S. Palitha L. Siyambalapitiya

I am delighted to address you as newly elected President and thankful to all of you for your confidence and electing me as the 35th President of this esteemed Association at the 34th Annual General Meeting held on 30th April 2025 at Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA). I assure you that I will carry forward the activities to the best of my ability together with the newly elected General Secretary Mr. Chandika Indikadahena, Treasurer Eng. S. M. Gnanarathna and the Council of Management with the guidance of our senior members. Dear Members, I seek your kind cooperation in all the activities of our Association.

Colombo Chapter was formed in 1990 by group of Peradeniya alumni living in Colombo who were founder members of the parent Association. We reflect our legacy of over 35 years with every successive President taking the association to newer and greater heights with the support of the key office bearers and respective Councils of Management.

People are the foundation of any successful organization. It is imperative that we continually attract and retain the right individuals to meet the Association objectives. We create a culture of responsibility and drive a culture of excellence whilst glimpsing at the future with confidence and hope.

Before conclusion, I would like to reflect a bit on my journey in AAUPCC.I joined AAUPCC in 1999 upon graduating from the University of Peradeniya in 1981 with B.Sc. degree. Later, joined as a member of Council of Management in 2019/20, elected as Co-Editor in 2020/21, Vice President- Publicity for two terms in 2021/22 and 2022/23.Then elected as General Secretary in 2023/24 and also in 2024/25. I was actively involved in all the activities of the Association.With the blessings of the senior members and the Council of Management I am elected as the President in my 07th Year at Council of Management.

In conclusion, I am honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading AAUP Colombo Chapter for the term 2025/26.

I take this opportunity to invite all Alumni of the University of Peradeniya to join with us to play an active role to meet the objectives of the Colombo Chapter.

Thank you.

Wish you all the Best and Good Luck!