Sri Lanka's 65th Independence Day celebrated at the New South Wales Parliament in Australia

Sri Lankan Consul General's office in Sydney, New South Wales celebrated Sri Lanka's 65th Independence Day at the New South Wales parliamentary premises on February 4, 2013, among a distinguished gathering of parliamentarians, diplomats, journalists, business leaders and leaders of the Sri Lankan community.

It was the first time the Consul General's office celebrated the Independence Day in such a manner.

Sri Lankan Consul General in Sydney, New South Wales Bandula Jayasekara addressing the gathering on the occasion

Consul General Bandula Jayasekara in his speech said President Mahinda Rajapaksa brought peace to Sri Lanka in 2009, after nearly three decades of terrorism.

He said: "Sri Lanka and Australia have maintained excellent relations based on our shared Commonwealth membership, mutual respect and shared values. Sri Lankans are very resilient people.

"Some powers try to punish us for winning the peace. But, we get stronger with each new day as a nation and move on", the Consul General said.

The Consul General spoke of the beauty of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan smile, and extended an open invitation to the guests to visit the new, fast developing, free and peaceful Sri Lanka.

The Premier of New South Wales, Barry O Farrell was represented by Marie Ficarra, MLC and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier of New South Wales. Extending the good wishes of the Premier of New South Wales to the President and the people of Sri Lanka, she paid tribute to the contributions made by successful Sri Lankans living in Australia and the spirit of Sri Lankans.

President of the New South Wales Legislative Council Don Harwin, proposed a toast for the health and well being of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka while Consul General Jayasekara proposed a toast for the health and well being of the Queen and the people of Australia.

The toast was proposed with Sri Lankan iced tea instead of the traditional wine. Guests at the event were further treated to a taste of Kiribath (milk rice) with lunu miris (a traditional accompaniment to the rice dish) among other traditional delicacies.

A Sri Lankan drum and dance troupe from Sydney, thrilled the audience with the traditional drum beats of Sri Lanka. All guests were given a tastefully done Sri Lankan tourism brochure and a special gift pack of Dilmah tea.