21.4.2008
The Grand on Cathies Lane, Wantirna
South, Melbourne was the scene of a warm and rousing farewell
to outgoing High Commissioner, Mr Kusumsiri Balapatabendi
on Friday, the 18th of April 2008.
Three hundred Sri Lankan expatriates, representing diverse
associations and communities gathered in the plush dining
hall to meet the departing High Commissioner for the last
time. The event was organised by The Committee for Sri Lanka
in association with SCATS Melbourne and The Australia-Sri
Lanka Council under sponsorship of the Consulate. The High
Commissioner arrived to the auspicious sound of Magul Bera
and lit the traditional oil lamp along with other distinguished
persons in the community.
Hon Liz Beattie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry
of Multicultural Affairs who represented the Premier of
the state of Victoria, Hon Jude Perera Sri Lanka MP in the
state Parliament, Dr Rodney Arambewela, Hony Consul, Mihrie
Dissanayake, SCATS president, and Mr Ean McDowell, chairperson
Australia-Sri Lanka Council spoke in high praise of the
High Commissioner for a job well done. Liz Beattie pointed
out that the High Commissioner had got along excellently
with the Victorian Premier and government. She added that
in particular his relations with the Victorian Premier and
the state and local government in Melbourne was excellent
and that as a result he was able to garner their support
for a great Tsunami reconstruction effort. She said that
the Premier had commented that Mr Balapatabendi had always
been a pleasant man to work with. Mr. Jude Perera was in
full praise for Mr. Balapatabendi’s commitment and
dedication to his work in that he was active in his role
from day one. Mr. Jude Perera presented a special plaque
on behalf of the state government of Victoria. Dr Rodney
Arambewela said that in his twenty- year career as Hony
Consul in Melbourne he had never witnessed such a rousing
and well-attended farewell for a departing Ambassador. He
stated that Mr. Balapatabendi was one of the most outstanding
Sri Lankan High Commissioners who had made a tangible contribution
to the relations between Sri Lanka and Australia. He said
Mr. Balapatabendi also excelled in community relations in
view of his accessibility to people irrespective of their
positions or ethnicity and his willingness to help. Mr Ean
McDowell said that the High Commissioner had assisted The
Australia-Sri Lanka Council in its trade promotion activities.
Mihirie Dissanayake said that the outgoing High Commissioner
was a “Peoples’ High Commissioner” as
he was always accessible, warm, and sincere to expatriate
Sri Lankans. She also pointed out how Mr Balapatabendi promoted
Sri Lankan cultural activities here and how he was seen
joining the people here in song. Also, she recalled how
Mr Balapatabendi assisted SCATS in setting up a housing
scheme for Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.
The band, Midnight Mist played until dawn. Mr Shyamon Jayasinghe
compeered and officiated as Master of Ceremony. While George
Jayawardena proposed the toast, Sriya Jayawardena, Secretary
of The Committee for Sri Lanka, presented a plaque on behalf
of the organising Committee and also delivered the vote
of thanks.
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