Premier Ben Carroll Meets Sri Lankan Community Leaders Weeks Before State Election

Premier Ben Carroll Meets Sri Lankan Community Leaders Weeks Before State Election

Sinantha Jayathilake hosts the Premier, Lily D’Ambrosio MP and Lauren Kathage MP as the Sri Lankan community seeks a stronger voice in Victoria

MELBOURNE, 4 November 2026: Victorian Premier Ben Carroll sat down with members of Melbourne’s Sri Lankan community at a dinner hosted by community leader Sinantha Jayathilake in Melbourne, just weeks out from the 28 November state election.

The Premier, who took office in July, was joined by the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP, the retiring Member for Mill Park, who served as Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources, Climate Action and the State Electricity Commission until July this year and is regarded as Australia’s longest serving energy minister; Lauren Kathage MP, Member for Yan Yean; and Elizabeth Nealy, Labor’s candidate for Mill Park and former Mayor of Banyule.

Sinantha Jayathilake (centre) with Premier Ben Carroll, Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Elizabeth Nealy and guests.

Community leaders, business owners and families used the evening to raise the issues that matter most to Sri Lankan Victorians, including small business, skilled migration, education and the cost of living.

“The Sri Lankan community has helped build Victoria, from our small businesses to our hospitals and classrooms. Tonight was about making sure our voice is heard at the highest level, and I am grateful the Premier took the time to sit down and listen to us directly,” Mr Jayathilake said.

The dinner came in Ms D’Ambrosio’s final weeks as a Member of Parliament, after 24 years representing Mill Park.

Premier Ben Carroll and guests arrive at the dinner to a traditional Sri Lankan welcome.

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