Acknowledgements | Rebuild Peradeniya

EWIS Restores Faculty of Management Computer Laboratory

19th February 2026

The University of Peradeniya marked a major milestone in its recovery today with the official reopening of the Faculty of Management Computer Laboratory, which was completely destroyed during the severe flooding of Cyclone Ditwah.

Responding to the total loss of two laboratories, E-W Information Systems Limited (EWIS) stepped forward with a significant corporate contribution. The company donated 100 brand-new laptops, manufactured at their Sooriyawewa facility, along with a state-of-the-art 85-inch widescreen smart board to modernize the digital learning environment.

The reopening ceremony was attended by Vice-Chancellor Terence Madhujith, EWIS Chairman/CEO Sanjeewa Wickramanayake, and Dean Ravi Kuruppuge. This partnership between EWIS and the University serves as a powerful example of industry-academia collaboration in restoring critical infrastructure and ensuring the continuity of higher education.

"This timely intervention not only restores critical infrastructure but also strengthens the faculty’s capacity to deliver technology-driven education in an increasingly digital world."

Read this on The Sunday Times

86/87 Batch Supports Agriculture Rebuilding Effort

9th February 2026

The 86/87 batch of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (UOP), has made a significant contribution to the university's recovery initiative.

In a heartwarming display of alumni solidarity, the batch donated Rs. 1 million specifically to support the Faculty of Agriculture rebuilding effort following the recent flood damages.

The funds will be utilized to restore essential student facilities and academic infrastructure that were compromised during the disaster. This donation underscores the enduring bond between the university and its former students, who continue to invest in the success of future generations of agriculturists.

Cargills Ceylon Supports University Flood Recovery

22nd February 2026

In response to the recent floods that affected university facilities, Cargills Dairies (Pvt) Ltd has stepped forward to support the recovery of the Department of Animal Science at the Faculty of Agriculture.

This generous contribution includes essential laboratory equipment and resources aimed at restoring the department's capacity for practical learning and research. The support specifically targets the Dairy Chemistry and Technology laboratory, which plays a vital role in the faculty's academic program.

The donation includes:

Specialized laboratory equipment for dairy product testing.
Materials to support the resumption of undergraduate research projects.
Resources to upgrade damaged facilities in the food processing area.

This collaboration between Cargills Ceylon PLC and the University of Peradeniya underscores a shared commitment to the development of the livestock and food agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. The university expresses its deep gratitude for this timely intervention which helps students return to their hands-on training without further delay.

"This partnership ensures that our students continue to receive industry-relevant training despite the setbacks caused by the natural disaster."

Keeping Students Online: IFS Donates 60 Laptops to Peradeniya

23rd December 2025

IFS R & D International (Pvt.) Ltd has donated 60 refurbished laptops to the Department of Computer Engineering at the University of Peradeniya. Fifteen units were collected from IFS’s Colombo office, and 45 were handed over at Peradeniya. The donation strengthened the Department’s laptop pool and, in response to recent floods, helped students who lost their devices get back online quickly.

In late December 2025, Prof. Roshan Ragel travelled to Colombo to collect the first batch of 15 laptops to meet urgent needs without delay. On 23 December, an initial set of machines was issued to students who had lost laptops in the floods; the remainder was delivered to Peradeniya for final distribution. The formal handover to the Department of Computer Engineering took place during an IFS visit in January 2026, attended by Dean Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake and Head of Department Dr. Asitha Bandaranayake.

The laptops are pre-owned, professionally inspected, and in very good condition for reuse. A portion of the donation was fast-tracked to support more than ten students affected by the floods; the allocation to those students was coordinated by Dr. Pramila Gamage (Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering) to ensure a fair and rapid process.

IFS stepped in at a critical time and ensured students could continue their studies,” said Prof. Roshan Ragel; “This partnership shows how university and industry can respond quickly in a crisis,” said Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake, Dean; “We prioritised the students who needed help the most and kept the process simple and fast,” said Dr. Pramila Gamage. On behalf of the Department, we thank Chamika Bandara, the IFS management, and the team for their support and coordination.

The Department thanks IFS for their timely contribution and all staff who supported logistics and distribution. For enquiries or to support similar efforts, contact the Head of Computer Engineering or the Dean of Engineering.

Alumni Donation for Flood Affected Hostel

24th December 2025

The Sarasavi Madura Hostel of the University of Peradeniya, badly affected by Cyclone Ditwah and subsequent flooding, has received a donation of 144 mattresses valued at Rs. 950,400.

The initiative was spearheaded through a GofundMe project organized by Dr. Sanjeewa Abeysinghe, an alumnus residing in Queensland, Australia. Alumni and well-wishers from around the world contributed to the project, reflecting their strong commitment to student welfare during this difficult time.

The fundraising campaign was strongly supported by a dedicated team from Queensland, Dr. Buddhika Gamage, Dr. Deepani Dharshika, Dr. Amila Bandaranayake, and Mr. Rohana Rathnayake, whose contributions and organizational support alongside Dr. Abeysinghe ensured the success of the project.

The relief effort was coordinated by Prof. Sampath Lokugalappatti, Director of Student Support Services & Welfare System (SSS&WS). The mattresses were officially handed over to the university on 24th December 2025, where they were received by Prof. W.M.T. Madhujith, Vice-Chancellor, and Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Also in attendance at the handing-over ceremony were the Public Relations officer of the University, the Director of Student Accommodation, the Director of Security, and the Warden of Sarasavi Madura Hostel.

This donation represents a significant step in restoring normalcy for students affected by the disaster and underscores the enduring bond between the University of Peradeniya and its alumni community.

Niigata University Extends Support to University of Peradeniya Through Relief Donation

5th January 2026

A combined international delegation from Niigata University, Japan; Curtin University, Australia; and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, visited the University of Peradeniya and met with the senior administration on 4th January 2026, from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., at the Vice Chancellor’s Office.

The meeting was chaired by Prof. Terrence Madhujith, Vice Chancellor, with the participation of Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, Deputy Vice Chancellor; Prof. S. P. K. Malavirachchi, Director, International Relations Office (InRO); Prof. B. G. L. T. Samaranayake, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Prof. B. M. H. S. K. Banneheka, Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences; Prof. H. D. W. T. Damayanthi Dassanayake, Acting Director, InRO; Prof. K. S. N. Ariyasinghe, Faculty of Dental Sciences; Mr. K. A. B. Damunupola, Registrar, along with academic staff and members of the International Relations Office.

The foreign delegation included Prof. M. Satish Kumar, Vice President – Research, Niigata University, two other professors from Niigata University, representatives from Curtin University and IISc Bangalore, as well as several postgraduate students from the respective institutions.

The primary objective of the meeting was the handover of a monetary donation by Niigata University to the University of Peradeniya Relief Fund, in support of recovery efforts following the recent Ditwah storm and flood-related damages.

During the session, Prof. K. S. N. Ariyasinghe presented existing collaborations with Niigata University, while Prof. B. G. L. T. Samaranayake presented a proposal for the establishment of a Disaster Management and Resilience Centre (DMRC) at the University of Peradeniya.

The generous support from Niigata University and partner institutions underscores the value of global academic solidarity and plays a vital role in the University of Peradeniya’s ongoing recovery and resilience-building efforts.