Honoured to Join the Sri Lankan Community for Their 2025 Annual General Gathering
On Sunday, 16 November 2025, I had the absolute honour of joining the Sri Lankan Association Queenstown (SLAQ) as their Chief Guest for their Annual General Gathering. It was a privilege I did not take lightly, and I am grateful to Kevin and the SLAQ committee for inviting me to be part of such a meaningful occasion.
From the moment I arrived at Lake Hays Pavilion, the atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of families coming together. Seeing children running around, mothers sharing stories, and fathers having a few giggles reminded me once again of why community matters so deeply, it connects us, grounds us, and carries our cultures forward.
A Beautiful Opening Tradition
The evening began with the Lighting of the Traditional Oil Lamp, a Sri Lankan custom symbolising blessings, hope, and new beginnings. I was invited to light the lamp alongside the President of SLAQ, a committee member, and Shehan Saparamadu from Aarakshaa Insurance, Mortgages, KiwiSaver, Accounting and Tax, one of their valued sponsors.
Following this beautiful opening, the room stood together for the Sri Lankan National Anthem, followed by Aotearoa New Zealand’s National Anthem, a moving moment that reflected the community’s deep connection to both their homeland and their life here.
Celebrating Leadership and Transition
This gathering also served as their Annual General Meeting, a time to reflect on the past year and choose the leaders who will guide the community into the next.
LMC has had the pleasure of working closely with Kevin Peiris, SLAQ’s dedicated and hardworking Secretary. It was bittersweet to see his chapter come to an end, but also heartening to witness the smooth transition as Thushan Kumara steps into the role in the new year. We wish Kevin all the best and warmly welcome Thushan and we look forward to working alongside him.
What inspired me the most was the passion the community has for collective leadership. Over ten nominations were put forward for the organising committee, a true testament to the strength, commitment, and unity of the Sri Lankan community here in Queenstown. That level of engagement is something truly special.
Shared Kai and Joyful Performances
After the formalities, we enjoyed a beautiful spread of kai lovingly prepared by the community. The evening continued with a series of performances from children singing confidently, cultural dances, and a special performance by the incredibly talented Nishal and his beautiful wife. The voices and performaces lit up the room, bringing smiles to everyone.
It was an evening filled with pride, talent, and celebration.
The Beauty of Community in Aotearoa
As I looked around the room, I felt deeply grateful. Each of us has come to Aotearoa from different ethnic backgrounds, carrying with us our stories, our languages, and the traditions that shaped us. Yet here, we find ourselves blessed to live in a country that not only welcomes diversity but encourages us to hold onto our cultures while embracing the unique identity of this land.
This balance and honouring where we come from while building a shared future is what makes Aotearoa truly special.
A Final Reflection
Thank you, SLAQ, for welcoming me with such warmth, for the important mahi you do for your families, and for your contributions to the wider community. LMC is grateful for the relationship we’ve created and proud to support the Sri Lankan community through initiatives such as our settlement services on visa changes, run in collaboration with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), and we remain committed to walking alongside you in the years ahead.
I left the gathering with a full heart and was reminded again of the power of belonging, the importance of leadership, and the joy that comes when communities thrive together.
Ngā mihi nui,
Liz (LMC Operations Manager)
