The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) marked its 85th anniversary on Saturday (19) at its headquarters on Kithulwatte Road, Colombo, with a gathering of academics, professionals and members.

SLFUW President Lakmini Nonis welcomed the gathering, following which Chief Guest Prof Emeritus Niranjanie Ratnayake inaugurated the proceedings by lighting the traditional oil lamp.

The commemorative cake was jointly cut by Prof Ratnayake and Dr Premala Sivaprakasapillai Sivasegaram, Sri Lanka's first female engineer.

Eight scholarships were subsequently presented to female undergraduates, including two visually impaired students.

Addressing the gathering, Nonis said that the SLFUW had supported not only university women but also school education in underprivileged areas, with particular attention to socially disadvantaged communities. She said the organisation had also contributed to poverty alleviation and improving the lives of ordinary people.

Nonis expressed hope that the organisation's legacy of service would continue during the next 85 years. She also paid tribute to the late Clara Motwani, the American educationist who established the SLFUW in 1941.

The anniversary programme included a panel discussion titled 'Honouring Traditions, and Building a Sustainable Future for the Next Era of the SLFUW'. The panel comprised Premala Sivasegaram, Dinali Fernando, Head of the Department of English at the University of Kelaniya, and Snr Prof Kumudu Perera of Wayamba University. Ayeshah Bansajayah served as moderator.

Membership Committee Chairperson Gnanakanthi Makalanda spoke on the modernisation of the SLFUW membership database, followed by a presentation of membership cards by Prof. Ratnayake.

The anniversary celebrations also included lunch, games and a sing-along, with gifts presented to participants. SLFUW Vice President Nirmali de Silva delivered the vote of thanks.