A true Swan in Queensland

Source:Island

As a two year old boy he faced the heartbreaking consequences of the divorce of his parents , and his early years were somewhat unsettled as his father with whom he remained, did his best within his limitations .Six homes of family friends of his father, and ten years later there emerged a strong willed young boy with a passion for swimming and diving, and a steely determination focussed on making a success of his life.

His mental toughness by this time had few parallels and Anton Swan devoid of any bitterness treated every challenge as an opportunity and overcame each with that same resolve.

When the invitation to swim in competition to cross the Palk Strait was extended, Anton, by now 20- years in age, readily accepted it . After 17 hours in the water , with the finishing line within sight, he was hugely disappointed when the Indian Patrol boat offering security deserted him, citing that their time was up!

A national inquiry was initiated but Anton, never one to allow negative thoughts to deter him, hampered additionally by changing trends in his own country that required him to acquire proficiency in Sinhala to progress, decided it was time to move to another destination and arrived in Australia at age 21 in 1970, with his heart still deeply entrenched in his land of birth.

With ” White Australia ” rule in force the challenges were by no means over but thankfully there was relief when it was abolished soon thereafter, and he secured employment with a commercial bank.

Here he met his soulmate Bronwen, a marriage made in heaven that celebrated its blessed fiftieth anniversary in 2022.Their celebration of it revolved around providing the entire needs of dry rations and nutrition to a children’s home and orphanage that I am associated with in Beragala , for one full year.

A ” Never say Die ” attitude strengthened by Bronwen‘s unflinching support inspired Anton to great heights, heading Sri Lankan Associations in Queensland that required leadership ,and offering his services to serve the Sri Lankan community in Queensland as Honorary Consul.

This dedicated service for no financial reward extended to 33 meritorious years and the series of farewells accorded by the communities when he finally stepped down in July 2023, spoke for themselves.His successful role as Co-ordinator for the Sri Lankan Pavilion in Brisbane for World Expo 1988 was a further example of his commitment to his country of birth.

The prestigious Order of Australia bestowed on him reflected the esteem in which he was held by the Queensland State Parliament too . In addition he willingly associated himself with many humanitarian causes in support of those in need in Sri Lanka, joining a group of expatriates in Brisbane called the “Dream Team” to further that noble cause.

Among them was a project initiated by Father Dilan Perera to build houses for the poor and needy in various parts of the Island where he raised financial support through his goodwill and connections to benefit over 350 families to date.

The admirable criteria for eligibility was based entirely on need and was not influenced by religion or ethnicity. That project was consequently blessed from above !

As he steps down, Anton can be proud of his selfless contribution to his country of birth. The dignity with which he upheld our image and his strong relationship with successive State Parliamentarians complemented my own work during my four year tenure as High Commissioner.

I have no doubt that these sentiments will be warmly endorsed by my predecessors whom he served during their terms as well . One hopes that our Foreign Ministry too will acknowledge appropriately , this outstanding tenure of honorary service to the country.

S.Skandakumar
High Commissioner to Australia
2015-2019