By – QL de Zylva Pic by – (SNNI) Melbourne

Harry Balapatabendi and his family arranged a lavish dinner at their Melbourne residence as a final farewell to his father who has just completed his tour of duty as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia. H.E. Kusumasiri Balapatabendi leaves for Sri Lanka at the end of this week after emotional farewells in Canberra from the embassy staff.

The photograph shows from left to right – Jude Perera, Cathy Cruse, David Cruse, H.E.Kusumasiri Balapatabendi, Johann Jayasinha and Quintus de Zylva – all friends and close associates of his term as High Commissioner. Mr. Balapatabendi has made so many visits to Melbourne is his role as High Commissioner to encourage Melbourne to spearhead the support of our beloved Sri Lanka.

Mr. Balapatabendi has assisted many organisations in Melbourne. He has been instrumental in getting the many donations the Australia Sri Lanka Medical Aid Team (AuSLMAT) has made through customs in Colombo. He was at Government House when AuSLMAT were awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for their work in Sri Lanka since the Asian tsunami of 2004.

He has also supported the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria in their commitment to assist the Sri Lanka Cricket Team. He was an invited guest of honour at the ODI’s played in Melbourne and his presence was acknowledged by Cricket Australia.

Jude Perera and Johann Jayasinha have been with him in various activities throughout his three year stint down under. Johann Jayasinha was made an official photographer at the Sri Lankan Cricket Matches and Function in Canberra.

He will be missed but our best wishes go with him for a healthy and happy retirement. He deserves all the accolades for his tireless work in placing Sri Lanka in focus amongst the powers that be in Canberra and through Australia and New Zealand.

SNNI