Decade of excellence for women’s magazine

Dr Vineetha Wijesuriya, the founder of the magazine, speaks at the celebration.(ROB CAREW: 431371)

Sri Lanka women’s magazine Aalokaa celebrated its tenth anniversary on Saturday 5 October with awards to 11 women of Sri Lankan origin living in Australia who have excelled in their fields.

Special guests included La Trobe MP Jason Wood and Holt MP Cassandra Fernando.

Ms Fernando also received an award for leadership for her devotion to her community and commitment to advocating for essential workers.

Other award receipts are Mangala Kalansuriya (artist), Swarnakanthi Rajapakse (author), Udumbara Ratnatunga (dancing), Yasodhara Saratchchandra (drama and performing arts), Nirosha Ranawaka (entrepreneur), Dilrukshi Wijesuriya (journalist), Hiru Manorathna and Imasha Nayomi (singer), Vineetha Wijesuriya (sports, special awards), Mihiri Dissanayaka (social service and outstanding female), Vathsala Ishtaweera (special awards), and Jayasinghe and Shyma Fernando (merits).