SYDNEY: The Austra-Lanka Muslim Association (ALMA) marked its 30th anniversary on May 7 with key local and state politicians and community leaders in attendance.
The event, hosted at the Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm, NSW , paid homage to ALMA’s humble beginnings and celebrated the future of Sri Lankan Muslims in NSW, Australia.
The anniversary began with young pre-school and kindergarten-children reciting both the Australian and Sri Lankan national anthems.
Speeches from ALMA’s executive members, youth committees, and local politicians commemorated the impact the organisation’s services including youth workshops, events and charity fundraisers had on building Sydney’s Sri Lankan community.
President Ubaidur Rahmaan Mahmood noted that a big part of the anniversary event also included celebrating the achievements of ALMA’s youth.
Lynda Voltz MP, and Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake not only expressed their appreciation for the community but also distributed certificates of excellence to ALMA’s youth entering or completing university degrees.
Children from kindergarten to grade 6 were especially excited as the results of ALMA’s children’s competitions were announced and prizes were awarded to the winner and runner ups. Mahmood said in his speech said that after 30 years, the community had grown exponentially, with an increase of Sri Lankan migrants to Australia necessitating community services to uphold the Sri Lankan culture for future generations.
As ALMA consistently works to provide essential community services, it has since been recognized by all levels of the Australian Government for its contributions to society – including through its charity fundraisers which have supported Australians through floods and bushfire crises and delivered aid to those in need in Sri Lanka.
As Sri Lanka continues to suffer the chaos of political upheaval, ALMA noted the importance of dedicating a portion of the event to increasing awareness of the ongoing crisis. Mohan Seneviratne, Member of the Save a Dream project said that part of celebrating the future of Sri Lankans in Australia also included ensuring the safety and future of children in Sri Lanka. The project, with the support of ALMA, aims to provide medical aid for newborns as Sri Lanka faces a nation-wide medical crisis. The event concluded with members and attendees treated to a sumptuous dinner and dessert with a trivia game to wrap up the evening celebration.