An Introduction

The Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya – New Zealand Chapter was established in 2009 under the auspices of Dr. Sydney Fernando with a goal of bringing together Alumni of Sri Lanka’s largest university.

Registered under Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and recognised as a charity by Charities Services, New Zealand, the association actively supports both the University of Peradeniya and its students through a range of meaningful projects. It also fosters a strong sense of community among Peradeniya alumni living in New Zealand through various social and cultural events.

At a recent award ceremony held by Kiwi Sri Lankans as part of the National Volunteer Week 2025, the Office Bearers of the Association were honoured to receive the award presented by His Excellency Prasanna Gamage, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to New Zealand. The award acknowledged the Executive Committee’s commitment and contributions in volunteering their time and services to the community.

A Snapshot of Events and Projects of  the Association

Working Students Assistance Program (WSAP).

One of the most impactful projects the association supports is the Working Students Assistance Program, administered by the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Peradeniya and led by its Director, Prof. Dileep De Silva. This initiative provides financially disadvantaged students with opportunities to earn an income through part-time work coordinated by the university’s Career Guidance Unit and the Assistant Registrar, Student Services Division.

• Phase I was launched in 2023 and fully funded by the association at a cost of Rs. 693,500.
• Phase II, initiated in 2024, was also fully funded by the association, with a total investment of Rs. 1,060,000.
• Phase III is set to begin shortly, following a presentation by the program director and Assistant Registrar in May 2025. This phase will benefit 30 students, each receiving Rs. 5,000 per month for six months. Students are expected to complete 10 hours of part-time work per month, ideally aligned with their field of study.

We warmly invite alumni and well-wishers in New Zealand to join us in supporting this important initiative.

Other Key Projects

Some of the other notable achievements of the association include:

• Donation of books to the Veterinary and Dental Science Faculties (2010)
• Sponsorship of seven scholarships for first-year students (2011)
• Donation of medical books worth NZD 4,030 to the University Medical Library (2015)
• Donation of equipment—including a computer, fridge, and grinder—valued at NZD 1,817.50 to the Faculty of Science (2019)
• Donation of books worth NZD 1,050 to the Faculty of Management (2020)
• Full funding of a research project by the Faculty of Engineering to design and build a mobile platform for monitoring non-critical COVID-19 patients at Kandy National Hospital, at a cost of NZD 4,220 (2020)

Fundraising and Social Events

• In addition to project funding, the association hosts various events throughout the year, some with the specific goal of raising funds and others to promote networking and camaraderie.
• A highlight among past fundraising events was the musical show දෙවෙනි ඉනිම, held in 2018 at the Dorothy Winstone Centre. The event was a major financial success, with all proceeds directed toward university-related projects.
• This year, the association raised NZD 3,300 through the screening of the film ගෞතම බුද්ධ මාතා, with proceeds supporting ongoing student assistance initiatives across several faculties.

Gee Sandella – A Community Favourite

One of the most beloved social events is Gee Sandella, an evening of classic and modern Sinhala songs enjoyed by members of the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand. Also known as පැදුරු පාටිය, the event features live singing led by the talented musical duo Bernard Wimalaratne and Sanka Bambarawana. Tickets for the event and light refreshments will be  available for purchase soon. Any surplus funds go toward supporting projects at our alma mater.

Become a Member

If you are a graduate of the University of Peradeniya (formerly the University of Ceylon) and now live in New Zealand, we warmly invite you to join us.

Visit us at:
🌐 www.aaupnz.nz. 📘 facebook.com/NZAAUP

To become a member, simply click the “Join Us” button on our website, complete the application form, and submit it online.