At a simple ceremony held recently at College House of the University of Colombo, M/S Multiform Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd, through its Chairman Mr. Thilak Karunaratne, former president of the Alumni Association of the University of Colombo and Council Member of the University, donated a new 33-seater air conditioned luxury passenger bus to the Faculty of Science of the University of Colombo.

Vice Chancellor Professor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne accepted the keys to the bus from Karunaratne. The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Upul Sonnadara, President of the Alumni Association Mr. Rajeev Amarasuriya, the Registrar Mr. K.A.S. Edward, Bursar Mrs. S. Jayasooriya, members of the academic & administrative staff and alumni were present on this occasion.  

The Vice Chancellor expressed the university’s gratitude to Mr. Karunaratne and his family for their generous gift. She acknowledged their sincerity in filling a long-felt need in the academic schedules of the Faculty of Science to enable student field visits.

The commitment of alumni in the development of the University will inspire the student body to value their Alma Mater throughout their life. The Dean of Science said this was the largest contribution received by the faculty from a single donor.

Alumni President Rajeev Amarasuriya said that Karunaratne has been a benefactor of the University of Colombo for many years. They greatly appreciated his newest gift to the Science Faculty for the use of students and staff.

He called on other alumni to take a cue from Mr. Karunaratne and give back to the University of Colombo, when possible.

“We have received so much from the University, we must give back whenever possible,” he said.