We must congratulate Mr. Gamini Perera for receiving this prestigious award. It is a recognition by the Australian Government for the devotion and dedicated effort of Gamini to serve the Sri Lankan community living in Australia. While living in Australia, he has done a tremendous amount of work to help the needy people in Sri Lanka. I have known Gamini for over 15 years and has directly followed his community activities. I also had the chance to help him in developing a range of educational related activities.

Gamini graduated from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. While at the University he held the position of President of Student Society. Later he was appointed as the President of Inter University Student Union. He completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations and labour Studies from ISS Hague. He is a Senior Associate Member of IPM Australia. Gamini has worked in many leading organisations in Sri Lanka. He worked at the Building Materials Corporation as an Addl. General Manager before migrating to Australia in 1988.

In 1991, Gamini initiated the formation of SCATS (Sri Lankan Study Centre for Advancement of Technology and Social Welfare), which is considered to be one of the leading Sri Lankan community organisations in Australia. He was also the Founder President of the SCATS. SCATS Australia also has active branches in other States. Gamini initiated the formation of the Sri Lanka branch in 1995. His extensive involvement in developing this major organisation demonstrates his ability to work and communicate with people from different backgrounds in different environments and reflects his commitment to helping others. Gamini introduced the Elderly Citizens programs to Sri Lankans living in Australia in late 1980s.

Gamini has been involved in developing many activities for SCATS such as the establishment of SCATS International Resource Centre in Sri Lanka in 2002, establishment of computer training centres, in Melbourne and Sri Lanka, foster care program. He also initiated the Australia Sri Lanka Friendship Village Project for Tsunami victims in Hambantota, Sri Lanka and helped the LRH medical equipment donation program. He is presently the Chairman of SCATS International Relations Committee.

He has held many important positions in last 15 years including, SCATS, Cultural Coordinator, Youth Coordinator, Educational Coordinator, Senior Citizens SEWA Coordinator, Foster Care Students Assistance programme Coordinator etc. Mr. Gamini Perera is an outstanding contributor. He thoroughly deserves this award.

A/Prof. Priyantha Mendis
University of Melbourne