Melbourne: Consul General of Sri Lanka for Victoria, South Australia and the State of Tasmania, Pradeepa Saram met with the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, at the Government House in Melbourne on 5 June 2025. The meeting facilitated discussions on shared values and interests between Victoria and Sri Lanka, focusing on the vibrant Sri Lankan community in Victoria and exploring opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, Governor Margaret Gardner highlighted the historical presence of Sri Lankan migrants in Australia, noting their early arrival before significant migration from other South Asian nations. She acknowledged the Sri Lankan community’s ongoing contributions to Australia’s development. Melbourne hosts a Sri Lankan diaspora of over 90,000, making it one of the largest Sri Lankan communities outside Sri Lanka and adding to the city’s multicultural environment.

The talks also emphasized the importance of economic ties, with Australia being a significant trading partner for Sri Lanka and Victoria serving as a crucial trade hub. The Consul General discussed strategies for strengthening commercial links between Victoria and Sri Lanka, aiming for mutual benefits. Additionally, the role of education was underscored, with Melbourne attracting many Sri Lankan students for higher education, further solidifying the relationship between the regions.