{
  "id": 11821017,
  "title": "THE SLFUW CELEBRATES 85th ANNIVERSARY",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/the-slfuw-celebrates-85th-anniversary",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T23:45:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/the-slfuw-celebrates-85th-anniversary/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) observed its momentous 85th Anniversary on September 19, 2021, at its headquarters in Colombo. The event was marked by a standing-room-only crowd, with the auditorium packed to its capacity. SLFUW President, Eng. Lakmini Nonis, warmly welcomed the distinguished group, which included accomplished professionals and scholars.\n\nProf. Emeritus Niranjanie Ratnayake, the esteemed Chief Guest, lit the traditional oil lamp to commence the proceedings. The commemorative cake, symbolizing the federation's historical milestone, was ceremonially cut by both the Chief Guest and Dr. Premala Sivaprakasapillai Sivasegaram, the pioneering female engineer in Sri Lanka.\n\nFollowing this, eight scholarships were awarded to female undergraduates, among them being two recipients who were visually impaired. In her address, President Nonis highlighted the SLFUW's commitment not only to university women but also to school education in underprivileged regions, with a particular emphasis on disadvantaged communities. She emphasized the federation's efforts to alleviate poverty and enhance the lives of ordinary citizens.\n\nPresident Nonis expressed her hope that the spirit of service would persist for the next 85 years. The program then unfolded with a panel discussion on the theme 'Honoring Traditions, and Building a Sustainable Future for the Next Era of the SLFUW.' The panel comprised Eng. Premala Sivasegaram Ph.D, Ms. Dinali Fernando, Head of English Department, Kelaniya University, and Snr. Prof. Kumudu Perera of Wayamba University. Ms. Ayeshah Bansajayah, compere and moderator of the event, ensured smooth proceedings.\n\nThe day included a sumptuous lunch, followed by games and a sing-along, with tokens of appreciation given in the form of Membership Cards. SLFUW Vice President, Nirmali de Silva, delivered the Vote of Thanks, concluding a day of celebration filled with joy and camaraderie.",
  "summary": "The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) celebrated its historic 85th Anniversary on September 19 at its headquarters on Kithulwatte Road, Colombo with a full house in attendance, an SLFUW news release said. The Auditorium was filled to capacity as SLFUW President, Eng. Lakmini Nonis, welcomed the assemblage, which included distinguished professionals and academics. Subsequently,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}