New Sri Lankan Consul for Queensland Nalin promises extended role

By Nimal Sedera

A grand welcome was extended to the newly appointed Sri Lankan honourary Consul for Queensland Nalin Perera by the Sri Lankans on March 6 at the Jindalee Bowls Club in Australia.

The event was organised by the Federation of Sri Lankan Associations (FSOQ) in Queensland.

Perera and his wife Dr. Thushara Pusella were received by the President of the Federation Dr. Jayasiri Weerawardana, Secretary Jayantha Weerasekera and the Presidents of various Sri Lankan Associations. Members of city council Sahah Hutton and Charls Trunk were also in attendance.

Kandyan dancers of the Sri Lanka Dance Foundation accompanied the dignitaries to the stage.

President of the FSOQ Dr. Jayasiri Weerawardana made the welcome address followed by the Council members of Queensland Sarah Hutton and Charles Trunk. 

The former honourary Consul of Sri Lanka Anton Swan, who served  the community for over thirty years, whilst welcoming the new Consul, recalled his interesting experiences at work.

Perera addressing the large gathering expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and spelt out his obligations to the country and the community in Queensland. He stated that his role won’t be limited to forwarding of documents to the High commission and will promote activates in Queensland for the benefit of both countries.

Jayantha Perera of the Sri Lankan Engineers Association and Weerasekara too addressed the meeting. 

The dance foundation presented some dance items that added glamour to the event.