2026 Annual General Meeting
2026 Annual General Meeting
Embedded Files
Updated 03 March 2025
The 45th Annual General Meeting of St. Benedict’s College OBU Victoria Inc. was held on Sunday, 1st March 2026 at Mary Magdalens Catholic Church Hall - 22 Bolwarra St, Chadstone VIC 3148 from 11 AM onwards. 36 active OBU members were present on this day with 54 participants in total.
The proceedings commenced with an opening prayer led by the Vice President Shannon Ranasinghe.
Celebrating Growth and Legacy
Celebrating Growth and Legacy
President Aravinda Canekaratne opened the meeting with exciting news: the OBU database has surged to 285 members. Most notably, 2025 marked the first time the union reached 100 signed members, a feat met with enthusiastic applause.
In a touching tribute to the union’s roots, the membership unanimously passed a motion to re-confirm life membership to the entire inaugural committee from 1981. Founding members Edward Gerreyn and Ryven Gunasekera were present to receive a heartfelt round of applause for their 45-year legacy.
Minutes of previous AGM, Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports
Minutes of previous AGM, Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports
The minutes from the 2025 AGM were read by the Secretary, Dinesh Tissera and approved by the membership. Dinesh also presented the secretary's report which highlighted the following activities:
2025 AGM and fellowship lunch
St Benedict's Feast
2025 Annual Dinner Dance
Sports events
Bens vs Wesley Legends Trophy
Saints' Quadrangular
Shepherdian and Benedictine joint event - Catherdral Rendezvous
STEM Project updates
Membership updates
Acknowledging the inaugural committee of 1981
Upcoming events
The financial health of the OBU remains robust, with Treasurer Nilantha Perera reporting an increase of $8,000 in the bank balance over the previous year. This success was bolstered by the 2025 Dinner Dance and a "zero debtor" status thanks to diligent recovery efforts
21st Century Learning Initiative
21st Century Learning Initiative
The meeting also featured a deep dive into the 21st Century Learning Initiative led by anjith (Wajira) Dediwalage, STEM Project Consultant. Highlights included:
The successful opening of STEM Chambers 2 and 3 in January 2026.
A commitment to fund the RoboMakers program using Hummingbird Duo robotics.
Recognition of the Welfare Society’s massive LKR 32 Million contribution towards the STEM program to date.
The quorum led by Srinath Jayawardena applauded Wajira and thanked him for his time, dedication and effort in bringing this project to life.
Felicitations
Felicitations
The outgoing committee was then felicitated by the President Aravinda who thanked each member along with their spouses for their time and commitment.
New Committee for 2026/27
New Committee for 2026/27
Thereafter, President Aravinda Canekaratne handed over the proceedings to the Patron, Raine Wallace to elect the new committee for 2026/2027.
Details of the new committee can be found here.
The new committee posing for a photograph. Ernest, Shaneth and Shannon were unfortunately apologies on the day due to other commitments.
The afternoon concluded with a stirring rendition of the college anthem and a lively lunch session for all families.
More photos from the 2026 AGM
More photos from the 2026 AGM
Page updated
Report abuse