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History
of Hardy Alumni Association
Written
by D.A. Thevethason
The first batch of students were recruited to the hardy Institute
(then known as technical training Institute) in 1956. When this
batch completed their studies in 1958, they were all absorbed into
the various branches of the Gal Oya Development Board, which was
formed to develop the first ever river-valley development scheme
which the government of Sri Lanka took up after it received its
independence from the colonial rulers.
In order to be in contact with each other and also to monitor the
progress made by each one of them, this batch decided to form the
Old Hardians’ Association.
It may be said that this is unique for any Institution to have an
Alumni Association right from passing out of the first batch itself.
It must also be said that, in 1958, this was the early seat of higher
learning that had an Alumni Association. All other Alumni Associations
were formed only in the late sixties.
The members met at the technical training institute for their meetings.
The Director of the Institute Prof. Evan Hardy (FAO Expert) always
made himself available encouraging the members in all their endeavours.
Prof. Hardy passing away in 1963 was a great blow to the whole Gal
Oya valley, the Institute and its students. The funeral processing
of Prof. Hardy was slowly moving from the when Gal Oya development
Board’s secretariat to the Institute premises for cremation, the
old Boys’ Association hired an aeroplane and had flowers strewn
from the air.
Up to the mid – sixties the activities of the Association were confined
to the Institute itself as all the members were in the Gal Oya valley.
With the nearing of completion of the Gal Oya river-basin Development,
the Government decided to use its experience to develop other river-
basins in the country. The Gal Oya Development became river valleys
development Board. The first project this board undertook was the
Udawalawe Project. While most of the members of the old Boys’ Association
moved to Walawe, others joined various private sector establishments.
As most of the members were in Walawe, the centre of activities
of the association also moved to Walawe.
By the early seventies most members were employed in all parts of
Sri Lanka and a fair member went off to greener pasture overseas.
Hence in 1972 the centre of activities was moved to the capitol
of Sri Lanka, Colombo. In Colombo one Association was involved in
several community development Projects. This war rewarded by the
government in 1990 by recognizing the Association as an Approved
charity and also offering a plot of Land in Ratmalana to set up
the Association’s Head quarters.
This land is situated 15km south of Colombo, very close to the link
road to the south of the Island, in the centre of an Industrial
Estate, in close proximity to the Air Port.
The Head quarters has been fittingly named “Hardy Centre” in memory
of the fonder of the technical Training Institute, Prof. Hardy.
In the same year, the name of the Association was changed to Hardy
Alumni Association in keeping with the name commonly used by most
Institutions.
The Hardy centre will serve in the following ways:
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Conducting
of seminars and workshops to serve the Industries in and around
Ratmalana. |
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Training
of school leavers to be gainfully employed. |
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Providing
computer & Library facilities. |
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Providing
opportunities for members to update their knowledge. |
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Providing
consultancy service. |
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Providing
accommodation for Hardians coursing to Colombo from outstation
and abroad. |
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Offering
recreational facilities for members and their families. |
The
Building at Hardy centre has been planned to be constructed in 3
Stage
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Ground
Floor - Large hall for function and recreation. |
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First
Floor - seminar rooms, computer centre & Library. |
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Second
Floor - Accommodation for members, board Room and office. |
The
ground Floor Has been constructed and is being used; the other Floors
would be constructed when funds are available.
The centre also has a single story building constructed as soon
as the land was received. This is being used at present to conduct
the training programmes and also accommodates the office of the
Institution of Incorporated engineers, Sri Lanka.
Activities of the Association
Recreation
Prof. Hardy Memorial Scholarships
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Scholarships
awarded to the best all –round students at the Hardy Institute. |
Training
Programmes
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Refrigeration
& Air conditioning course for school leavers. |
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Adult
education Programmes in dress making, Electrical Installation
technology and quantity servicing. |
Accommodation
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A
room is available for Hardians coming to Colombo. |
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