Sunil Gooneratne was re-elected president of the Sri Lanka Sports Association of Queensland at its annual general meeting late last year.
Mrs Charini Weerasinghe takes over as new secretary.
The full management committee:
President: Mr Sunil Gooneratne.
Vice-President: Mr Nalaka Rajakaruna.
Secretary: Mrs Charini Weerasinghe.
Assistant Secretary: Mr Sandeep Jayasooriya.
Treasurer: Mr Dharith Fernando.
Assistant Treasurer: Mr Iyan de Abrew.
Committee Member: Mr Jayantha Pathikirikorale.
Committee Member: Mr Lal Mendis.
Committee Member: Mr Prasad Kodikara.
Committee Member: Mr Saminda de Silva.
Committee Member: Mr Sadeesh Dissanayake.
Committee Member: Mr Sam Weerappuli.
Committee Member: Mrs Yasuththara Fernando.
Committee Member: Mr Laksitha Gajasinghe.
The following is the president’s, address at the AGM:
“Welcome Anton Swan and members, friends & families for the 13th AGM. Special thanks to Anton for being our patron since our inception.
“We had three general meetings and two zoom meetings since 06/02/2022.
“Financial Position: Mr. Lal Mendis will discuss the Financials ending 30th June 2022, with the Auditor’s report.
“Grants: We had a grant approved for $2000 by the Department of Tourism, Innovation & Sport. On November 8, I attended a Gambling Community Grant Fund meeting at Kingston. Grants range from $500 to 100,000 for not-for-profit community groups to provide services to your local communities. We will discuss at our next general meeting.
“Misty Dinner Dance: The dance was held on 21st May, sponsored By Brisbane City Councillor Angela Owen at Souths Sports Club. The event, limited to 250 guests, was sold out. Food was catered by the club. We had very good reviews from many guests. The band, Misty, was good, however we had issues with changes in equipment. I thank Lal for his contribution with the band. Also, we thank Lal for hosting a dinner, and Nalaka, and Prasad for supporting with accommodation and food.
“August 21 Sausage Sizzle: Our first event was held at Bunnings Underwood. Sam advised us on health requirements, and we saw our young chefs at work. It was a very successful outcome and we thank the whole committee for their support. This will be an annual event.
“September 11, Sri Lanka Day (FSOQ function): We sold rotis and chicken curry catered by Sam. Our key challenges were food transportation and high competition, with many stalls offering similar food. Our management committee will prepare a food health and safety plan (meeting requirements of outdoor event and transport of pre-cooked food), and consideration of quantity and selection of food sold. Despite the challenges faced, we managed to break even.
“September 25, Golf Day: We had 16 players in the over-50 age group. The event was held at Riverview Golf Club on a stroke-play format. Winners received cash prizes and golf balls.
“November 3-18, visiting netball team for the 12th Pan Pacific Masters Games held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure centre: We led the support for the Sri Lanka Track Masters team, with other associations and the community rallying round. Our patron, Anton Swan and wife Bronwen, and I were at the semi and finals, and the team won the gold medal. Gold Coast Sri Lankans hosted a dinner, attended by Anton, Bronwen and me. The team thanked us and the community for the support. I thank all who supported with cash deposits to our account and Sandeep for giving us the ute, Saminda, Yasuththara Iyan and Lakshita supporting with transport and food to the coast. That helped us transport the team to the airport.
“Finally, it was a busy year. Thank you for trusting me to lead the association as president and I say thank you to the management committee for your support throughout the year. Well done to you all.
“Vote of Thanks: Special thanks to Anton for his continued support, and the past presidents. Lal Mendis and Dharith Fernando have given lot of support with the financials since Kingsley left our services. I thank Kingsley for his service.
“I have worked with an exciting and great group of members, and our success was possible with your help.
“I wish the incoming management committee all the best.”
