Sri Lanka German Technical Training Institute Old Boys' Association of Australia Inc (SLGTTIOBA) held its 30th Annual Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival “Bakmaha Ulela” on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Dandenong Showgrounds in Melbourne. Consul General Pradeepa Saram attended the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest on 12 April. The guests for the official ceremony on 12 April evening included Federal M.P for Bruce, Julian Hill, Federal M.P for Holt, Cassandra Fernando, Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Yasoja Gunasekara, Mayor Greater Dandenong Cr. Sophie Tan, State MP for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, State MP for Cranbourne, Pauline Richards, State MP for South Eastern Metropolitan Region, Lee Tarlamis OAM and State MP for Narre Warren South, Gary Maas.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year message from the President was read out in all three languages. SLGTTIOBA handed over a financial donation of A$ 12,000 to support the relief efforts following the devastation caused by cyclone "Ditwah".
The Festival was filled with traditional customs and rituals which was an immense opportunity for Sri Lankans in Melbourne and adjacent areas to get together and showcase the value of the Sri Lankan customs to foreign visitors. More than 10,000 visitors attended the celebrations.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Melbourne
18 April 2026
