SCC Nite 2025: Supporting and Celebrating the Sinhalese Cultural Centre

By Uthumi Dona, The Secretary of the Sinhalese Cultural Centre (SCC)

The Sinhalese Cultural Centre (SCC) hosted its highly anticipated annual fundraising event, “SCC Nite 2025” on Saturday, 14th June at the Roselea Community Centre in Carlingford. This marked the sixth ‘SCC Nite’ on the SCC calendar, an important event of the year that drives the Centre’s ongoing journey to establish and sustain our own cultural space. The evening was not only a celebration of achievements but also a heartfelt opportunity to thank volunteers and donors through a lively fundraising dinner.

Pankaja Kulatunge, the Master of Ceremonies began with paying tribute to and acknowledging the traditional owners and custodians of the land. The night commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp by Mr Daya Siriwardena (Chairperson of the SCC), Mr Rukshan Anthony (President of The Sinhalese Cultural Forum, SCF), Mr Nihal Fernando ( Founding Chairman of the SCC), Mrs Marie Weerawardena (Vice President of Assets and Logistics of SCF), Mr Anil Wikramge as a Volunteers Representative, Sponsors Representatives, Mr Kushan Jayaratne and Mr Kalum Inamaluwa, alongside the special guest, Parramatta City Councillor, Sreeni Pillamarri. Adorned in a stunning array of red, white, and gold traditional costumes, students from Vidhunarthana Dancing School delivered a mesmerising opening dance that captivated the audience and set the tone for a vibrant event.

The welcome and opening address was delivered by Mr. Daya Siriwardena, the Chairperson of the SCC. He explained that the main objective of the “SCC Nite” is to support and celebrate the Sinhalese Cultural Centre, which was established in 2015 as a not-for-profit organisation, to provide a dedicated cultural space for educational and community activities. Mr Rukshan Anthony, President of the SCF also reflected on its 35-year journey from humble beginnings to a vibrant, multi-faceted organisation. He expressed pride in leading it, emphasised the shared responsibility of guiding the next generation, and the importance of nurturing young leaders. He commended the SCC team for their efforts in building a centre to support this vision. Also, our main guest, the Parramatta Councillor, Sreeni Pillamarri delivered an inspiring address during the night reflecting on the strength of our multicultural community.

Mr Nihal Fernando, Founding Chairman of the SCC, addressed the future developments and upcoming projects for the SCC. He explained the importance of fostering the growth of our own place and how we can achieve this goal with strong community support. As we strive to sustain and further develop the SCC, we are facing financial challenges. He thanked the great volunteers who make the regular fundraising events very successful. Mr Fernando also thanked the JanaShakthi contributors who significantly support the sustainment and further development. (For information and to become part of the Sinhalese Cultural Centre JanaShakthi Program, please visit https://www.ozlanka.com/janashakthi/)

Furthermore, Mr Fernando, introduced SCC’s new project called the “CommunityLink Program” an initiative designed to connect community members who are offering voluntary services or essential goods with those who are in need. The CommunityLink Program is proudly sponsored by Multicultural NSW. For more information and to become part of CommunityLink, please visit the CommunityLink web page at https://www.ozlanka.com/communitylink/. Additionally, he presented the status of the SCC Change of Use development and about the recent grant received from the Australian Government funding a part of the development. On behalf of the community, Mr. Fernando thanked the Australian Government for funding this important development work at the SCC.

There were lively performances by the Redemption music group, their melodies making memories and moving the souls of the community. Accompanied by the music, guests were treated to a very delicious buffet prepared by the Flavour of Ceylon team. The hall came alive with many people in the community wearing Colombo casual and semi-formal party outfits, setting the tone for a truly festive night filled with laughter, music, and meaningful speeches. Pankaja Kulatunge, the Master of Ceremonies greatly contributed to make this event certainly a memorable one.

Ms Uthumi Dona, the Secretary of the SCC conveyed the note of thanks on behalf of the SCC committee. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our sponsors: Castle Group, APMHA Healthcare Ltd, Core Business Consulting, Crown Tax and Accounting Services Pty Ltd, Jeeva Education, CountRight Tax and Accounting, Dilmah Tea, NAN Solicitors and Conveyancers, Penrith Geriatric Specialist Services, Grand Udawalawe Resort- SriLanka (GUWR), Dr Dishard Soodin and Mr Prasanna Kariyawasam.

We also acknowledge our incredible service providers: Digital Copy Centre, Dinil Jay Photography, Mr. Saliya Tennakoon (Event 360 Lighting), Mrs. Champa Udawela for beautiful table decorations, and a special mention to our Janashakthi contributors, volunteers, Mr. Nihal Fernando and the dedicated SCC and SCF committee members.

SCC Nite 2025 was a glowing testament to community spirit—proof that together, we continue to grow stronger, more connected, and proud of our Sri Lankan Sinhalese heritage. The SCC looks forward to many more events as we continue to grow a vibrant Sri Lankan community in Australia.