ACTIVITIES – 2012
Organizational History 1984-2006
Organizational History 2006-2012
Malraj De Silva – President 2006-2012
Significant developments were forthcoming for the Old Anandian Association of California. Following a period of inactivity, a dynamic group has undertaken the initiative to revitalize the organization, demonstrating strong leadership with Malraj de Silva serving as President, Dilash De Silva as Vice President, Lucky Rajasinghe as General Secretary and Pradeep Gunaratne. The revival process encountered initial challenges, particularly regarding financial matters, as the organization faced difficulties in accessing bank accounts previously managed by office bearers who had relocated.
Rather than succumbing to discouragement, the new leadership team led by Malraj De Silva, united to formulate innovative ideas and foster a positive vision for the future. A pivotal moment occurred in 2008 with the introduction of their inaugural fundraising event, titled “Maroons’ Night,” designed to support their newly adopted organizational name, the Old Anadians’ Association of California.
The support and motivation provided by founder President Dr. Stanley Wijesekera during this critical period were invaluable. His unwavering commitment, investment and visionary leadership inspired those around him, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
This passionate group of former Anandians, who have been associated since 2006, recognized the necessity of restructuring their organization to extend beyond California’s boundaries into neighboring states. Inspired by the Ananda College Old Boys’ Association on the East Coast, they collaboratively undertook the task of drafting a new constitution to ensure sustained engagement, despite the challenges posed by a smaller alumni base from Ananda College, Colombo. They broadened their scope to encompass the western hemisphere of the United States.
The group was fortunate to include the esteemed scholar, Dr. Gamini Gunawardane, on their team. In 2012, His expertise proved invaluable in developing by-laws that would effectively serve the community while remaining aligned with the group’s core values.
As a result of their dedication and perseverance, under the guidance of Dr. Gunawardane, the Ananda College Old Boys’ Association of the West Coast, USA (ACOBA WEST COAST) was established on 28th October 2012 and was incorporated as a California Non-Profit on 02 November 2012, with Pradeep Gunaratne elected as its inaugural president.
The organization expresses heartfelt gratitude to the following remarkable individuals who dedicated their efforts from 2006 to 2011, inspiring us all with their commitment:
Malraj De Silva, Dilash De Silva, Mr. Tissa Seneviratne, Stanley Wijesekera, Lucky Rajasinghe, Pradeep Gunarathne, Wije Wathugala, Nalaka Gunawardene, Shantha Suraweera, Chatura Hewavitharana, Asela Wickramasinghe, Eresha De Silva, Palitha Palpola, Deepal Jayasooriya, Nihal Wijesinghe, Hema Amarasinghe, Lasika Seneviratne, Ganesh Perusinghe, Dulath Wijethilake, Methinda Jayawardane, Asitha Seneviratne, Samantha Arambegedara, Rakshita Dissanayake.
Members who attended first ACOBAWC AGM/Incorporation on 10/28/2012
AGM 2012
MINUTES OF FIRST BOARD MEETING AND APPOINTMENT OF FIRST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
TAX EXEMPT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
Incorporated as a public non-profit corporation in State of California on 11/02/2012.
Application was made to IRS to incorporate as a 501 (c) (3) organization on 11/10/2012.
IRS approved the organization’s charity request as 501 (c) (3) public charity on 12/22/2014.
The organization expresses gratitude to those who worked diligently with State and Federal officials to achieve charitable status:
Dr. Gamini Gunawardane (CFO)
Colonel Lucky Rajasinghe (Corporate Secretary)
Nalin Kulasooriya (Member)
Malraj De Silva (Past President)
Pradeep Gunaratne (President)