Janaka Seneviratne

It was Sunday, 4 December 2011.  The weather forecast for Sydney was cloudy and rain with the Celsius reaching a maximum of 22 degrees.  Nevertheless,  45 Peradeniya University Alumni and family members – the youngest being 17 years and the eldest reaching a proud 70 – assembled opposite the Coogee Life Savers’ Club at 9:30am to commence a walk from Coogee to Maroubra and back, the route being an extension of the thoroughly enjoyable coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee done in 2010.  The group was representative all faculties at Peradeniya - from Arts to Engineering, Veterinary Science to Medicine.

After an informal roll-call by association president Wasantha Wickremanayake, the walk commenced shortly after the arrival of the last participant with the men taking the lead.  Starting from Coogee Bay the walkers were motivated with beautifully constructed boardwalks and concrete pathways whilst the route provided awesome views of the ocean and diversity of terrain.  The walk at certain locations encompasses cliffs and rocky outcrops and jumping from rock to rock was a challenge for some of the ladies but the men were always there to lend a hand reminiscing Peradeniya days where the boys were every ready to help the girls, in particular the good lookers, during the numerous weekend hikes.  Along the path we came across various rare plants which fascinated plant lovers and amongst the group were some ‘Agricolas’ who provided a running commentary with vivid descriptions of the origins of the plant species.

Reaching Maroubra Beach after about 90 minutes it was time for a break.  In keeping with Sri Lankan tradition there was no end to the amount of snacks ranging from mouth watering apple and pineapple ‘achcharu’ to hot and spicy wadai with Neil and Ajantha Horadagoda ready on deck providing refreshing cool drinks pumping enough energy for the return trip. 

Having completed the 10 km walk which was an achievement for some of the boys and girls (so they were when at Peradeniya) we were reminded of the many walks to Upper Hantana where many a life long relationship began.  The activities ended as usual with lunch at a Thai restaurant…………the cool beer being a real bonus.

We now look forward to the next year’s walk – perhaps from Maroubra to La Perouse.

Click here to enjoy an album of photos from the walk