Federal Member for Aston, The Hon Alan Tudge MP, last night joined over 500 guests at The Grand in Wantirna South to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 66th Independence Day.
Hosted by the Consul-General of Sri Lanka and joined by a further 24 Consul-Generals and Honorary Consuls representing countries from around the world, Mr Tudge celebrated the people and culture of Sri Lanka and the local community living in Melbourne.
“We gather to celebrate your independence, your progress as a nation and also the tremendous contribution that Sri Lankan people have made in Australia and around the world.”
“We know that Sri Lanka’s 66 years of independence has not been without difficulties, but your nation has now emerged from those troubles. And with peace comes more freedom, more prosperity and greater integration with other nations,” said Mr Tudge.
With the population of Sri Lankans growing within Australia, including half of the 100,000 strong community living in Melbourne, Mr Tudge emphasised the broad contribution of Sri Lankans to Australia.
“It is a strong a vibrant community, with participation and contribution across all aspects of our society – in business, in education, in the arts, and of course in governance with the former Governor of Victoria, David de Krester, being of Sri Lankan heritage.
“We are very proud of our multi-cultural society. We are proud of the Sri Lankan community and the contribution they make. And as a nation, we wish Sri Lanka well in its continued progress,” Mr Tudge said.
