The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, along with the Sri Lankan Community in Melbourne organized a grand ceremony to celebrate the 76th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 February, 2024 at the Box Hill Town Hall.
Minister for Government Services, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams, who was the Chief Guest, Leader of Opposition John Pesutto, and Federal Member for Holt Cassandra Fernando, spoke on the occasion. All of them highlighted and congratulated Sri Lanka on its progress over the past years, and recognized the importance of friendly relations between Victoria and Sri Lanka. The speakers also recognized the important contributions of the Sri Lankan community in Melbourne.
Guests also included former and present members of Victorian Parliament, Deputy Chairperson and Commissioner of Victorian Multicultural Commission, members of the Consular Corps, Municipal Councillors, members of the Cricket Victoria & Cricket Australia, members of the Melbourne Rebels & Rugby Victoria, Sri Lanka community leaders, along with almost two hundred Sri Lankans from the Melbourne community.
After the multi-religious observances to invoke blessings on the country and one minutes silence to commemorate the national heroes, the traditional oil lamp was lit by the dignitaries while Jayamangala Gatha were chanted by the Sri Lankan school children. The official statement of the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremasinghe, was read out in all three languages.
Consul General, Sandith Samarasinghe, also addressed the occasion, recalling the progress of Sri Lanka through the resilience and determination of the Sri Lankan people, and highlighting the many far-reaching policies of President Ranil Wickremasinghe, that would ensure that Sri Lanka would progress through sustainable approaches, together with extended global outreach and cooperation.
The event was also interspersed with vibrant and colourful Sri Lankan dances and drumming by Sri Lankan dance troupes in Victoria, with performances by many talented young dancers.
The event also recognized high achieving Sri Lankan students who had obtained high marks in the Victoria Certificate of Education exams in academic excellence, and the Sinhala language. Nine students were presented awards and certificates among 14 high achievers by the various dignitaries who attended the event.
An Award of Appreciation was also presented to Victor Melder, a leading figure in the Sri Lankan community in Australia, for lifetime services to the Sri Lankan community in Australia, and for uplifting the image of Sri Lanka in Australia.
The event which brought accolades from the participants for upholding the pride of the motherland was a collective effort of the Consulate General, the Sri Lankan community members and associations.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Melbourne
07 February 2024
