Official Press release from the Consulate office.

The Consulate General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Sydney in coordination and participation with all Associations and Organizations representing Sri Lankan expatriates in New South Wales organised an event to celibate the 59 th Independence Day of Sri Lanka at 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm on Sunday, 04 th February 2007 at the “Ryde Civic Hall”, No.1, Devlin Street, Ryde.

Following the last year's practice, 2007 celebration was jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Sydney and all Associations and Organizations representing Sri Lankan expatriates in New South Wales .

At this year's celebrations, His Excellency Mr. Kusumsiri Balapatebendi, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia was the Chief Guest and Hon. Nick Berman, the Lord Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council attended as the Guest of Honour.

H.E. K. Balapatebendi PC in his special address highlighted the importance of unity among all ethnic groups and identified the need to rally for the purpose of defeating the common enemy of “terrorism” destroying the social and economic fabric of Sri Lanka .

As customary, the National Flag of Sri Lanka was unfurled followed by the playing National Anthem. The children belonging to Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay and Burger representing Sri Lanka 's multi-ethnic community lit the traditional oil lamp, adding a unique variety to the events.

The religious observances from four major religions observed in Sri Lanka and reading of messages from H. E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs were the other important events held at the celebration.

Following the past practice, Sri Lanka Association organized appreciation of highest achievers at the HSC examination this year too. There were more than 20 students who received certificates and awards from H.E. K. Balapatebendi and one student with the highest UAI score of 99.9 received the Trophy from Mrs. Kumuduni Nanayakkara.

The presentation by the Society for peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR) highlighted the fact that in pursuit of independence all ethnic groups contributed to achieving the goal in the past and similarly all ethnic groups need to be united to overcome the problems which Sri Lanka faces at present.

This was followed by cultural events organized by many associations, dancing schools and individuals in New South Wales . The organizations, namely, Sinhalese Cultural Form, Austra - Lanka Muslim Association (ALMA), Sri Lanka German Technical Training Institute Old boys Association, Sri Lanka Study Centre for the Advancement of Technology & Social Welfare (SCATS) and Dancing School of Mrs. Mala Abeywickrama, Sri Lanka Performing Arts Institute led by Mrs. Rajini Fonseka, Sanka Ridma Dance Ensemble led by Mr. Dinesh Perera, Mrs. Kala Illango and Ms. Ayesha Siriwardena presented very colourful and excellent dance performances depicting Sri Lanka's multi-cultural diversity, and individual vocal performances by Mrs. Surathy Sappideen, Mr. Cecil Fonseka, and Ms. Thushari Edirisinghe presenting patriotic songs to showcase the value of the independence day.

At the outset, the performances by all performers were of high quality and had a professional touch. It was remarkable that most of the small and young performers in NSW participated in the cultural events presenting their skills and talents. The audience appreciated and saluted their performance.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Sydney wishes to extend a very warm appreciation to the following organizations and individuals who rendered their services, both in material and financial terms, encouraged in different circumstances and assisted in different ways to make the event a remarkable success. Without their commitment and dedication this year's event would not have been successful.

Sri Lanka Association ( SLA ); Sinhalese Cultural Forum (SCF); Austra – Lanka Muslim Association (ALMA); Ceylon German Technical Training Old Boys Association;Feel For Life Association Inc. (FFL); Sri Lanka Study Centre for the Advancement of Technology & Social Welfare NSW Inc. (SCATS); Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR) in NSW; Old Nalandians' Association of NSW Inc; Old Visakhians of NSW; Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara Association of Sydney Inc.; Sri Lankan Australian Malay Association of Australia; Old Anandians of NSW/ACT Inc.; “Tharuna” Group of Sinhalese Cultural Forum (SCF).

Mrs. Mala Abeywickrama; Mrs. Rajini Fonseka of Sri Lanka Performing Arts Institute; Mr. Dinesh Perera of Sanka Ridma Dance Ensemble; Mrs. Kala Illango; Mrs. Surathy Sappideen; Mr. Cecil Fonseka; Ms. Thushari Edirisinghe; Ms. Ayesha Siriwardena; Dr. Lakshman Jayaweera; Mr. Jayantha Abeydeera; Mr. Harin Kodikara

SBS Radio National Sinhalese programme;“Rasa” FM Radio Programme; Miuru FM Radio Programme and OZLANKA.

Click here to view photos of the event taken by Nimal Punchihewa.