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Rebuilding University of Peradeniya Post Cyclone "Ditwah"
0% complete
$13,201 raised of $25K CAD
65 donations
Dear friends,
As many of you are aware, several areas within the University of Peradeniya were severely affected by the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025.
Impact
Beyond the extensive damage to university infrastructure, more than 12,000 students were trapped on campus on that tragic day. Following a massive rescue effort, they were safely relocated and provided with essential care. Thanks to the dedication of university officials and volunteer teams, the premises were cleaned and restored sufficiently for most faculties to resume academic activities by January 5, 2026, with the Faculty of Management reopening for new students on February 10, 2026.
Damage
The destruction spanned multiple categories:
- Buildings and lecture facilities
- Teaching, laboratory, and sports infrastructure
- Communication systems and administrative records
- Earth slips and environmental damage
- Loss of academic materials of students/Psychological impact
Before reopening, the university undertook extensive and costly safety evaluations to ensure the well-being of students and staff.
Recovery Effort
A special committee led by a former Vice‑Chancellor has been appointed to guide the restoration process. They have assessed the damage and developed a series of recovery projects. The estimated total cost of the damage is over Rs. 8 billion.
The Government of Sri Lanka has pledged Rs. 2.5 billion (through the national budget) for long‑term infrastructure restoration from 2026 to 2028.
Projects & Contributions
To manage the projects and financial contributions, the university has launched an official website where you can view:
- The complete list of recovery projects
- Estimated costs
- Donation options
You may access it here: Rebuild Pera
Support So Far
Local and overseas alumni associations, along with many well‑wishers, have already begun contributing. As a result, several urgent restoration activities are now underway.
Our Contribution
As an alumni association, we believe every Peradeniya graduate will feel a deep sense of responsibility and pride in helping rebuild the institution that shaped their lives. It is equally important that our contributions are used effectively and transparently.
We are therefore proposing a minimum donation of CAD 50 from each member.
With an estimated 1,500+ Peradeniya alumni living in the GTA and surrounding areas, your generosity can make a meaningful and lasting impact. Our initial fundraising period will run until July 31, 2026, after which we will review and decide on any extension.
How to Contribute
To simplify the process, we have established a GoFundMe campaign under the banner Let's Rebuild Pera After Cyclone "Ditwah".
- For each donation you will receive e receipt from GoFundMe.
- You can track the progress of the fund raising in real time.
- A processing fee of 2.9% plus 30 cents per donation will be charged by GoFundMe
- If you add a tip, the full amount of the tip will go to the GoFundMe organization to cover their operating costs
- If you do not want to add a tip, adjust the tip slider to 0%. Otherwise, the default tip amount of 16.5% will be charged.
Next Steps
Once we assess the total contributions, we will inform members how the funds will be transferred to the university in alignment with their official rebuilding projects.
We look forward to your generous support—offered in the true Peradeniya spirit.