The vibrant rise of SLMASA continues to shine brightly as the organisation gains recognition and invitations to represent the community at prestigious cultural occasions. One of the most anticipated highlights on Adelaide’s multicultural calendar is the annual celebration hosted by Australian Sri Lankan Association (ASLA) the award-winning Sri Lankan Food Festival & Cultural Day. This year marked another proud milestone, as SLMASA’s President was invited to attend the grand opening ceremony.
Despite being in the midst of the fasting season and still feeling the joyful exhaustion following the hugely successful Grand Iftar 2026, SLMASA considered it both an honour and a responsibility to attend and represent the community at such a significant cultural gathering.
A Tradition of Excellence
Under the leadership of newly elected ASLA President Mr. Nishantha Jayawardena, Secretary Ms. Inoka Silva, and their dedicated committee, the 2026 festival was another resounding success. Held at the lively Fullarton Park Community Centre, the event proudly upheld ASLA’s long-standing tradition of celebrating Sri Lankan heritage in Adelaide with colour, flavour, and unity.
Distinguished guests included the Honourable Jing Lee MLC, Deputy Mayor of Unley Jack Gaffey, Dimuthu Samaranayake, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for South Australia and few other officals. Their presence highlighted the importance of cultural harmony and community engagement, and it provided SLMASA President Aakyl Haniffa with valuable opportunities to strengthen connections with community leaders and government representatives.
Colour, Culture, and Celebration
From 11:00 am onwards, crowds poured in, filling the venue with excitement and anticipation before the official opening at noon. The ceremony dazzled attendees with breathtaking Sri Lankan cultural dances, followed by inspiring speeches from honoured guests.
The festival grounds were alive with stalls showcasing Sri Lankan fashion, traditional cuisine, and refreshing drinks, all infused with authentic island flair. The atmosphere was further energised by lively Sri Lankan music, as talented singers entertained the crowd with beloved songs that had visitors swaying and smiling throughout the day.
A Proud Moment for SLMASA
Being invited to participate in such a large-scale and celebrated event was a moment of pride for SLMASA. It reflected the organisation’s growing reputation, community spirit, and commitment to building bridges across cultures. The experience was not only festive and joyful but also a meaningful reminder of the strength found in unity, heritage, and shared celebration.
As SLMASA continues to flourish, moments like these stand as shining examples of how cultural organisations can uplift communities, foster friendships, and keep traditions alive; all while spreading warmth and happiness wherever they go.
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