Sydney Consulate General's Office under the leadership of Mrs. Gothami Indikadahena and the support of the Associations and Community leaders recently held a farewell dinner for H.E. The High Commissioner, Mr Balapatabendi. The Mayor of Hornsby shire Council Mr. Nick Berman was also present at the event.

It was an enjoyable evening with authentic Sri lankan dishes and music. Every one attended truly sad to see him leave. According to Mr Balapatabendi he will be of more service to Sri Lanka as he did when he was in office in Australia.

Here is an extract from Mrs Gothami's speech

Organising of an event of this magnitude to attract over 100 guests is not an easy task. There were so many, mostly the community leaders of number of organisations who encouraged and given advices to make this event a great success. I know without their support as well as the support of the community members, I would not have been able to organise this event at a very limited time. Despite all hurdles, we were determined to organise this event to honour a very humble, unassuming and friendly diplomat, who had conducted the high office in Canberra with such dignity and pride while flying high our country’s interests and image.

The community members hearing of this event came forward and extended their support in material, financial and other numerous manners to organise this event. I like to acknowledge their valuable contribution made towards this event.

It is also heartening to note that our local artists, despite their other personal commitments, have very kindly agreed to render their services free of charge to make this a colourful event, a pleasing experience for Mr. Balapatanbendi to remember.

Nearly three years ago, H.E. Mr. K. Balapatabendi assumed duties in Canberra at a time when both Australia and Sri Lanka were to embark on an array of activities for the purpose of improving their bilateral trade and economic relations further.

Starting from Sri Lanka’s existed bilateral relations with Australia over the years, which has been underpinned by common membership of the Commonwealth, involvement in the Colombo Plan, strong people-to-people links and a mutual love of cricket, Mr. Balapatabendi steered the high office in Canberra with a high dignity providing a dynamic leadership to both career and honorary diplomats stationed in major cities of Australia.

During his tenure, Mr. Balapatabendi ensured that Australia remains Sri Lanka’s second largest foreign investor and embarked on an array of activities to promote exports from Sri Lanka and to attract investment from Australia. In addition, there were a large number of social, cultural and health projects which he promoted from Australia with the wide support from Sri Lankan Diaspora in Australia.

Due to technical difficulties, the photos were only transferred recently to our server.

We bring you a combined album of photos taken at the event and at the Rahula College Old Boys' farewell