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Dr Siri Kannangara Felicitation Dinner graced by a glittering gathering of Australian and Sri Lankans |
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Ranjith Samaranayake |
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On Sunday 13th November, a distinguished gathering of Sri Lankans, Australians and other communities came together for a gala felicitation dinner for the highly acclaimed and much admired Sri Lankan Australian physician Prof. Siri Kannangara at the Miramare Gardens Function Centre at Terrey Hills. Among the dignitaries who attended included the NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Hon Brad Hazzard MP, NSW Minister for Sport Hon Graham Annesley MP and Former World Cup winning Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Hon Arjuna Ranatunga MP. The mood for the evening was set with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp by Prof. Kannangara and his 95 year old mother Mrs. Vivienne Kannangara. The Sri Lankan dance troupe, Sankha Ridma led by Dinesh Perera‘s team of traditional Sri Lankan dancers and drummers were part of the delightful evening. Among the speakers were the former Chairman of Australian Rugby Union Dilip Kumar, Chanaka Senanayake of NSW Cricket Association, Dr Hand Ven Dr Wall of Concord , Santo Severino of the Miramare Gardens and Dr Chandima Perera of Canberra . The speakers eloquently recognised the achievements of Prof. (Dr.) Kannangara, his contribution to young doctors as a teacher, the community as a specialist in sports medicine & rheumatology. The former Jetliners star Randy Pieris and the `Raptures' provided the music in the background to a well laid three course dinner. Surprise entertainment for the evening was provided by Australian music legend Kamahl. Dr Anselm Gunesekera, an old Colombo Medical College mate of Prof. Kannangara, was the master of ceremonies. Prof Kannangara spoke of his humble beginnings at Royal College and how he built a challenging career path to become the first Australian to be appointed to the prestigious FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Associations) Medical Council. He identified that, to be a good doctor, one should remember the three A's i.e. Affability, Accessibility and Ability. In conclusion, Dr Kannangara thanked the speakers, organizers of the event and all those well wishers who attended the evening. |
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