The Kick-Off event of the CAPAGE, ‘Promoting academic and professional excellence in healthcare to meet the challenges of aging in Sri Lanka’ project co-funded by the ERASMUS+ was held from 19th to 23rd February 2024 in the Oak Regency Hotel, Gatambe. It was hosted by the University of Peradeniya and the inauguration ceremony was held in full splendour. The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, Prof. Terrance Madhujith, Vice Chancellor, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Prof. V. Kanagasingam, Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. M.D.M.L.D.K. Yatawara, Dean Faculty of Healthcare Sciences, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Prof. S. Sathananthan, Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kotelawala Defence University, Sur Capt. NRP Perera, the Main Coordinator for the project, Prof. Monica Christova, FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Austria, project members from JAMK, University of Applied Sciences, Finland, University of Coruna, Spain, Santa Maria Health School, Portugal and project members from partner Universities in Sri Lanka- University of Peradeniya, University of Colombo, Kotelawala Defense University, University of Jaffna, University of Ruhuna and Eastern University of Sri Lanka. The welcome address was delivered by the Project Manager for the University of Peradeniya, Dr. Esther Liyanage. Prof. Terrance Madhujith, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, and Prof. M.D.M.L.D.K. Yatawara, Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya addressed the gathering. Prof. Monica Christova presented an introduction to the project.
The five days were eventful with official meetings and social events. In one social event, the project members from Europe and Sri Lanka took time to clean a section of the Botanical Garden, Peradeniya to promote Green Environment. The kick-off event was completed successfully on the 23rd of February 2024. This project of three years duration is now initiated and will progress through milestones to achieve the objectives of enhancing active and healthy aging for the elderly in Sri Lanka.
The incredible photography for the inauguration ceremony was done by Perabeats Photography, University of Peradeniya.