The 78th Sri Lankan Independence Day celebration in Adelaide was held this year at the Cultural Hub of the Adelaide Buddhist Vihara on 04/02/2026. The event was simple yet beautifully organised, bringing together members of the Sri Lankan community to celebrate their shared heritage and national pride.
The celebration was primarily organised by Mrs. Lakshmi Kumaratilaka and Dr. Jaliya Kumaratilaka, whose dedication and coordination ensured a meaningful and well-run event. Many members of the Sri Lankan community attended, making the occasion both lively and heartfelt.
The event commenced with the recitation of Buddhist religious Pansil, followed by the singing of the Sri Lankan national anthem by all attendees, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Messages from the President of Sri Lanka and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka were read aloud by Mrs. Lakshmi Kumaratilaka, reminding everyone of the significance of independence and unity.
Adding a special touch to the programme, a young Sri Lankan girl delivered a beautiful speech in both Sinhala and English. Her words highlighted the proud history of Sri Lanka and the importance of independence, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
No Sri Lankan gathering is complete without food, and the event concluded with a delightful spread of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and tea. All food was generously contributed by members of the Sri Lankan community, reflecting the strong spirit of sharing and togetherness.
Although it was a light and relatively small event, it powerfully connected attendees through their Sri Lankan roots and cultural identity. On behalf of SLMASA, it was an honour for President Aakyl Haniffa and Treasurer Ibrahim Saleem to attend this graceful celebration with their families.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Lakshmi Kumaratilaka made special mention of the Sri Lankan Muslim community, sincerely thanking them for taking the time to participate and contribute to the event, further highlighting the unity and harmony within the Sri Lankan community in Adelaide.
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