Report and photos by Cicil Fonseka

The  August Food-fair organised by the Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara Association in to raise funds for the maintenance and construction of the Dharmasalawa at the Lankarama Temple was concluded on a high note at the Roselea Community Centre in Carlingford on Saturday night.

The most special feature of this food-fair had nothing to do with food!

The blood collection van from the Blood Bank was present by the request of the organisers, at the premises from 10:00am to 3:00 pm collecting blood donations from the food-fair goers. Donating blood sits well with the Buddhist way of thinking and it is no surprise that people were queuing up to donate blood from morning. Most Sri Lankans go to the food fair without having their breakfast for obvious reasons. Those who were too keen went directly to the Blood Bank van to donate blood. They were promptly sent to the food fair to have a good meal first by the Red Cross Volunteers.

Over 200 volunteers prepared delicious food and served over 7000 portions. Include with this the very popular sweets stall and the tea/drinks stall which make the whole event irresistible to Australians as well as Sri Lankans.

Mr Michael Stove, the Labour candidate for Berowa in the coming Federal Election was also present to talk to the Sri Lankan community and was immensely impressed with the hospitality he received.

The night was made most enjoyable by Jagath Dandeniya and Clan's live Sinhala Music. 

All proceeds go straight to the development of Lankarama Dharmasalawa.

Please click here to view and album of photos from the event