Presentation of President’s Report 2025

The year 2025 has been another meaningful and productive year for the Sinhala Association of Queensland (SAQ). Throughout the year, our organization continued its mission of preserving and promoting Sri Lankan culture, strengthening community connections, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to engage with our heritage.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication and teamwork of our committee members, volunteers, and supporters. Your commitment and passion have allowed SAQ to continue growing as one of the most active Sri Lankan community organizations in Queensland.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our committee members who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to organize events, coordinate activities, and support our initiatives. Your leadership and dedication are the driving force behind SAQ’s continued success.

My heartfelt thanks also go to our volunteers who generously give their time and effort to make every event possible. Your contributions truly reflect the spirit of community service and cultural pride.

Additionally, we would like to thank our valued sponsors and partners for their generous support. Their contributions have helped SAQ expand its programs and deliver meaningful cultural and community experiences for the Sri Lankan community in Queensland.The key highlights of the President’s report are as follows:

Sinhala New Year Festival-2025

The Sinhala Association of Queensland successfully organized the Bakmaha Ulela 2025 on 13th April 2025 at the Wests Inala Football Club Ground in Richlands.

This annual celebration is one of the most anticipated events in the SAQ calendar, bringing together the Sri Lankan community to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in a vibrant and traditional atmosphere.

The event featured many traditional Avurudu customs and games including Kotta Pora, Tug of War, Raban playing, and various children’s activities, creating a joyful environment for families and friends to come together and celebrate. Participants also enjoyed the traditional Avurudu table ceremony in the morning, followed by an authentic complimentary Sri Lankan lunch for all attendees.

A special highlight of the event was the Awurudu Kumariya competition, which attracted enthusiastic participation from young members of the community.

The festival provided an excellent opportunity for the Sri Lankan community to reconnect, celebrate cultural traditions, and introduce these traditions to younger generations growing up in Australia.

SAQ would like to express its sincere appreciation to our volunteers, sponsors, and community members whose support made this event a great success.

Navarathna Gamage Tribute Concert

On 11th May 2025, SAQ proudly presented the Navarathna Gamage Tribute Concert at the Logan West Community Centre.

This musical tribute honoured the timeless compositions of the legendary Sri Lankan musician Navarathna Gamage, whose work has inspired generations of Sri Lankan artists and music lovers.

The concert brought together talented performers from the local community to celebrate the beauty and emotional depth of his music. Through heartfelt performances and powerful musical arrangements, the event paid tribute to the legacy of a composer whose melodies have shaped the Sri Lankan music industry.

The evening was warmly received by the audience, who appreciated the opportunity to relive the timeless songs and musical heritage of Sri Lanka.

SAQ extends its sincere thanks to the performers, organizers, volunteers, and supporters who contributed their time and talent to make this musical tribute a memorable cultural experience.

 

Sri Lankan Day

The Sinhala Association of Queensland (SAQ) is excited to share the success of the Sri Lankan Day event, held on 31st August 2025 at Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks. Organized by the Federation of Sri Lankan Organizations of Queensland (FSOQ), this vibrant celebration of Sri Lankan culture brought together individuals from all walks of life to experience the rich traditions, music, dance, and culinary delights that define Sri Lanka. As a proud member of FSOQ, SAQ was honored to participate in this celebration and contribute to the event's success.

The event proved to be a resounding success, attracting a diverse audience of Sri Lankan expatriates, local Australians, and culture enthusiasts, all coming together to enjoy and learn more about the heritage of our beautiful island. From traditional dance performances and live music to an array of Sri Lankan cuisine, attendees were treated to an immersive experience that showcased the very best of our culture.

Saralanaga Cultural Event

One of the most significant highlights of the year was Saralanga 2025, which was held on 28th September 2025 at the Logan Entertainment Centre.

Saralanga continues to be SAQ’s flagship cultural event, dedicated to showcasing the richness of Sri Lankan performing arts and preserving cultural traditions for future generations.

This year’s event brought together a large number of performers, choreographers, and artists from across Queensland. The program featured a vibrant range of performances including traditional and contemporary dance, music, and cultural presentations, reflecting the diversity and creativity of our community.

A special initiative this year was the opportunity for young community members to participate as compeers, receiving training in presentation and communication skills while hosting the program in both Sinhala and English. This initiative provided valuable experience for young participants and encouraged the next generation to actively engage with Sri Lankan cultural activities.

Saralanga 2025 once again demonstrated the incredible talent within our community and highlighted SAQ’s ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting Sri Lankan arts and culture in Queensland.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all performers, choreographers, parents, volunteers, sponsors, and audience members who contributed to making this event an outstanding success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2025 has been a year of cultural celebration, community engagement, and continued growth for SAQ. Through our events and initiatives, we have strengthened the bonds within our community while sharing Sri Lankan culture with the broader Queensland community.

As we move forward, SAQ remains committed to supporting cultural programs, engaging younger generations, and building a strong and inclusive Sri Lankan community in Queensland.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank everyone who has supported SAQ throughout the year. Your continued involvement and encouragement inspire us to work harder and achieve even greater milestones in the future.