The Sri Lanka Association of NSW, Australia, is experiencing a wonderful revival!-by Dr Harold Gunatillake
Back in late 1973, after a friendly cricket match at Randwick Wills Grounds in Sydney, Dr Ticco Perera kindly suggested that we form an association. Right then and there, everyone present, all fellow expats, enthusiastically elected a committee, with Dr George Ratnavale proudly stepping in as our President.
The establishment of the ‘Sri Lanka Association of NSW’ was especially important during a time when a small group of diaspora
members, feeling homesick and gathering socially, eagerly shared delicious rice and curry.
The Association grew in membership, became popular over time, and the annual Winter Ball was the climax of happiness.
Over time, as more and more such social groups organised by the diaspora, such as old-school associations, cultural forums, and so on, emerged, the SLA membership gradually declined. Still, the umbrella association was maintained, as such a need existed.
The year 2025-2026 is remarkable, and a resurgence to a very progressive situation became a reality.
The committee elected during the AGM under President Saliya Tennekoon took a fresh, forward-looking approach. They embraced new initiatives to empower the community, preserve our rich cultural heritage, and foster social harmony. These themes truly reflect their commitment to building a stronger, more connected community.
The membership increased, with over 150 young, enthusiastic members joining, making it a truly valuable and lively club for the Sri Lankan community in Sydney.
So far, projects such as the Seniors get-together, Christmas, and the 78th Sri Lankan Independence Celebrations have been very popular events organised by the current committee, to the satisfaction of the community at large.
In the past, the Consulate in Sydney proudly organised Independence Celebrations each year. When the office closed in 2022, the dedicated SLA committee stepped in to continue the tradition. This year, on February 4th, they hosted celebrations at Parliament House in Sydney, bringing the community together to honour this special occasion.
Let’s come together to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day! The SLA joyfully marked this special occasion on February 4th, 2026, at the NSW Parliament Complex in Sydney. It was heartwarming to see the enthusiastic participation of diverse communities, including Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, and
Burgher groups, all united in harmony. We also took pride in honouring the remarkable HSC High Achievers of Sri Lankan origin who scored over 95 ATAR marks. It was a delightful and heartwarming event that truly showcased the vibrant cultural diversity and academic excellence of our community.
The Chief Guest was Mark Buttigieg, MP, who serves as the Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety, and Multiculturalism.
The gathering pleasantly enjoyed hearing the heartfelt Independence Day messages from His Excellency, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the Honourable Prime Minister, Dr Harini Amerasuriya, as they were read aloud.One truly unforgettable moment was when the Sri Lankan flag was proudly raised in the hall by SLA President Saliya Tennekoon, accompanied by Trustees Ananda Amaranath and Kalinga Wijeyewardene. The event beautifully
showcased Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture through lively Sinhalese and Tamil music, dance, and song, bringing joy to everyone present.
Kalinga Wijeyewardene, Trustee of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), stated in his address that 1948 marked the inception of modern Sri Lanka. The country boasts a rich documented
history spanning several thousand years. Historically, the Greeks and Romans referred to Sri Lanka as Taprobane, while the Persians and Arabs named it Serendib. The Indian epic Ramayana chronicles a 5,000-year-old narrative of a decisive battle between Prince Rama and King Ravana of Lanka over Princess Sita.
Contemporary Sri Lanka has achieved many objectives that have provoked admiration among other nations. These include free education for all citizens from primary school through university and postgraduate levels, as well as comprehensive, free healthcare accessible from birth to old age. Such initiatives have contributed to increasing life expectancy to 77 years for males and 80 years for females, alongside a literacy rate of 96%.
The Chief Guest, Mr Mark Buttigeig, addressed the assembly and observed that Australia is a diverse society enriched by its multicultural population. The celebration of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day and the recognition of HSC High Achievers were significant occasions for citizens of Sri Lankan origin residing in New South Wales.
Now, let’s take a moment to revisit the
exciting future developments outlined by President Saliya.
One of the most exciting upcoming initiatives is the Gateway to Australia. While the association has always been a supportive presence for settlement, this project is evolving into a more structured and welcoming platform, thoughtfully designed to help new migrants from Sri Lanka feel right at home as they navigate the Australian professional and social landscape. It emphasizes:
Professional Mentorship: Guiding new arrivals to connect warmly with experienced Sri Lankan-Australian professionals, nurturing meaningful relationships and supportive networks.
Part of the cherished Health Drive, this beloved annual initiative now features digital tracking and community-wide outreach, inspiring everyone in the diaspora to donate regularly and feel connected to a common purpose.
Settlement Assistance offers helpful guidance on finding housing, enrolling in schools, and navigating government services in NSW, making your transition smoother and more welcoming.
A key “progressive step” identified in the association’s recent constitutional updates and strategic vision is the establishment of dedicated community facilities. Planned long-term goals include:
Aged Care & Retirement Support: The association warmly emphasises the importance of establishing nursing homes and retirement hostels specifically designed for the Sri Lankan community. This way, the cultural and linguistic needs of our
cherished elders are beautifully looked after, making them feel truly at home.
Trust Fund Establishment: We’re dedicated to establishing special trust funds that provide much-needed financial support to Sri Lankans in NSW facing unexpected hardships. Our goal is to be there for our community during difficult times, ensuring they feel supported and cared for.
There’s every reason to believe that the current committee, with its strong intellectual focus, will wholeheartedly support Saliya in elevating the SLA to new heights. This will bring pride and satisfaction to the Sri Lankan community in NSW, Australia, and strengthen their sense of belonging and achievement.
