Let's Unite to Rebuild University of Peradeniya

Fundraiser · Hoppers & Roti Night

On a warm February evening in Melbourne, the Sri Lankan community showed what true Peradeniya spirit looks like. Over 650 alumni, families and friends packed the Southern Community Centre in Mulgrave for "Let's Unite to Rebuild University of Peradeniya" — a sold-out Hoppers and Roti Night fundraiser organised by the Peradeniya University Alumni Australia – Victoria Chapter (PUAAViC).

Families serving plates together, smiles across generations, and an entire hall united by one clear mission. The aroma of freshly made hoppers and roti, the clatter of plates, and the sound of heartfelt laughter turned an ordinary venue into a powerful act of solidarity for Sri Lanka's largest and most prestigious university after the devastating floods of Cyclone Ditwah.

Cyclone Ditwah: A Campus Under Water

In late November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah unleashed unprecedented flooding along the Mahaweli River. Waters rose nearly 16 feet in places, turning lecture halls, laboratories and student hostels into scenes of heartbreak.

More than 1,300 undergraduates lost their living quarters. Science and veterinary laboratories saw years of research and expensive equipment destroyed. The university's vital experimental agricultural farms — crucial for national food security studies — were completely wiped out. Libraries, lecture theatres and essential infrastructure suffered catastrophic damage.

The provisional recovery cost now stands at AUD $39 million, a figure far beyond what the university can manage alone. For the first time in its 80-year history, Peradeniya faced the terrifying possibility that thousands of students might not be able to resume studies.

A Night of Hoppers, Heart and Hope

That is why PUAAViC refused to stand by. Within weeks they transformed grief into action and created "Let's Unite to Rebuild University of Peradeniya" — the largest single alumni fundraiser ever held in Australia for the university.

The Hoppers and Roti Night became far more than a dinner; it was a family reunion wrapped in purpose. Tables groaned under traditional Sri Lankan fare — hoppers and roti hot off the stove, fragrant curries, and homemade desserts — while classmates from the 1970s right through to the 2020s reconnected. Children darted between tables and generations shared stories of campus life beneath the Hantane mountains.

Lead organiser Jagath Gunaratne addressed the crowd with a message of unity and hope. Live performances and moving speeches added powerful emotional depth. Talented artists, including Mandeera Kosgahakumbura, brought the audience to tears and thunderous applause with songs that celebrated Peradeniya's proud legacy. Guests watched raw footage of the flood damage and heard organisers outline the urgent priorities: rebuilding flood-resilient hostels, restoring research laboratories, reviving the agricultural farms, and supporting students who lost everything.

A community that exceeded every expectation

Through ticket sales, on-the-spot donations, auction, raffle, and generous corporate sponsorships, the community raised $60,573.37. After modest expenses of just $10,382, the event generated a net surplus of $50,191.37. Together with an additional contribution from prior PUAAViC funds (including from Hantane Nite 2025), a total of $54,691.37 is now flowing directly into the official Rebuild Pera fund. Every dollar is being used with complete transparency for priority restoration work.

The Impact: Rebuilding the University

The impact of the fundraiser is already being felt on the ground in Peradeniya. The first wave of support has funded the purchase and shipping of refurbished computers and IT equipment for the university's damaged computer labs and IT centre.

In Melbourne warehouses, volunteers worked tirelessly packing boxes of desktops, monitors, and essential hardware items that will directly help students resume their studies without further delay. Every package carries a simple message: "From your Peradeniya family in Australia with love."

Where the funds are going

While the road to full recovery will take years, this Melbourne night proved that Peradeniya's greatest strength has always been its people. Those who once walked its lush campus now carry its spirit across the world — and are determined to bring it back stronger than ever.

Acknowledgements

Our heartfelt thanks go to the 24 fundraiser committee members, over 36 cash donors and sponsors, food and service providers, and more than 650 participants who made Hoppers Night on 7th February 2026 a success. Your generosity and commitment made this the largest project in PUAAViC history, and your contribution will be remembered with gratitude.

Special Thanks

• Catering: On-Site Catering Service (Raja) provided egg/plain roti free of charge.
• Food sponsors: Desha Hoppers and Ceylon Flavours supplied food at discounted rates.
• Performances: Rangana & Udumbara and Rasika Dancing Groups performed complimentary items.
• Shipping & Logistics: Trico International (Yasantha Dias) provided discounted shipping and clearance support.
• Music: Waves – Rhythm of Hantane band for an unforgettable music experience.