Blitzen Night 2013: Inauguration of Alumni Association of Business and Technology

The most featured and anticipated event of the year, Blitzen Night 2013: Inauguration of Alumni Association of Business and Technology was held on Saturday, 07^th December 2013 at the auditorium, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies (FCMS) of University of Kelaniya. The event was hosted by the Students Association of Business of Technology (ABT) together the hands with Department of Commerce and Financial Management (DCFM) of University of Kelaniya. The alumni association was formed under the Bachelor of Commerce Special Degree in Business Technology programme of DCFM, University of Kelaniya. The ultimate goal of Blitzen Night 2013 was to help current business technology undergraduates to connect with alumni, provide an opportunity to network, and demonstrate the wide breadth of options available to business technology majors.  

Many guests were presented for the occasion including past business technology graduates, present students and with the distinguished participation by Dean of the FCMS, Dr. D.M. Semasinghe as the Chief Guest and Head of the DCFM, Dr. C. Pathirawasam as the Guest of Honour. Dr. C.N. Wickramasinghe, Senior Lecturer of DCFM initiated the event with the welcome speech by addressing the main objectives of building an alumni association. Further he emphasized the importance of having effective network and the evolving role of business technology thus its importance. The proceedings followed with an appealing speech delivered by Dean of FCMS, Dr. D. M. Semasinghe as he explained the importance of forming and continuing an active alumni association for Business Technology stream. He extended his appreciation for initiating this event by stating that this would be an idyllic path to enhance the Faculty’s overall success. Dr. C. Pathirawasam, Head of DCFM added that “this is a great event for Business Technology alumni, who have generously and consistently given back with their time and who are truly dedicated and committed to seeing that same level of success continued in current students, look forward to being invited back to participate in Alumni Night. Not only do they get to share about their own experiences, but also it provides a great chance to reconnect with their friends.” He also thanked lecturers of DCFM; Dr. C.N. Wickramasinghe, Ms. Lakmali Jayarathna, Ms. Chamari Jayarathna and Mr. Harshaka Hettiarachchi for rejuvenating the idea of a functioning alumni association and for their continuous support in realizing its overall objectives. After bout of enjoying an interesting video clip which included special milestones placed by ABT, the election of tentative office bearers was initiated. Ms. Helen Sahabandu was appointed as the Secretary which was followed by Mr. T.P Kumarathunga being appointed as the President of the alumni association. Mr. Pradeep Wimukthi was then appointed as the Treasurer of the association. Further Mr. Harshaka Hettiarachchi as the Vice President and Mr. Thilina Bandara as the Vice Secretary were appointed as the other office bearers. Ms. Lakmali Jayarathna, Lecturer of the DCFM was appointed as the Senior Treasurer. Followed by the election, President delivered a speech thanking everybody for appointing him to such a privileged position and went on to share his vision and direction for the association which included improving membership and developing funds needed for various activities of the alumni. Following the President’s inspirational speech, the committee members representing each batch were appointed. After another bout of entertainment consisted with dancing items and couple of songs performed by the business technology undergraduates, Ms. Deepika Kanchana (Secretary of ABT) concluded the meeting with the vote of thanks where she extended her appreciation and gratitude to all those who supported and organized the event, including the lecturers guidance and commitment of organizing committee. Finally, she extended her sincere gratitude on behalf of the working committee to the Dean of the Faculty as well as for the Head of the Department for their presence and continuous support. She concluded the AGM inviting all members to enjoy the day with the reamining events of the get together. It was a pleasurable evening where the patrons were treated to splendid music, scrumptious food, and gorgeous dances. The night continued till late night where a great majority of the audience was still on the dance floor having a really great time. The event was organized with special support from the sponsors; National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) and Union Assurance PLC by generously allocating funds to successfully conclude the event.