Celebrating 75 Years of Sri Lanka-Australia Relations

Celebrating 75 Years of
Sri Lanka-Australia Relations

2022 marks the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka-Australia diplomatic relations. Ever since the first Australian Commissioner arrived in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) on 29 April 1947, our relationship has grown from strength to strength.

With a joint Indian Ocean neighbourhood, a shared history in the Commonwealth, and countless personal links among our diaspora, students, tourists and sporting teams, there is much we have to celebrate together.

play message

Take a dive into the many branches of our bilateral relationship and come along our journey to celebrate 75 years of friendship with us!

As we mark this important milestone, the Australian High Commission in Colombo brings to you 75 Stories of Friendship. Aiming to engage our valued friends, partners and the public, these 75 Stories of Friendship illustrate the longstanding relationship, common interests, and values between our two countries.

Handpicked from citizens of both Sri Lanka and Australia, we hope you find each story captivating, eye opening, and rich in the culture and diversity of both lands.

Copper in Colombo

Rachel Lokugamage

Changing Perceptions

Improving groundnut farmer productivity and mitigating crop losses caused by elephants

Suhela Abeynaike, Market Development Facility (MDF

Stories from the Sea

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Sydney Mardi Gras and World Pride 2023

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Equal Ground

How I became an Australian Ambassador?

Six Yards on Her Own Terms

Kate Becker, New Colombo Plan scholar

A tale of two countries

Ambassador Ian Wille

A Bond through Medical Technology

Equipped to Face the Pandemic

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Sarah Soysa:Championing youth and women’s rights in Sri Lanka

AndreaDavid, Australia Awards – Sri Lanka

From Little things big things Grow

Abarna Suthanthiraraj

Munazir Mohamed: Improving systems in finance and development

Andrea David, Australia Awards – Sri Lanka

Dr Asiri Hewamalage: Advocatinginclusive early childhood education in Sri Lanka

Andrea David, Australia Awards- Sri Lanka

Saliya Bandara Jayathilaka: Championing change in Sri Lanka’s public sector

Andrea David, Australia Awards

Award-winning research into female labour force participation

Lisa Ritchie, Sri Lanka Support Unit (SLSU)

Cultivating growth: Australia works with the agriculture sector to increase food availability in Sri Lanka

Market DevelopmentFacility (MDF)

ECO33- Turnkey Energy retrofit solution with a purpose

Rukshan Sheriff

Growing Trade Connections between Abans and Australia

Creating economic opportunities for local farmers

Knowledge Networks for Inclusive Growth

Thangavel Sakthivell

Student mobility: The heart ofinstitutional collaborations and friendship

Sandi Seneviratne

Making a difference: Kandee’s Journey

Anthony Long, Victoria University

Rinstrum – Smart Weighing Solutions: Scaling up on 75 Years of Australian and Sri Lankan Friendship

Rumesha Pathirana

University of Melbourne welcomes first twin PhD graduation

Dr Nadeesha Gunaratne, Dr Thejani Gunaratne

Helping Businesses Flourish through Coaching Support

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Taking charge of their destiny

International Labour Organization (ILO)

From Tea Plantation to Vineyard

By: Dilip Kumar, Peninsula Motor Group

Saving lives through better preparedness

Rushini Perera, World Food Programme

Driving Sri Lankan Tourism to Sustainability

Dr Madura Thivanka Pathirana

Reminiscing on my journey to Australia and ending up with honours

Dr. Harold Gunatilake, retd Cosmetic Surgeon/OAM

Giving back to the Sri Lankan community

Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University

Workshops Help Families Transform Their Futures

Shelby Stapleton, World Vision

Australia House

David Holly - Former Australian HC to Sri lanka

Yuhibuhi Forest Resort in Batticaloa

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Making a real difference and empowering others to do the same

Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University

Becoming part of a global family

Binali Sandunika Ambulpura, NSBM, Sri Lanka.

Building Sri Lankan Women’s Resilience in the Wake of COVID-19

Sarah Twigg, Women in Work (WiW)

Inspiring a new generation of environmental champions

Sandi Seneviratne, Deakin University

Breaking the Gender Gridlock in Sri Lanka’s Private Sector

Sarah Twigg, Women in Work (WiW)

With Australian partner Marendaz, H Connect is helping take Sri Lanka’s accountancy industry to a new territory

We are Water Wise “WaWW”

Sanath Wijayaratne

Supporting Sri Lanka’s sesath artisan industry

Supporting international development through remote volunteering

Griffith University & Sri Lankan Research

Jayatilleke Bandaralage

GRI Making a Mark in Australia

Prabhash Subasinghe, GRI Tires

The power of holding on to dreams

Tanya Goonewardene

Reaching the most vulnerable in Mannar

Abarna Suthanthiraraj, Palmera

Savannah Guides link Australia and Sri Lanka

Mission Accomplished

Admiral Thisara

The Perfect Blend: coffee strengthening Sri Lanka – Australia relations

Helping children heal from the Easter Sunday Bombing

Emma Brigham, UNICEF

Keeping Dengue at Bay

World Mosquito Program

Monitoring Sri Lanka’s Air Quality

Contributing to waste management and sustainable development in Sri Lanka

Saravanapavan Gowripalan

Australia and Sri Lanka - 75 Years of Friendship

Working towards a more inclusive society

Improving eye health in Sri Lanka

Creating a circular economy for urban waste

Building networks to advance women’s economic empowerment in Sri Lanka

Cricket, A Vegemite Sandwich & A 'Cuppa' Ceylon Tea

Marlon Dale Ferreira

Down under through an artist’s lens

Alumna contributing to COVID-19 recovery efforts through research

Dr. Anuji Gamage

Yasotha runs a biscuit shop in a small village in Manthai East, Sri Lanka.

Gowshan Nandakumar

A story to tell

Somasundaram Skandakumar

Australia – A Pioneer of Community Forestry in Sri Lanka

Dr. Dunstan J. Fernando

Sri Lankan Tourism & Sustainable Development

Defence connections between Australia and Sri Lanka (Ceylon) over the 75 Years

Copper in Colombo

Rachel Lokugamage

Changing Perceptions

Improving groundnut farmer productivity and mitigating crop losses caused by elephants

Suhela Abeynaike, Market Development Facility (MDF

Stories from the Sea

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Sydney Mardi Gras and World Pride 2023

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Equal Ground

How I became an Australian Ambassador?

Six Yards on Her Own Terms

Kate Becker, New Colombo Plan scholar

A tale of two countries

Ambassador Ian Wille

A Bond through Medical Technology

Equipped to Face the Pandemic

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Sarah Soysa:Championing youth and women’s rights in Sri Lanka

AndreaDavid, Australia Awards – Sri Lanka

From Little things big things Grow

Abarna Suthanthiraraj

Munazir Mohamed: Improving systems in finance and development

Andrea David, Australia Awards – Sri Lanka

Dr Asiri Hewamalage: Advocatinginclusive early childhood education in Sri Lanka

Andrea David, Australia Awards- Sri Lanka

Saliya Bandara Jayathilaka: Championing change in Sri Lanka’s public sector

Andrea David, Australia Awards

Award-winning research into female labour force participation

Lisa Ritchie, Sri Lanka Support Unit (SLSU)

Cultivating growth: Australia works with the agriculture sector to increase food availability in Sri Lanka

Market DevelopmentFacility (MDF)

ECO33- Turnkey Energy retrofit solution with a purpose

Rukshan Sheriff

Growing Trade Connections between Abans and Australia

Creating economic opportunities for local farmers

Knowledge Networks for Inclusive Growth

Thangavel Sakthivell

Student mobility: The heart ofinstitutional collaborations and friendship

Sandi Seneviratne

Making a difference: Kandee’s Journey

Anthony Long, Victoria University

Rinstrum – Smart Weighing Solutions: Scaling up on 75 Years of Australian and Sri Lankan Friendship

Rumesha Pathirana

University of Melbourne welcomes first twin PhD graduation

Dr Nadeesha Gunaratne, Dr Thejani Gunaratne

Helping Businesses Flourish through Coaching Support

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Taking charge of their destiny

International Labour Organization (ILO)

From Tea Plantation to Vineyard

By: Dilip Kumar, Peninsula Motor Group

Saving lives through better preparedness

Rushini Perera, World Food Programme

Driving Sri Lankan Tourism to Sustainability

Dr Madura Thivanka Pathirana

Reminiscing on my journey to Australia and ending up with honours

Dr. Harold Gunatilake, retd Cosmetic Surgeon/OAM

Giving back to the Sri Lankan community

Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University

Workshops Help Families Transform Their Futures

Shelby Stapleton, World Vision

Australia House

David Holly - Former Australian HC to Sri lanka

Yuhibuhi Forest Resort in Batticaloa

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Making a real difference and empowering others to do the same

Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University

Becoming part of a global family

Binali Sandunika Ambulpura, NSBM, Sri Lanka.

Building Sri Lankan Women’s Resilience in the Wake of COVID-19

Sarah Twigg, Women in Work (WiW)

Inspiring a new generation of environmental champions

Sandi Seneviratne, Deakin University

Breaking the Gender Gridlock in Sri Lanka’s Private Sector

Sarah Twigg, Women in Work (WiW)

With Australian partner Marendaz, H Connect is helping take Sri Lanka’s accountancy industry to a new territory

We are Water Wise “WaWW”

Sanath Wijayaratne

Supporting Sri Lanka’s sesath artisan industry

Supporting international development through remote volunteering

Griffith University & Sri Lankan Research

Jayatilleke Bandaralage

GRI Making a Mark in Australia

Prabhash Subasinghe, GRI Tires

The power of holding on to dreams

Tanya Goonewardene

Reaching the most vulnerable in Mannar

Abarna Suthanthiraraj, Palmera

Savannah Guides link Australia and Sri Lanka

Mission Accomplished

Admiral Thisara

The Perfect Blend: coffee strengthening Sri Lanka – Australia relations

Helping children heal from the Easter Sunday Bombing

Emma Brigham, UNICEF

Keeping Dengue at Bay

World Mosquito Program

Monitoring Sri Lanka’s Air Quality

Contributing to waste management and sustainable development in Sri Lanka

Saravanapavan Gowripalan

Australia and Sri Lanka - 75 Years of Friendship

Working towards a more inclusive society

Improving eye health in Sri Lanka

Creating a circular economy for urban waste

Building networks to advance women’s economic empowerment in Sri Lanka

Cricket, A Vegemite Sandwich & A 'Cuppa' Ceylon Tea

Marlon Dale Ferreira

Down under through an artist’s lens

Alumna contributing to COVID-19 recovery efforts through research

Dr. Anuji Gamage

Yasotha runs a biscuit shop in a small village in Manthai East, Sri Lanka.

Gowshan Nandakumar

A story to tell

Somasundaram Skandakumar

Australia – A Pioneer of Community Forestry in Sri Lanka

Dr. Dunstan J. Fernando

Sri Lankan Tourism & Sustainable Development

Defence connections between Australia and Sri Lanka (Ceylon) over the 75 Years

Copper in Colombo

Rachel Lokugamage

Changing Perceptions

Improving groundnut farmer productivity and mitigating crop losses caused by elephants

Suhela Abeynaike, Market Development Facility (MDF

Stories from the Sea

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Sydney Mardi Gras and World Pride 2023

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Equal Ground

How I became an Australian Ambassador?

Six Yards on Her Own Terms

Kate Becker, New Colombo Plan scholar

A tale of two countries

Ambassador Ian Wille

A Bond through Medical Technology

Equipped to Face the Pandemic

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Sarah Soysa:Championing youth and women’s rights in Sri Lanka

AndreaDavid, Australia Awards – Sri Lanka

From Little things big things Grow

Abarna Suthanthiraraj

Munazir Mohamed: Improving systems in finance and development

Andrea David, Australia Awards – Sri Lanka

Dr Asiri Hewamalage: Advocatinginclusive early childhood education in Sri Lanka

Andrea David, Australia Awards- Sri Lanka

Saliya Bandara Jayathilaka: Championing change in Sri Lanka’s public sector

Andrea David, Australia Awards

Award-winning research into female labour force participation

Lisa Ritchie, Sri Lanka Support Unit (SLSU)

Cultivating growth: Australia works with the agriculture sector to increase food availability in Sri Lanka

Market DevelopmentFacility (MDF)

ECO33- Turnkey Energy retrofit solution with a purpose

Rukshan Sheriff

Growing Trade Connections between Abans and Australia

Creating economic opportunities for local farmers

Knowledge Networks for Inclusive Growth

Thangavel Sakthivell

Student mobility: The heart ofinstitutional collaborations and friendship

Sandi Seneviratne

Making a difference: Kandee’s Journey

Anthony Long, Victoria University

Rinstrum – Smart Weighing Solutions: Scaling up on 75 Years of Australian and Sri Lankan Friendship

Rumesha Pathirana

University of Melbourne welcomes first twin PhD graduation

Dr Nadeesha Gunaratne, Dr Thejani Gunaratne

Helping Businesses Flourish through Coaching Support

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Taking charge of their destiny

International Labour Organization (ILO)

From Tea Plantation to Vineyard

By: Dilip Kumar, Peninsula Motor Group

Saving lives through better preparedness

Rushini Perera, World Food Programme

Driving Sri Lankan Tourism to Sustainability

Dr Madura Thivanka Pathirana

Reminiscing on my journey to Australia and ending up with honours

Dr. Harold Gunatilake, retd Cosmetic Surgeon/OAM

Giving back to the Sri Lankan community

Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University

Workshops Help Families Transform Their Futures

Shelby Stapleton, World Vision

Australia House

David Holly - Former Australian HC to Sri lanka

Yuhibuhi Forest Resort in Batticaloa

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Making a real difference and empowering others to do the same

Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University

Becoming part of a global family

Binali Sandunika Ambulpura, NSBM, Sri Lanka.

Building Sri Lankan Women’s Resilience in the Wake of COVID-19

Sarah Twigg, Women in Work (WiW)

Inspiring a new generation of environmental champions

Sandi Seneviratne, Deakin University

Breaking the Gender Gridlock in Sri Lanka’s Private Sector

Sarah Twigg, Women in Work (WiW)

With Australian partner Marendaz, H Connect is helping take Sri Lanka’s accountancy industry to a new territory

We are Water Wise “WaWW”

Sanath Wijayaratne

Supporting Sri Lanka’s sesath artisan industry

Supporting international development through remote volunteering

Griffith University & Sri Lankan Research

Jayatilleke Bandaralage

GRI Making a Mark in Australia

Prabhash Subasinghe, GRI Tires

The power of holding on to dreams

Tanya Goonewardene

Reaching the most vulnerable in Mannar

Abarna Suthanthiraraj, Palmera

Savannah Guides link Australia and Sri Lanka

Mission Accomplished

Admiral Thisara

The Perfect Blend: coffee strengthening Sri Lanka – Australia relations

Helping children heal from the Easter Sunday Bombing

Emma Brigham, UNICEF

Keeping Dengue at Bay

World Mosquito Program

Monitoring Sri Lanka’s Air Quality

Contributing to waste management and sustainable development in Sri Lanka

Saravanapavan Gowripalan

Australia and Sri Lanka - 75 Years of Friendship

Working towards a more inclusive society

Improving eye health in Sri Lanka

Creating a circular economy for urban waste

Building networks to advance women’s economic empowerment in Sri Lanka

Cricket, A Vegemite Sandwich & A 'Cuppa' Ceylon Tea

Marlon Dale Ferreira

Down under through an artist’s lens

Alumna contributing to COVID-19 recovery efforts through research

Dr. Anuji Gamage

Yasotha runs a biscuit shop in a small village in Manthai East, Sri Lanka.

Gowshan Nandakumar

A story to tell

Somasundaram Skandakumar

Australia – A Pioneer of Community Forestry in Sri Lanka

Dr. Dunstan J. Fernando

Sri Lankan Tourism & Sustainable Development

Defence connections between Australia and Sri Lanka (Ceylon) over the 75 Years

Copper in Colombo

Rachel Lokugamage

Changing Perceptions

Improving groundnut farmer productivity and mitigating crop losses caused by elephants

Suhela Abeynaike, Market Development Facility (MDF

Stories from the Sea

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Sydney Mardi Gras and World Pride 2023

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Equal Ground

How I became an Australian Ambassador?

Six Yards on Her Own Terms

Kate Becker, New Colombo Plan scholar

A tale of two countries

Ambassador Ian Wille

A Bond through Medical Technology

Equipped to Face the Pandemic

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Sarah Soysa:Championing youth and women’s rights in Sri Lanka

AndreaDavid, Australia Awards – Sri Lanka

From Little things big things Grow

Abarna Suthanthiraraj

Munazir Mohamed: Improving systems in finance and development

Andrea David, Australia Awards – Sri Lanka

Dr Asiri Hewamalage: Advocatinginclusive early childhood education in Sri Lanka

Andrea David, Australia Awards- Sri Lanka

Saliya Bandara Jayathilaka: Championing change in Sri Lanka’s public sector

Andrea David, Australia Awards

Award-winning research into female labour force participation

Lisa Ritchie, Sri Lanka Support Unit (SLSU)

Cultivating growth: Australia works with the agriculture sector to increase food availability in Sri Lanka

Market DevelopmentFacility (MDF)

ECO33- Turnkey Energy retrofit solution with a purpose

Rukshan Sheriff

Growing Trade Connections between Abans and Australia

Creating economic opportunities for local farmers

Knowledge Networks for Inclusive Growth

Thangavel Sakthivell

Student mobility: The heart ofinstitutional collaborations and friendship

Sandi Seneviratne

Making a difference: Kandee’s Journey

Anthony Long, Victoria University

Rinstrum – Smart Weighing Solutions: Scaling up on 75 Years of Australian and Sri Lankan Friendship

Rumesha Pathirana

University of Melbourne welcomes first twin PhD graduation

Dr Nadeesha Gunaratne, Dr Thejani Gunaratne

Helping Businesses Flourish through Coaching Support

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Taking charge of their destiny

International Labour Organization (ILO)

From Tea Plantation to Vineyard

By: Dilip Kumar, Peninsula Motor Group

Saving lives through better preparedness

Rushini Perera, World Food Programme

Driving Sri Lankan Tourism to Sustainability

Dr Madura Thivanka Pathirana

Reminiscing on my journey to Australia and ending up with honours

Dr. Harold Gunatilake, retd Cosmetic Surgeon/OAM

Giving back to the Sri Lankan community

Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University

Workshops Help Families Transform Their Futures

Shelby Stapleton, World Vision

Australia House

David Holly - Former Australian HC to Sri lanka

Yuhibuhi Forest Resort in Batticaloa

Gaya Nagahawatta, Skills for Inclusive Growth

Making a real difference and empowering others to do the same

Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University

Becoming part of a global family

Binali Sandunika Ambulpura, NSBM, Sri Lanka.

Building Sri Lankan Women’s Resilience in the Wake of COVID-19

Sarah Twigg, Women in Work (WiW)

Inspiring a new generation of environmental champions

Sandi Seneviratne, Deakin University

Breaking the Gender Gridlock in Sri Lanka’s Private Sector

Sarah Twigg, Women in Work (WiW)

With Australian partner Marendaz, H Connect is helping take Sri Lanka’s accountancy industry to a new territory

We are Water Wise “WaWW”

Sanath Wijayaratne

Supporting Sri Lanka’s sesath artisan industry

Supporting international development through remote volunteering

Griffith University & Sri Lankan Research

Jayatilleke Bandaralage

GRI Making a Mark in Australia

Prabhash Subasinghe, GRI Tires

The power of holding on to dreams

Tanya Goonewardene

Reaching the most vulnerable in Mannar

Abarna Suthanthiraraj, Palmera

Savannah Guides link Australia and Sri Lanka

Mission Accomplished

Admiral Thisara

The Perfect Blend: coffee strengthening Sri Lanka – Australia relations

Helping children heal from the Easter Sunday Bombing

Emma Brigham, UNICEF

Keeping Dengue at Bay

World Mosquito Program

Monitoring Sri Lanka’s Air Quality

Contributing to waste management and sustainable development in Sri Lanka

Saravanapavan Gowripalan

Australia and Sri Lanka - 75 Years of Friendship

Working towards a more inclusive society

Improving eye health in Sri Lanka

Creating a circular economy for urban waste

Building networks to advance women’s economic empowerment in Sri Lanka

Cricket, A Vegemite Sandwich & A 'Cuppa' Ceylon Tea

Marlon Dale Ferreira

Down under through an artist’s lens

Alumna contributing to COVID-19 recovery efforts through research

Dr. Anuji Gamage

Yasotha runs a biscuit shop in a small village in Manthai East, Sri Lanka.

Gowshan Nandakumar

A story to tell

Somasundaram Skandakumar

Australia – A Pioneer of Community Forestry in Sri Lanka

Dr. Dunstan J. Fernando

Sri Lankan Tourism & Sustainable Development

Defence connections between Australia and Sri Lanka (Ceylon) over the 75 Years

Events

2022 marks the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka-Australia diplomatic relations. Ever since the first Australian Commissioner arrived in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) on 29 April 1947, our relationship has grown from strength to strength.

Media

Our colourful story in pictures. Commemorating a longstanding friendship, discover pictures, videos, and media coverage from the 75 Years of Sri Lanka-Australia Relations celebrations!