On June 30 th , the High Commission of Canada in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the University of Peradeniya hosted a Canada Day reception at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge to mark the 158 th anniversary of Canadian Confederation as well as the Founders Day of the University of Peradeniya, both fall on 1 st of July. The reception brought together Consulate friends and partners and university academics and their Alumni networks for an evening of great conversation and exchange of intellectual and business ideas. The High Commissioner for Canada in Sri Lanka and Maldives His Excellency Eric Walsh opened the event saying that Canada Day is an opportunity to reflect on the values that shape Canada’s identity and by the celebration they are strengthening people-to-people contacts, connected through strong linkages such as academic partnerships and development cooperation, not only on a government-to-government basis, but in friendships built by individuals, institutions and communities. Professor Terrence Madhujith-the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya who is also a Canadian Alumni, welcomed the guests and thanked their attendance for the first-ever holding of Canada Day out of Colombo which combined the day before of the Founders Day of the University of Peradeniya.
The High Commissioner for Canada in Sri Lanka and Maldives His Excellency Eric Walsh, Professor S.B.S. Abayakoon, Governor of the Central Province, Professor Terrence Madhujith-the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Professor Ranjith Pallegama, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Her Excellency Gwen Temmel-the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Indirani Jayawardena of the Political team of the High Commission, Professor Sanjeewa Malaviarachchi – Director, International Relations of the University of Peradeniya, Professor M.D. Lamawansa, former Vice Chancellor of University of Peradeniya, Deans of Faculties and Directors of Postgraduate Institutes of the University of Peradeniya, H.E. Horbach Bonnie Head of Mission, Embassy of the Netherlands, H.E. Tobing Dewi Gustina Head of Mission Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, the chief of Sri Lanka’s indigenous community Uruwarige Wannila Aththo, Mr. K.A.B. Damunupola-Acting Registrar, Mr. AMNB. Arampath-Bursar of the University of Peradeniya, and many other distinguished invitees of both Canadian High Commission and University of Peradeniya attended the event.
Mr. Mahesh Abeywickerema-Public Relations Officer, Mr. Yenuka Pahalage-Chief Security Officer, Dr. Chandima Herath-Chief Medical Officer, Mr. P. Panditharathna-Works Engineer, Mr. Asantha Bandara-Curator, Staff of the INRO and many other supportive staff of the University of Peradeniya actively engaged in organizing the event.
