A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AUSTRALIA-SRI LANKA ASSOCIATION INC
The earliest instances of Sri Lankans settling in Adelaide to my knowledge would be the Collettes, the Frewins, the Claessens, Ludovicis, deBruins, and the Pereras to name a few. That was in the 50’s up until the early 70’s. There was an acceleration in numbers thereafter. By early 1974 I think there were about 12 or more Sri Lankan families that had settled down in Adelaide.
We Sri Lankans tend to be a gregarious lot wherever we go. It was therefore understandable that Lucien Keegal would ring around sometime in 1974 seeking to arrange a get- together of Sri Lankans. And so it came to pass that a group of about 20 or more people met for this purpose.
It was not an entirely propitious inauguration though, because there were apparently two factions that could not agree on how to proceed. Of course, this fissiparous tendency is just another feature that characterises us among the nations of this world. Despite this setback, some of our forebears continued to meet over String hoppers, Buriyani and Baila from time to time. Then there came the vision of forming an Association. New immigrants were always made to feel welcome, supported and gently inducted into the Aussie lifestyle.
Now, for the inauguration of the Australia Sri-Lanka Association Inc. (ASLA) in 1974. The earliest records indicate that the pioneers elected as their first president, Lucien Keegel. Chinti Wijesingha was VP. Radley Claessen was Secretary, and the Treasurer was Fred Perera.
A constitution was drawn up and approved. ASLA was for all Sri- Lankans irrespective of their ethnicity or religion, serving the community in South Australia. It is a not-for-profit Association and the objective is to bring communities together, socialise and integrate the rich traditions of our Nation and build social cohesion and harmony.
Our heyday was in the 80’s and 90’s when the Christmas and New Year Dinner-Dances always drew an attendance of up to 300 souls. The usual meeting-place was the Marion Bowling Club, and later, the Railway Social Club at Keswick. I note with pride that we were exempt from Hall-hire charges at the latter site. I was present when the Manager announced one night, that we were not required to pay hall-hire charges any longer as the bar-takings were always so good. We agreed that her argument was truly indisputable.
Since its foundation ASLA has initiated many services to new migrants of Sri Lankan origin arriving in South Australia, assisting t them towards settling in the community. We have organised various community events to bring people together, raising funds and donating to worthy charities in Sri-Lanka or Australia.
Look at us now. It’s important that we take this Association forward in the years to come especially when it has been in existence for 49 years since 1974. Our ASLA is probably the oldest Sri Lankan Association in Australia. Given the history of the association and the abundance of support it has given to many Sri Lankans it would have been very sad if we had to wind up at any stage. We have a new team of enthusiasts at the helm now. As we approach our Fiftieth Anniversary, we can confidently leave the fate of ASLA in their capable hands.
(Contributed by a pioneering member)
