Sri Lanka Independence Day
Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (09:39): I rise today to recognise the 76th anniversary of Sri Lankan independence, which was celebrated last Sunday, and to wish my Sri Lankan constituents a very happy Sri Lanka Independence Day. On that Sunday I had the great privilege of celebrating independence day with the Consul General of Sri Lanka Sandith Samarasinghe, his lovely wife Alison and a great number of others who were there to celebrate such a special occasion for not only our Sri Lankan community here in Australia but the Sri Lankan diaspora around the world. It was a wonderful event. It was beautiful to witness traditional cultural and religious observances and watch some incredible dance performances, which were representative of different regions across Sri Lanka.
The Dandenong electorate is one of the most diverse electorates in the country, if not the most multicultural in the country, and our Sri Lankan community is an important part of our rich local tapestry. I would like to thank the Consul General of Sri Lanka for a beautiful ceremony and for welcoming me with open arms – and the broader community too for all their support, kindness and warmth over the years.