Class of 2001/2002 Celebrates Its Silver Jubilee with the 25FOR25: Empowering Futures Scholarship Program.

"25 Years Strong: A Legacy to Celebrate & A Night to Remember" perfectly captured the spirit of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Class of 2001/2002 of the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. More than a reunion, it was a celebration of lifelong friendships, shared memories, professional achievements, and a shared commitment to giving back to the institution that first brought them together.

Twenty-five years ago, a group of young students from across the island walked through the gates of the Faculty of Science, beginning a journey that would shape their careers, friendships, and lives. What started in July 2001 as a shared academic experience has evolved into a lifelong bond that has grown stronger over the past 25 years.

On 4 July 2026, classmates from around the world reunited at Waters Edge, Colombo, to celebrate this remarkable milestone. The evening was filled with nostalgia, laughter, and heartfelt conversations as friends reunited after years apart, reminiscing about their university days while celebrating the paths they have forged over the past quarter century.

While the gathering celebrated 25 years of friendship and shared memories, one of the evening's most meaningful highlights was its commitment to leaving a lasting impact for future generations.

Paying It Forward

A defining feature of the Silver Jubilee celebration was the launch of the class's flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the 25FOR25: Empowering Futures Scholarship Program. Conceived as a meaningful way to give back to the Faculty of Science, the initiative reflects the class's shared values of gratitude, community, and social responsibility.

The vision behind the program was simple yet powerful: to invest in the potential of future generations by supporting deserving students today while fostering a lasting tradition of alumni engagement, leadership, service, and paying it forward.

The inaugural scholarship program received an overwhelming response, attracting well over 100 applications from deserving undergraduates. Following a rigorous merit-cum-need-based evaluation process, 25 students were selected to receive scholarships.

Each recipient will receive financial assistance for two years, helping to ease financial burdens while enabling them to focus on their academic aspirations. Beyond financial support, recipients will also have opportunities to engage with alumni mentors who can provide guidance on higher education, career planning, and professional development.

A Milestone in the Journey

On 1 July 2026, members of the organizing committee formally handed over the list of scholarship recipients to the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Upul Sonnadara and other senior administrators marking the successful completion of the inaugural scholarship selection process.

The scholarship recipients were officially inducted in July 2026, beginning a two-year journey of support, encouragement, and opportunity. The 25FOR25: Empowering Futures Scholarship Program represents more than financial assistance; it is an investment in potential and a testament to the enduring relationship between the Faculty, its students, and its alumni.

A Legacy Beyond the Silver Jubilee

The Silver Jubilee was a reminder of how far the Class of 2001/2002 has come since their university days. Today, its members are scientists, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and accomplished professionals who have become leaders in their respective fields across academia, industry, business, and public service across the globe.

FOR25: Empowering Futures Scholarship Program transforms the Silver Jubilee from a celebration of the past into a lasting legacy for the future. Rather than simply commemorating 25 years of friendship, the class chose to create something that will continue to make a difference in the lives of students for years to come.

In many ways, this initiative embodies the true meaning of the reunion theme, "25 Years Strong: A Legacy to Celebrate & A Night to Remember." The evening at Waters Edge will undoubtedly be remembered for the joy of reconnecting with old friends, but its greatest achievement lies in the influence it leaves behind: empowering future generations of Faculty of Science students to pursue their dreams and, one day, inspire others by paying it forward.

As the Class of 2001/2002 celebrates this Silver Jubilee milestone, it does so with the knowledge that its story is not only one of enduring friendships and shared success, but also one of responsibility, generosity, and hope for the future. That is a legacy truly worthy of celebration.