Brochure here.

Your active support will play a pivotal role in the implementation of those projects. We are delighted to state that one batch group has already shown their willingness to fund three of the projects. PEFAA’s effort on faculty development activities will not be realized without your enthusiasm and cooperation.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any clarification you need.

PEFAA EXCO had the first outreach meeting for the year on 13th January 2024 at Mahagedara Ethugalpura Holiday Resort, Kurunegala. About 60 alumni of the Faculty of Engineering participated at the event. It is worthwhile to note that the participants included very recent graduates as well as those who graduated about 45 years ago.