Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association Queensland Marks 10 Years of Service, Unity and Camaraderie
Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association Queensland Marks 10 Years of Service, Unity and Camaraderie
On 19 September 2026, the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association Queensland (SLESAQLD) reached a proud milestone, its 10th Anniversary Guest Night and Felicitation Ceremony, held at the RSL Redlands in Cleveland. What unfolded was an evening of dignity, pride, and heartfelt connection, honouring a decade of service and celebrating the strength of a community bound by shared history, sacrifice and purpose.
The event commenced with the ceremonial arrival of guests, followed by the entrance of the Chief Guest, Her Excellency Yasoja Gunasekera, High Commissioner for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Australia and Honourable Nalin Perera, Honorary Consul for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for Queensland, accompanied by the stirring sound of the bagpiper, their entrance set the tone for an evening steeped in respect and tradition.
Her Excellency delivered a powerful message of appreciation, commending the Association for its leadership and community service. “Sri Lanka will never forget your contribution to our country,” she affirmed, acknowledging the sacrifices of Sri Lankan veterans and the continued patriotism they carry even while living abroad.
President Nalin Wickremasinghe opened the evening with a moving welcome speech that resonated deeply with all present. He reflected on the enduring bond shared by ex-servicemen:
“We who stood shoulder-to-shoulder in uniform continue to stand together in purpose.” “Our uniforms may be hung, but our commitment to honour, duty, and country remains unbroken.”
He paid tribute to fallen comrades through the symbolic Missing Man Table, reminding the audience that while some are absent from the table, “they will never be absent from our hearts.”
The President also acknowledged the Association’s growth, from a small group of veterans to a strong fraternity of 34 members, and honoured Mr. Wimal Kannangara and the late Mr Aravinda Rupasinghe, whose vision and dedication helped lay the foundation of SLESAQLD.
A special message from Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, was delivered during the ceremony. He praised the Association’s decade of service, stating: “Reaching this significant milestone is a testament to the Association’s unwavering commitment to fostering unity, discipline, camaraderie, and national pride among Sri Lankan veterans.”
His message reinforced the enduring connection between Sri Lankan veterans abroad and their motherland.
The celebration brought together an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including:
- Commodore Sagara Udayanga, Defence Counsellor, Sri Lanka High Commission in Australia
- Admiral Travis Sinniah (Retd), Former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy
- Mr Anton Swan, Former Consul General of Sri Lanka in Queensland
- Dr Jayasiri Weerawardane, President, Federation of Sri Lankan Organisations in Queensland
- Mr Sunil Goonerathne, President, Sri Lanka Sports Association of Queensland
- Dr Aslam Jabbar, President, Sri Lanka Muslim Association of Queensland
- Mr Sidath Wijethunga, President, The Australian-Sri Lankan Friendship Association in Queensland
- Colonel Rick Maher, President, RSL Kenmore–Moggill Sub-Branch
- Representatives of Sri Lankan organisations across Queensland
Their presence added prestige and warmth to the evening, reflecting the strong relationships SLESAQLD has built across the community.
A highlight of the night was the felicitation of Squadron Leader (Retd) Jayantha Pathikirikorale, the Association’s first President. His leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing SLESAQLD. A commemorative memento was presented to him by the President, accompanied by the bagpiper’s evocative performance of “The Mist Covered Mountains.”
Later in the evening, President Wickremasinghe presented a commemorative memento to the Chief Guest, Her Excellency Yasoja Gunasekara, with the bagpiper performing the timeless “Skye Boat Song.” It was a moment of grace and gratitude that beautifully captured the spirit of the occasion.
The success of the event reflected the dedication of the committee members, past and present, whose hard work over the past decade has shaped the Association into the strong and united organisation it is today. Volunteers, partners and supporters including RSL Redlands Management, Adam Regnart the Bagpiper, Upul Jayasinghe (Photography), and Anupa Thotawaththage (Master of Ceremonies) contributed to a seamless and memorable evening.
In his closing remarks, President Wickremasinghe encouraged members to look forward with purpose: “A 10-year anniversary is not only a time to look back, it is a chance to ask ourselves what we want the next ten years to look like.” “Our greatest legacy will not simply be the history we leave behind. It will be what we inspire others to carry forward.”
The Association remains committed to supporting veterans, strengthening community ties, and preserving Sri Lankan heritage in Queensland.
The 10th Anniversary Guest Night was more than a celebration, it was a testament to unity, resilience, and shared purpose. It honoured the past, celebrated the present, and inspired a future where service, camaraderie and community continue to guide the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association Queensland.
Long live SLESAQLD.
