Our History

The idea of PUAAN was conceived by two enthusiastic alumni with the support of other alumni residing in NSW in 2007.

20 May 2007

Our Association was established

The inaugural General Meeting of PUAAN was held on 20 May 2007 at the Thornleigh Community Centre, with Mrs Gothami Indikadahena, then Consul General of Sri Lanka in Sydney and an alumna of the University of Peradeniya, as the Chief Guest.

More than 300 alumni from across all faculties attended, with Sri Lanka’s diverse Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher communities well represented. This spirit of inclusiveness and fellowship has remained central to the Association’s identity. PUAAN was subsequently registered as a not-for-profit organisation in New South Wales.

Our Purpose

PUAAN was established to:

  • strengthen fellowship and camaraderie among alumni through social, professional and community activities;
  • support the University of Peradeniya and its students through contributions to infrastructure projects, studentships and scholarships; and
  • engage with matters of shared interest to people of Sri Lankan heritage living in Australia.

Over the years, PUAAN has earned respect and recognition among a diverse network of community and professional associations. Its commitment to inclusiveness, fellowship and service continues to define the Association’s unique character.

The Inaugural Committee

President                                  Janaka Seneviratne

Vice President                         Don Sandanayake

Secretary                                  Palitha Siriwardane

Asst. Secretary                        Padma Kumarasinghe

Treasurer                                 Upali Aranwela

Asst. Treasurer                       Shelton Peiris

Public officer                           Lal Rankothge

Editor                                       Srikantha Nadarajah

Committee Members            Ernest MacIntyre, Lakshmi Waniganayake, Wasantha Wickramanayake, Earl Forbes, Raja Yogan

First Committee