Following the extensive disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah to the academic and administrative infrastructure of the Faculty of Management at the University of Peradeniya, the Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP) Colombo Chapter has contributed Rs. 1.5 million towards restoring essential communication facilities.
The cyclone completely damaged the internet connectivity infrastructure serving the Faculty Administrative Building, affecting essential academic and administrative operations. In response, the AAUP Colombo Chapter funded the installation of a high-speed Starlink internet facility and a modern IP telephone system equipped with 25 IP phones.
The newly installed satellite-based Starlink system is expected to provide reliable, high-speed internet connectivity for students and staff while improving the faculty’s resilience against potential disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions, including cyclones and floods.
The new IP telephone system will also strengthen internal communication across the faculty, supporting greater administrative efficiency and facilitating academic collaboration.
AAUP Colombo Chapter President Palitha Siyambalapitiya said Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Prof. Terrence Mudhujith, appreciated the Alumni Association’s continued support for the development of the university’s faculties.
He added that the contribution would help enhance the operational efficiency of the Faculty of Management while supporting its academic and administrative functions and ultimately benefiting students.
To mark the completion of the restoration project, representatives of the AAUP Colombo Chapter visited the University of Peradeniya on September 17, 2026. The delegation included President Palitha Siyambalapitiya, Treasurer S. M. Gnanarathna and Assistant Secretary Yamuna Abhayawardhane.
During the visit, the representatives met with Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, Dean of the Faculty of Management Dr. S. Maheshwaran, former Dean Prof. R. H. Kuruppuge, Project Coordinator Dr. Nuresh Eranda and faculty staff to formally mark the handover of the restored communication facilities.
The initiative is expected to help the Faculty of Management resume and strengthen its academic and administrative activities while providing more resilient communication infrastructure for the university community.
Image Disclaimer: Pictures belong to their rightful owners.
