Ceremony of Gratitude
“A Ceremony of Gratitude” honoring Senior Prof. Abeytratne Bandara was held on the 3rd of November 2016 at 4.00 p.m. at the K.M.H. Munasinghe Auditorium. It was organized by the Students’ Association of Finance under the supervision of Prof. Hareendra Dissabandara, the Head – Department of Finance.
Prof. Bandara was the most experienced lecturer of the department. He was appointed as a lecturer at this university in 1977. Since then, he has served the university by holding many positions both academic and administrative. Prof. Bandara has introduced the specializations in the BSc. Business Administration degree program, the external degree program in Business Administration as the head of Department of Business Administration. He was one of the founder members of the Department of Finance and has contributed immensely in teaching and research. He retires in December this year as a Senior Professor attached to the Department of Finance.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, Dr. Anura Kumara, Deans of other faculties, Heads of other departments, Lecturers, other co-officials and Students representing the Department of Finance graced this occasion. This gathering evidenced the respect and the good name Prof.Bandara created throughout his career and the appreciation of his service which is irreplaceable for decades.
The event started with the lighting the traditional oil lamp and paying respect to the University. Then the President of the Students’ Association of Finance (SAF), Ajiran Kumara, presented the welcome speech. Two Students of the department got the opportunity to address the ceremony on behalf their colleagues. Shehan Sandunil Mendis represented the 3rd year students. He addressed the gathering highlighting the attitudes of his colleagues towards Senior Prof Bandra. Kalani Prasanga also addressed the gathering representing the 4th year students .She mentioned how impressed they were about Prof. Bandara’s teaching and guidance. Prof. HareendraDissabandara, the Head of the Department also addressed the ceremony. In his speech he mentioned that how lucky he is to be able to work with Prof. Bandara The Vice Chancellor and the Dean shared their memories during their undergraduate days with Prof. Bandara. They also mentioned how blessed they are to work with him today and make him proud to see their achievements in life.
The next item of the agenda was awarding a token of gratitude to Prof. Bandara. The Vice chancellor, the Dean and the Head of the department together presented the token representing the entire student community. A framed picture of Prof. Bandara with the signatures of all the well wishers was also presented to him by the SAF President.
Then it was time for Prof. Bandara to deliver his speech. He quoted many of his experiences and memories from his professional life and his personal life .Students enjoyed listening to his life story as there were many lessons to be learnt, principles to be followed and habits to be developed in us by looking at his life. It was an inspiring speech which was highly appreciated by the audience.
Finally, the vote of thanks was delivered by Thilini Sewwandi, the Secretary to the SAF.
There were refreshments for invitees arranged at the Faculty Board Room.
We are very happy that we were lucky enough to be the students of such a great teacher and we wish him all the very best in life.
