In April each year, many Sri Lankan people celebrate the arrival of Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

It is a time of restoration and new beginnings; to get together with family and friends, share traditional meals and celebrate the end of the old year and welcome the new year.

Originating in Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions, Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a major celebration for Buddhist and Hindu Sri Lankans the world over, including many of the more than 150,000 people in Australia who identify with Sri Lankan ancestry.

Sri Lankan Australians have contributed significantly to the development of our modern, prosperous nation.

Today, we are one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world. Sri Lankan Australians are among people of more than 300 different ancestries from all over the globe who have made Australia their home.

We owe our success to our shared values

• Our commitment to democracy and the rule of law;
• Belief in principles like freedom, respect and a fair go; and
• That all people are equal––and should have equality of opportunity—regardless of their cultural background, gender, race or religious beliefs.

I thank Australia's Sri Lankan community for sharing this important occasion with the wider Australian community.

I wish you a very happy Sri Lankan New Year.