University of Colombo Signs MoU to Establish ‘Rupert Ferdinands Memorial Medal’ for Outstanding Sportsmen & Sportswomen
The University of Colombo reached a historic milestone on 19th November 2025 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Colombo University Alumni Association Victoria (CUAAV) to establish the prestigious “Rupert Ferdinands Memorial Medal.” This distinguished medal will be awarded annually to the Most Outstanding Sportsman and Sportswoman at the University of Colombo Colours Awarding Ceremony, an honour regarded as the highest and most prestigious recognition that can be bestowed upon a student athlete of the University. The award celebrates excellence, dedication, leadership, and the remarkable achievements of the university’s most exceptional sportsmen and sportswomen.
The Colombo University Alumni Association Victoria announced the creation of this award in honour of the late Rupert William Ferdinands, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Colombo. Rupert earned his Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree and went on to become an iconic figure in Sri Lankan and Australian tennis. He excelled on the tennis court, setting numerous records at both national and international levels. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Rupert was honoured as a National Sporting Hero of Sri Lanka by the Ministry of Sports in 2008. Beyond his personal accomplishments, he was deeply committed to coaching emerging tennis players in his community. His exceptional contributions were further acknowledged in 2010 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Tennis Coaches Australia Victoria, a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport.
The MoU was formally signed at the College House premises by Mr Buddhika V. Goonatillake, President (2024/2025) of the Association, and Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University. Also in attendance were Ms Kosala Rajakaruna, Vice President of CUAAV, and Mr Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, Acting Director of Physical Education.
The University of Colombo reached a historic milestone on 19th November 2025 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Colombo University Alumni Association Victoria (CUAAV) to establish the prestigious “Rupert Ferdinands Memorial Medal.” This distinguished medal will be awarded annually to the Most Outstanding Sportsman and Sportswoman at the University of Colombo Colours Awarding Ceremony, an honour regarded as the highest and most prestigious recognition that can be bestowed upon a student athlete of the University. The award celebrates excellence, dedication, leadership, and the remarkable achievements of the university’s most exceptional sportsmen and sportswomen.
The Colombo University Alumni Association Victoria announced the creation of this award in honour of the late Rupert William Ferdinands, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Colombo. Rupert earned his Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree and went on to become an iconic figure in Sri Lankan and Australian tennis. He excelled on the tennis court, setting numerous records at both national and international levels. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Rupert was honoured as a National Sporting Hero of Sri Lanka by the Ministry of Sports in 2008. Beyond his personal accomplishments, he was deeply committed to coaching emerging tennis players in his community. His exceptional contributions were further acknowledged in 2010 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Tennis Coaches Australia Victoria, a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport.
The MoU was formally signed at the College House premises by Mr Buddhika V. Goonatillake, President (2024/2025) of the Association, and Prof. Indika Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University. Also in attendance were Ms Kosala Rajakaruna, Vice President of CUAAV, and Mr Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, Acting Director of Physical Education.
According to the MoU, each year, two recipients — the Most Outstanding Sportsman and the Most Outstanding Sportswoman — will receive the “Rupert Ferdinands Memorial Medal” along with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each. Recipient selection will be conducted strictly according to the Department of Physical Education’s guidelines and procedures, ensuring fairness, transparency, and a merit-based process.
