A generous donation: Senior UOC alumnus gifts luxury passenger bus to Science Faculty
View(s):A brand new 33-seater air conditioned luxury passenger bus was donated to the University of Colombo’s (UOC) Science Faculty at a simple ceremony recently held at the University’s College House.
The donation was made by M/S Multiform Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd through its Chairman Thilak Karunaratne. He is a Former President and Council Member of the UOC Alumni Association. The University’s Vice Chancellor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne accepted the keys to the passenger bus from Mr. Karunaratne.
Thilak Karunaratne presenting the keys of the luxury passenger bus to Vice Chancellor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne
Science Faculty Dean Upul Sonnadara, UOC Alumni Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya, Registrar K.A.S. Edward, Bursar S. Jayasooriya, alumni and academic and administrative staff were present at the ceremony.
The Vice Chancellor expressed the university’s gratitude to Mr. Karunaratne and his family. She acknowledged their sincerity in filling a long-felt void in the Science Faculty’s academic schedules, by providing a passenger bus for more student learning and research opportunities through field visits. She highlighted the commitment of the alumni in the development of the University, that would inspire the student body to value their Alma Mater throughout their lives. Prof. Sonnadara said this was the largest contribution received by the faculty from a single donor.
Mr. Amarasuriya said Mr. Karunaratne had been a benefactor of the University for many years now, and he greatly appreciated the latest donation of this passenger bus for the use of the students and staff in the Science Faculty. He also called upon more University alumni to take a cue from Mr. Karunaratne and give back to the University, whenever possible.
“We have received so much from the University, so we must give back whenever possible,” Mr. Amarasuriya said.