Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group reactivated

Australian Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Minister Andrew Giles has explained the government policy with regard to expatriate communities, especially newcomers, to integrate into Australian society. In that context, the Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group could act as a catalyst to link the two countries, Minister Giles said, declaring his support to such initiatives, in his capacity as Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Minister Giles said so at the recent reactivation of the Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, in Canberra, at the Sri Lanka High Commission. The group that had been in existence earlier was dormant for about four years. The Sri Lanka High Commission said that it was reactivated with a Member of the Federal Parliament, Sri Lanka-born Cassandra Fernando of the Labour Party, as its Chair, and Senator James McGrath of the Liberal Party, as Vice Chair.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara told the gathering that the High Commission is keen to work closely with the Federal Members of Parliament in order to strengthen ties between Sri Lanka and Australia, including with the Sri Lanka-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, already set up in the Sri Lanka Parliament, and explore areas of cooperation for the benefit of the two countries.

The High Commissioner added that she is happy and proud to have two ladies, with Sri Lankan connections, for the first time in the Australia Federal Parliament – Cassandra Fernando and Dr. Michelle Ananda-Rajah of Sri Lankan decent.

In her address, Cassandra Fernando referred to her close affinity to Sri Lanka and her desire to see close cooperation between her country of birth and Australia. She spoke of the need to create a greater understanding between the two countries and to promote bilateral relations. Vice Chair, Senator McGrath of the Liberal Party, in his remarks, added that his party would also support any initiatives taken by the Friendship Group.