Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day Celebration in Sydney organised by the Sri Lanka Association of NSW

Sri Lanka Association of NSW INC - 75th National Independance day Celebrations - Photos thanks to Rukshan Anthony & RCB Films

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The Sri Lanka Association of New South Wales Inc (SLA) held the celebration of the 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day together with the launch of the Golden Jubilee Year of SLA on Saturday, the 4th of February at Thornleigh Community Centre. Over 200 community members gathered to celebrate this significant event and the program of the day consisted with official and cultural segments concluded with refreshments.

The clergy representing the major religions of Sri Lanka, blessed Sri Lanka with their respective prayers to commence the event.

The following official dignitaries graced the occasion, and we thank them for taking the time from their busy schedules;
• Mr Julian Leeser (Federal Member for Berowra and Shadow Attorney General and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians)
• Hon Damien Tudehope (NSW Minister for Finance and Employee Relations, and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council)
• Hon Kevin Conolly (State Member of Parliament for Riverstone)
• Mr Peter Gangemi (Mayor of Hillshire Council)
• Ms Sallianne (Councillor Hornsby Shire Council)
• Mrs Barbara Ward (Deputy Mayor Ku-ring-gai Council)
• Ms Charlotte Agyeman (Community Liaison Officer Home Office)
• And all the Presidents of various community and religious associations
Mr Roshan Wickramanayake, the President of SLA and few other dignitaries delivered key speeches and highlighted the importance of the growing Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia.

The event was made vibrant with many cultural items and we thank these various artists who entertained and proudly showcased Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage;
• The Children from our community; including the children of North Paramatta and Blacktown Sinhala Schools
• Sanka Ridma Dance Academy, Director Dinesh Perera
• Sri Lankan Dance Academy of Sydney, Director Thilini Wanigatunga
• Thaala Ranga Dance Academy, Director Nelson Wijesinghe
• Bollyfit Dance Academy Sydney, Director Yasotha Bharathi
• Samarpana Institute of Dance, Directors Chidambaram R Suresh & Shobana Suresh
• Sathmi Ranasinghe
• Manuga Bandara
• Seniors Choir led by Shanthi Senadeera and
• Community Choir led by Rosalie Fernando