Saturday Jan 24, 2026
Saturday Jan 24, 2026
Saturday, 24 January 2026 05:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka celebrated Australia Day 2026 with a reception yesterday, hosted by Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth.
The event was attended by Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe who served as the Chief Guest, along with distinguished representatives from Government, civil society, the Sri Lankan and Australian business communities, and the diplomatic corps.
High Commissioner Duckworth highlighted the significance of Australia Day, stating, “Australia Day is a moment for reflection as well as celebration. It reminds us of the diversity of our own nation and of the values we share with partners like Sri Lanka: respect, resilience, and a commitment to a peaceful and inclusive future. Our countries are connected not only by history and geography, but by people, families, and communities who strengthen our relationship every day. In 2026, we look forward to expanding our cooperation and building an Indo-Pacific region where all can thrive.”
The celebrations showcased Australia’s journey from the world’s oldest continuous culture to a modern global nation, reflecting on the 65,000-year heritage of its land. The event also highlighted Australia’s enduring friendship with Sri Lanka as Indian Ocean neighbours, highlighting connections in education, trade, development partnerships, and shared regional security goals.
Guests enjoyed top-quality products of Australia distributed by Sri Lankan vendors, while cultural displays and discussions underscored innovation, collaboration, and the deep ties between the two countries.
