The Colombo Union
Fostering brotherhood and camaraderie among the Annite family
Formerly the Past Pupils Association
St. Anne's College Kurunegala - Colombo Union.
St. Anne's College Kurunegala - Colombo Union, formerly known as the Past Pupils Association, came into being through the initiative of Old Annites Mr. Lakshman Liyanaarachchi and the late Mr. Wijayanayake Tennekoon. Their aim was to create a platform for College alumni residing and working in Colombo to meet regularly. St. Anne’s College Kurunegala PPA Colombo was inaugurated in the year 1982 under the leadership and guidance of a distinguished past teacher late Mr. D. R. L. Samararatne who readily agreed to be the first President of the Association.
1982
First Executive Committee
- PresidentsD. R. L. Samararatne
- Vice PresidentsCollin Amarasinghe and M. B. Dissanayake
- Jt. SecretariesLakshman Liyanaarachchi and Wijayanayake Tennekoon
- TreasurerS. Dharmarajah
- Executive CommitteeU. W. Bandara, K. A. D. C. Nanayakkara, R. M. L. C. Seneviratne, Charles Witharana, Eddie Jayamanne, Keerthi Perera, K. B. Gopallava, H. F. Nanayakkara, S. B. Atugoda and Dr. S. F. Jayasinghe
Our Objectives
The primary objectives of the Colombo Union are twofold. Firstly, it strives to foster a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among the Annite family and to provide support in times of need. Secondly, the Union is dedicated to supporting the College in enhancing its academic and extracurricular activities, with the ultimate goal of raising the Annite flag high across the entire island, bringing pride and glory to the college.
The inaugural gathering of the Association took place at Hotel Galaxy in Union Place, Colombo, and saw the participation of about twenty-five past pupils who enrolled as members. Regular committee meetings were subsequently held at a hotel owned by one of the distinguished members, the late Dr. Abey Gunapala, whose generous support greatly facilitated the continuity of the association.
The beginning
The first Executive Committee was composed of prominent individuals who were passionate about advancing the Union's objectives. Under the capable leadership of Mr. D. R. L. Samararatne, who served as President for over a decade, the Association flourished. It proudly boasts members from diverse fields, including university professors, doctors, engineers, accountants, judges, senior bankers, diplomats, corporate chairpersons, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and sports personalities.
The New Era
Transitioning into a new era, the Union encountered challenges when Mr. Samararatne stepped down from the Presidency in 1993. However, in keeping with their motto 'Possumus,' which means "We can," another member, Mr. Brian Angunawala, courageously took up the role, casting aside any doubt about succession. From that point onward, numerous senior members eagerly assumed the Presidency in rotation, ensuring the Union's continued vitality.
In recognition of the teachers and employees who served their Alma Mater and became members of the Colombo Union, the Association underwent a name change in 2003, becoming St. Anne's College, Kurunegala - Colombo Union.
During Mr. Lakshman Hulugalla's presidency in 2007, the Colombo Union celebrated its Silver Jubilee Anniversary in a grand manner, expressing gratitude to past Presidents and Secretaries for their dedicated services.
In 2015, a new Constitution was adopted, and a Members' Mutual Benefit Fund was established to provide assistance in times of need.
The 40th Anniversary of the Union was celebrated in the month of February, 2023. The occasion was graced by His Excellency the Most Reverend Archbishop Brian Udaigwe – Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador of Vatican City). At this event all the past Presidents were felicitated whilst key officials who have rendered honorary services were recognized and appreciated.
Today, the Union takes pride in its membership of around three hundred individuals, with both young and old members actively participating in various activities. Beyond monthly Executive Committee meetings and Annual General Meetings, the Union organizes Family Get-togethers annually, providing a delightful platform for members and their families to enjoy each other's company.
Inaugurated as St. Anne’s College Kurunegala PPA Colombo.
Mr. Brian Angunawala takes up the Presidency.
Renamed St. Anne's College, Kurunegala - Colombo Union.
Silver Jubilee Anniversary.
New Constitution and Members' Mutual Benefit Fund.
Past Presidents and Secretaries of the Colombo Union
View Executive Committee| Year | President | Secretary |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 – 85 | D. R. L. Samararatne | L. R. Liyanarachchi W. Tennekoon |
| 1985 – 87 | D. R. L. Samararatne | J. M. A. M. Jayamanne R. M. L. C Seneviratne |
| 1987 – 88 | D. R. L. Samararatne | R. M. L. C. Seneviratne Henry Gunaratne |
| 1988 – 90 | D. R. L. Samararatne | R. M. L. C. Seneviratne Henry Gunaratne |
| 1990 – 92 | D. R. L. Samararatne | Henry Gunaratne Sarath Abeysinghe |
| 1992 – 93 | D. R. L. Samararatne | Lakshman Hulugalla Sarath Abeysinghe |
| 1993 – 95 | Brian Angunawela | Bandula De Silva |
| 1995 – 96 | P. Letchumanan | Bandula De Silva |
| 1996 – 97 | P. Letchumanan | Bandula Weerasekera |
| 1997 – 99 | Henry Gunaratne | Shirley Mallawa |
| 1999 – 2001 | J. M. A. M. Jayamanne | Gihan Samaranayake |
| 2001 – 02 | Bandula De Silva | Gihan Samaranayake Sextus Navaratne |
| 2002 – 03 | Gabriel Rodrigo | Lakshman Hulugalla Sextus Navaratne |
| 2002 – 05 | Gihan Samaranayake | Lakshman Hulugalla |
| 2005 – 06 | Christy Navaratne | Lakshman Hulugalla |
| 2006 – 07 | Bandula Weerasekera | Lakshman Hulugalla |
| 2007 – 08 | Lakshman Hulugalla | Chethiya Goonesekera |
| 2008 – 09 | Cyril Victor | Chethiya Goonesekera |
| 2009 – 10 | Jayantha Herath | Chethiya Goonesekera |
| 2010 – 12 | Malik Cader | Chethiya Goonesekera |
| 2012 – 13 | R. A. M. Marasinghe | Chethiya Goonesekera |
| 2013 – 14 | Leslie Rupasinghe | Ajith Weerasundara |
| 2014 – 16 | Ranjan De Silva | Ajith Weerasundara |
| 2016 – 17 | Brian Angunawela | Ajith Weerasundara |
| 2017 – 18 | Cyril Victor | Ajith Weerasundara |
| 2018 – 19 | Canisius Fernando | Ajith Weerasundara |
| 2019 – 20 | Chethiya Goonesekera | Ajith Weerasundara |
| 2020 – 22 | Lakshman Niyangoda | Ajith Weerasundara |
| 2022 – 23 | Lakshman Niyangoda | Ajith Weerasundara |
| 2023 – | Lakshman Niyangoda | Ajith Weerasundara |
Be a part of our amazing team.
Former students of St Anne's College Kurunegala working and residing in the Western Province are invited to join the SACK Colombo Union.