From Devastation to Renewal: Veterinary Biochemistry Laboratory Reopens After the Ditwah Cyclone
Impact of the Ditwah Cyclone on University Infrastructure
The Veterinary Biochemistry Building of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, together with several other valuable properties of the University of Peradeniya, suffered severe damage due to the overflow of the adjacent Mahaweli River during the devastating Ditwah cyclone. The Veterinary Biochemistry Laboratory was completely inundated, resulting in extensive damage to laboratory equipment, furniture, documents, and consumables essential for teaching and research activities.
Immediate Recovery Efforts by Staff and Students
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, academic and non-academic staff members, along with students of the faculty, made a remarkable collective effort to clean and restore the laboratory premises. Glassware, furniture, and laboratory equipment were thoroughly cleaned, while glassware was carefully reorganized into plastic boxes and rearranged in cupboards to ensure safety and usability, and chemicals were carefully sorted and stored. A team of academic members from the Faculty of Engineering assured the stability of the inundated building’s structure.
Refurbishment and Infrastructure Restoration through Donors
Subsequently, the refurbishment of the Veterinary Biochemistry Laboratory commenced under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science, and Head, Department of Basic Veterinary Science, through the generous financial contributions amounting to LKR 2.4 million from PetsVcare Animal Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd and Vetgrow (Pvt) Ltd. The refurbishment included comprehensive renovation work, such as tiling of the laboratory floor and staircase to enhance safety and durability, along with thorough color washing of the walls and windows to restore a clean and conducive academic environment. The newly tiled surfaces improved illumination and gave the laboratory a more spacious and organized appearance, significantly enhancing its functionality for teaching and research activities.
Additional Financial and Material Support
In addition to the primary refurbishment funding, donations received through the Veterinary Alumni Association of Peradeniya (VAAP) funds enabled the Department to purchase items required for reorganizing the laboratory, repair damaged equipment, and procure essential laboratory equipment. Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) generously supported the purchase of consumables necessary to recommence the academic program without delay. The Veterinary Business Center of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science also provided financial support toward the refurbishment work.
Timely Completion Ahead of Academic Activities
With the dedicated support of academic and non-academic staff members of the Department, and the generous financial contributions from PetsVcare Animal Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd and Vetgrow (Pvt) Ltd, VAAP and SLVA, the refurbishment work was successfully completed before the commencement of academic activities, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and research.
Invoking Blessings for the Way Forward
Following the completion of the refurbishment work, a Pirith chanting ceremony was held to invoke blessings for all those involved and to mark the restoration of the Veterinary Biochemistry Laboratory, symbolizing resilience, collaboration, and renewal within the University community.
The Veterinary Biochemistry Building of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, together with several other valuable properties of the University of Peradeniya, suffered severe damage due to the overflow of the adjacent Mahaweli River during the devastating Ditwah cyclone. The Veterinary Biochemistry Laboratory was completely inundated, resulting in extensive damage to laboratory equipment, furniture, documents, and consumables essential for teaching and research activities.
Immediate Recovery Efforts by Staff and Students
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, academic and non-academic staff members, along with students of the faculty, made a remarkable collective effort to clean and restore the laboratory premises. Glassware, furniture, and laboratory equipment were thoroughly cleaned, while glassware was carefully reorganized into plastic boxes and rearranged in cupboards to ensure safety and usability, and chemicals were carefully sorted and stored. A team of academic members from the Faculty of Engineering assured the stability of the inundated building’s structure.
Refurbishment and Infrastructure Restoration through Donors
Subsequently, the refurbishment of the Veterinary Biochemistry Laboratory commenced under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science, and Head, Department of Basic Veterinary Science, through the generous financial contributions amounting to LKR 2.4 million from PetsVcare Animal Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd and Vetgrow (Pvt) Ltd. The refurbishment included comprehensive renovation work, such as tiling of the laboratory floor and staircase to enhance safety and durability, along with thorough color washing of the walls and windows to restore a clean and conducive academic environment. The newly tiled surfaces improved illumination and gave the laboratory a more spacious and organized appearance, significantly enhancing its functionality for teaching and research activities.
Additional Financial and Material Support
In addition to the primary refurbishment funding, donations received through the Veterinary Alumni Association of Peradeniya (VAAP) funds enabled the Department to purchase items required for reorganizing the laboratory, repair damaged equipment, and procure essential laboratory equipment. Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) generously supported the purchase of consumables necessary to recommence the academic program without delay. The Veterinary Business Center of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science also provided financial support toward the refurbishment work.
Timely Completion Ahead of Academic Activities
With the dedicated support of academic and non-academic staff members of the Department, and the generous financial contributions from PetsVcare Animal Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd and Vetgrow (Pvt) Ltd, VAAP and SLVA, the refurbishment work was successfully completed before the commencement of academic activities, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and research.
Invoking Blessings for the Way Forward
Following the completion of the refurbishment work, a Pirith chanting ceremony was held to invoke blessings for all those involved and to mark the restoration of the Veterinary Biochemistry Laboratory, symbolizing resilience, collaboration, and renewal within the University community.