Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Northern Territory is very fortunate indeed to be enriched by the contributions of the wonderful, hardworking Sri Lankan community. It was an absolute pleasure to join them for their independence day celebrations on the weekend. I want to congratulate all the organisers of that wonderful event, in particular the kids, who put on fantastic plays, and the excellent speakers, including the acknowledgement of the significant contribution of Dr Gerwin Samarawickrema to our community. To all those who prepared such wonderful, amazing food: thank you very much.

The Sri Lanka Australia Friendship Association do a great job. They're ably led by their president Mr Nishantha Wijesinghe, their vice-president Mr Aravinda Senarath, their secretary Mr Weheragoda, their treasurer Mrs Pinto, their public officer Mr Kumarasena and the other committee members: Mr Muthumala, Mr Bandara, Mr Kulasekara, Mrs Edirisingha, Mr Dissanayake, Mr Athukorale, Mr Ranaweera, Mr Perera and Mr Gunaratne. The Sri Lankan community provide wonderful celebrations of their great republic, but they're proud Territorians. I was proud to join them for their very significant day.