Provincial News

‘Arunella’ from Engineering Students’ Union

The Engineering Students’ Union, of the University of Peradeniya, had organized “Arunella,” social charity programme under the theme “for a better future generation.” The event was held on June 12 at the University Gymnasium from 7.00 p.m..

“As students were able to enter university education through the benefits of the free education system, we have been accounted for numerous social responsibilities and commitments. Not only as individuals, but also as organized groups, students’ unions were given huge responsibilities to serve the society,” said, an official from the Union.

“The earliest roots of “Arunella” had originated about two decades back in 1993, when Engineering students from Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa areas started to conduct a seminar series for O/ Level students in those areas who were less privileged.”

“Arunella” G.C.E. O/L seminar programme were being conducted islandwide.

“Even though those undergraduates follow a tight academic schedule on week days, they tend to dedicate their free time during the week end, not to engage with their beloved family members, but to teach an unrelated and unknown brother or sister from a remote corner of the country.”

In 2009 after the war ended, the Engineering Students’ Union had a chance to visit the Northern Province with a helping hand of the “Arunella.”

There were over 2,500 O/L students who were among the refugees participating in the “Arunella” Seminar conducted at the Menik farm IDP camp and it showed everyone that “Arunella” does not consider any race or tribe.”

Arunella is not only a series of G.C.E. O/L seminars, but it also consists of a scholarship programmes.

“These scholarships health the students in the faculty with financial problems. The establishment of the scholarship programme, had been done in year 2002 with the funds gathered by performing a concert at the Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra open air theatre, using the own talents of the faculty students. At that time it made a great assistance for a large amount of students at the faculty.”