Aimed to support Sri Lankan Australians in north-east Victoria to maintain their culture, the group also provides networking opportunities, support to overcome social isolation and provide mental health support for new Sri Lankan migrants living in the region.
The association has over 40 members and held its inaugural gathering on Friday, November 10 at the Vine Hotel in Wangaratta.
Secretary Punarji Gunaratne said the gathering had a great turnout, with over 50 people in attendance.
“It was a great night to get together and share some common stories and disappointment for the Sri Lankan cricket team,” he said.
“We are looking for new members to join so we can organise small events like this for members to get together.”
The event saw people from Benalla, Beechworth, Yarrawonga, Wodonga and Benalla attend, with lots of kids’ activities, games, karaoke, as well as a performance by Karthik Sritharan, who sang popular Sri Lankan Tamil hits.
The next event NESLA will host will be a meditation session conducted with the support of a Buddhist monk in mid-December, followed by an end-of-year social gathering on December 31.
NESLA welcomes all Sri Lankans living in north-east Victoria to join the association. To join, you can email nesla.vic@gmail.com or head to the group’s Facebook page at tinyurl.com/25ww88vn
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