Iappeal to Sri Lankans to feel honoured and proud at the award, (OAM) Order of Australia Medal made to a Sri Lankan by the Government of Australia on their National Day, 2024. History has been created in a special sense adding fame and glory to Sri Lanka.
The recipient of this award is Mihirie Dissanayake, a product of Bishop’s College, Colombo. Mine is an effort to make Sri Lankans aware of the value and significance of the award, and also the enthusiasm and hard work of the recipient. This will also give everyone the opportunity to be acquainted with the noble contribution.
The services rendered have been well appreciated by the authorities; the magazine, Pahana performing a genuine service, a great blessing for all those who hunt for knowledge in all spheres in the current globe; her social services – quite a successful noble mission winning acclaim from every quarter; numerous other services for national welfare, rewarding beyond measure as a tireless contributor to national glory.
This is a remarkable achievement to Sri Lanka and her Alma Mater, Bishop’s College in particular. The topmost place she occupies in this process should be attributed to the valuable foundational education received then. Her Almar Mater always exerts a vital influence and plays a vital role in the life of students in Sri Lanka and across the globe. Below is a section of the article that I presented to Pahana after the magnanimous event.
Australia is a well renowned welfare state – a country reputed for immeasurable service for human welfare irrespective of race, colour and creed. First and foremost, let me be thankful and grateful for the great award for Mihirie Dissanayake for the mammoth contribution made to Australia at large. This award is a reward for her intellect and creativity, sincerity and loyalty, sense of dignity and responsibility, devotion and dedication to duty – a precious gift to all concerned.
Her accomplishments won her this great honour for the significant role she played in numerous voluntary services in religious, cultural, literary and social spheres. She was born in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania to a distinguished Sinhala Buddhist family. Later, her Alma Mater was Bishop’s College, Colombo. The service rendered in Australia is so impressive and lively, a deep and abiding commitment in every sphere and her gains and achievements is a reflection of the education received at Bishop’s College, Colombo bringing great fame and honour.
Pahana, as the name suggests is glittering all the while shedding light on history, education and cultural background common to everybody thanks to her intellect and creativity inspiring the members of the multicultural society serving in all walks of life leading the way in every field. This is useful, factual and meaningful all in one, well organised and well presented. This widely read popular magazine has now emerged as a superb piece of learning and of immense educational value.
Education is a lifelong pleasure and a guarantee for a successful future which is well exhibited in this work. While serving this multicultural society, the writers are encouraged at every turn and her resources and capabilities at her command are used lavishly and honestly for everyone›s benefit.
She provided assistance to the deserving and needy, the victims of social calamities – Covid-19, tsunami and flood relief are outstanding examples. The people with special needs and physical disabilities have caught her special attention.
I am sure the driving force behind all this is her partner in life. I wish both of them good health and long life with the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem to continue this service for many more years to come.
Rupa Banduwardena
Melbourne, Australia
