NSW Sri Lanka Support Network (NSSN) was initiated to assist affected Sri Lankan during COVID-19 pandemic. This was started in 2020 with the collaboration of Sinhalese Cultural Forum (SCF) and Austra-Lanka Muslim Association (ALMA). We were able to support families with weekly dry rations, rent assistance, special medical needs, hot meals, jobs network, social and mental support and legal advocacy (school fee relief, university fee relief and rental reliefs). The greatness and the uniqueness of our employment network was that it has created a support link between community members and the affected members of the community. SLA advocated for international students by writing to the Australian government and Universities Australia.
Online Gathering
SLA started this online gathering to connect with the community when COVID-19 pandemic hit the nation. This Weekly online gatherings commenced since 31 March 2020 and continued until 9 December 2021. Initial “Online gathering” made wave to Fridays’ “Sundown” to make it more accessible to many community members.
This would not have possible without the continuing support of SLA members, SLA Seniors, Shanthi & Kithsiri Senadeera and Saliya Tennakoon.
COVID Support Program
This was aSLA’s newest initiative through a government grant in collaboration with Sri Lankan restaurants and Sri Lankan spice shops. This project aimed to support COVID affected Sri Lankans in NSW. Through this project we were not only be able to achieve our focus to support people affected by this pandemic but also the small business who have been impacted due to lockdown. We acknowledge the participating restaurants namely Colombo 21 Castle Hill, Flavour of Ceylon Pendle Hill, Mehfil Restaurant Auburn, Student Biriyani (Auburn & Surry Hills) and the spice shops namely Kate Foods Seven Hills, JJR Ingleburn and Surya Supermarket Toongabbie. We very much appreciate the support received from NSW government and the Multicultural NSW.