SPUR-NSW held its annual get together on Saturday 26th November in Wollongong. in Australia graced this occasion. Consul General, Mr Dayasiri Fernando and Consul Mr Sarath Rupasiri of Sydney Consul General's Office were also participated.
Speaking at the event, Admiral Samarasinghe urged all Sri Lankans with different ethnic background who choose to live in Australia to united to protect the motherland which valiant government forces rescued from the brutal regime of terrorism staged by the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE). He further stated that the separatist movement in Sri Lanka, which was ended in May 2009, is being resurrecting by some loyalist of LTTE in Australia. He stated that he was surprised to see how loyalists of a terrorist group could use Australian soil to create separate state in another democratic country.
Admiral Samarasinghe stated that he was doing the right things in his 37 year career as a Navy officer and finally as the Navy Commander of Sri Lanka in ending the war to win peace and he was not scared for doing the same as Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Australia. He urged those who gathered that they should raise their voice in one accord to protect the freedom he and his troops won for all Sri Lankans and not just for one ethnic group.
The event was coincided with a recognizing of contribution made by another war hero, Captain Pradeep Ratnayake, who was reading for his Masters in Maritime Policy in the University of Wollongong. Introducing, Captain Ratnayake, who, as a young Navy officer worked under the guidance of Admiral Samarasinghe, he stated that Captain Ratnayake one occasion helped to rescue 286 villagers during a heavy gun battle with the LTTE carders. A ship which could accommodate only 100, rescued 286 people otherwise would have perished was a very pleasing experiences of both of him and Pradeep's lives, he stressed.
A plaque honoring the service of Captain Pradeep Ratnayake was presented to him by the event coordinator Nelson Piyaratne. Pium Attanayake, President of SPUR, NSW was also addressed the gathering. Boney Fernando and his group entertained the crowed on that night.
Click here to enjoy an album of photos by Lalith Attanayaka |
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