By Neil Horadagoda & Janaka Seneviratne
It was a cool spring evening – 25th November. Yet another Peradeniya University Alumni Association’s glorious dinner dance, held at Castle Grand’s Pioneer Theatre, ended successfully. As a responsible organisation, this annual event was not held for four years due to the threat of Covid19.
The doors opened at 6:30pm and the arriving guests were ushered in by a bevy of PUAAN ladies after facing the camera lens of our own honorary photographer, Satya Rajapakse. It was first the meet and greet time with the guests being entertained with a colourful video presentation of Peradeniya University surroundings and activities ably prepared by Lucky Randeniya and Lal Rankothge.
The activities commenced at 7:00pm sharp with MCs Piumali Gunawardena and Ravi Chandrasekera taking stage to declare open the proceedings of the evening with the playing of the Peradeniya University anthem while beautiful sceneries of one of the world’s most beautiful universities were being displayed on the screen, with the guests standing in attention.
As the guests settled into their seats again President of PUAAN, Neil Horadagoda, delivering his address welcomed all the guests for their continued support. Then he thanked the members of the committee and their spouses for the excellent teamwork and sharing of all responsibilities throughout the year. Next he spoke about the scholarship and studentship programs sponsored by PUAAN and the substantial donations made to the development of infrastructure facilities of various faculties of the university. He then went on to the program of activities for the evening with special mention of the raffle draw that would be held later.
In keeping with the tradition of recognizing high achievements of our members, special mention was made of Professor Wije Ariyaratne who had been given the highly prestigious Engineering Executive and Registered Asia Pacific Economic Corporation Engineer award, in recognition of the significant role played by Ari as the Director of Bridges and Structures for over 20 years, by the Institute of Engineers Australia. In recognition of this award a token presentation was made by Neil.
This was followed by a fascinating dance by a bevy of young attractive girls of the Manuki Ranga dancing school which kept the eyes of the audience glued to them.
Then Bonny and the Redemptions, providing a change of mood, got the audience on the floor first with music for ball room dancing followed by music for the more violent stuff. Red and white wine on the tables and the most popular location specially designated as the “bar” where double black scotch was virtually flowing off the tap, helped the mood.
With a break in the music the guests were invited to a sumptuous buffet dinner tastefully prepared and beautifully laid out by Dale Mendis and his crew.
The most anticipated event was the raffle draw, with the first prize being two nights accommodation with full board at the ARUNYA resort close to Kandy, followed by the second prize, Sri Lanka airways return ticket to Colombo, third prize two nights accommodation with breakfast at the Hunter Valley Retreat and the fourth prize a dinner for two at the Kandy Bites restaurant. The first prize was won by Anura and Kumari Karunaratne and was presented by the donor, Lal Rankothge. There were also three door prizes.
PUAAN greatly appreciates the generous donations made towards these prizes by Lal Rankothge, Sri Lankan Airlines management, Kandy Bites, Dilmah tea group and Wije Hapukotuwa.
The night went on to its conclusion at 11:30pm swinging to the baila music of the Redemptions. We now look forward to Hantana Night 24.
Please enjoy photos from Satya Rajapakse and the team below!
Hantana Night 2023 – Peradeniya University Alumni Association
