I, on behalf of all the staff members of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra,Consul General Sydney and All Honorary Consuls wish His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, members of the first family, all citizens of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan community in Australia, Fiji ,New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu and citizens of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu a peaceful, secure, prosperous, healthy and a happy New Year.

All Sri Lankans should collectively rally under one flag shedding all differences of race, cast, religion and creed to protect and secure the honourable peace that we have achieved at enormous sacrifice and cost to Sri Lankans and support the National Journey towards making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia. I consider this an investment for the prosperity and security of our future generations.

As we breathe the peaceful fresh air of 2012, I wish to sincerely appeal to the younger generation of the Sri Lankan community in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu to unite irrespective of all differences, honouring and respecting each other’s diversities, feelings and values to support Mother Lanka by harnessing the valuable opportunities available in respective countries. I also wish to reiterate that all your education and employment engagements should be carried out with honesty, dedication and efficiency ensuring the wellbeing of your family and enabling you to become a productive and disciplined citizen to the society at large.

On this special day, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to all those who supported in numerous ways the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan community and the Sri Lanka High Commission.


I wish that all future aspirations and wishes be fulfilled in the years ahead.

Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe
High Commissioner

Over 300 Sri Lankan expatriates from all ethnicities and faiths took part in the Christmas Celebrations which was held on Sunday the 18th of December 2011 at the High Commission premises. Australians of the neighbourhood too attended the celebrations.

A group of community members sang Christmas Carols in Sinhala, Tamil and English which received the admiration of all those present. A Christmas message was delivered by Rector and Team Leader of St. Paul’s Anglican Church Rev. Fr Dr Brian Douglas and Santa Claus visited and distributed gifts to children gathered for the celebrations.

The High Commissioner addressing the gathering highlighted that the celebration of Christmas in Sri Lanka is a reflection of the multicultural nature of our society. He said that despite belonging to different faiths and ethnicities all Sri Lankans join in Christmas celebrations across the country.

All those who gathered were treated to a sumptuous Christmas Dinner following the conclusion of the programme.

While thanking all those Sri Lankan expatriates who came for the event and assisted in its organization the High Commissioner and Staff of the High Commission take this opportunity to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
22nd December 2011