The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FVMAS) canteen, severely damaged by recent flooding, has been fully restored thanks to the swift and generous support of the 1994/95 alumni batch. With contributions totaling Rs. 1.5 million, the facility was restored, fully re-equipped, and officially reopened on 29th December 2025, marking a milestone in student welfare and academic resilience.
Restoring a Vital Student Facility
The restoration project addressed urgent structural and welfare needs. Damaged doors, windows, and furniture were repaired, while the canteen and kitchen interiors were freshly painted to create a welcoming environment. Flood-damaged electrical appliances were restored to ensure safety and functionality. To enhance student comfort, twelve new cafeteria tables and forty-eight chairs were purchased, alongside essential kitchenware such as ceramic plates and glass mugs. To strengthen the canteen’s service capacity, essential equipment including a hot cabinet, bottle cooler, water dispenser, and microwave oven was installed, ensuring both safety and convenience for daily operations. The hot cabinet and bottle cooler were generously sponsored by Alltech Biotechnologies Pvt Ltd, reflecting the spirit of partnership that underpinned the restoration effort.
Extending Support Beyond the Canteen
The alumni also reinforced academic resources by donating a refurbished laptop and a new monochrome laser printer to the Examination Division. To ensure uninterrupted service, Rs. 25,000 was provided to the caterer for the immediate purchase of dry rations, enabling the canteen to resume operations without delay.
A Celebration of Solidarity
The handover ceremony was graced by Dean Dr. A.W. Kalupahana, former Dean Prof. Anil Pushpakumara, Director of SSS&WS Prof. Sampath Lokugalappatti, Veterinary Students’ Union President Mr. Tharaka Randunu, along with faculty staff and students. Their presence underscored the significance of the restoration, highlighting the unity between alumni, leadership, and students in safeguarding welfare and academic continuity.
Inspiring Community Action
This timely restoration ensures that students regain a vital welfare facility providing nutritious meals and a welcoming space for daily interaction. The reopening of the canteen also supports the smooth resumption of academic programs, allowing students and staff to focus on teaching, learning, and research without disruption. The alumni-led effort stands as a powerful example of community solidarity, inspiring further contributions toward rebuilding and strengthening the university.
