Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was honoured to recently attend the new Mahamevnawa Jethawana Buddhist Centre to celebrate graduates of the Jannali Dance Academy. First of all, I thank Ravi and his committee for the kind invitation to attend the event. Heartfelt congratulations to Madara Perera, Mahesi Nisansala, Malisha Fernando, Niroshi Peiris, Ranmi Peiris, Shanika Burke, Shahni Guruge and Vishodha Sankani for graduating and for your dedication and hard work in mastering traditional Sri Lankan dance under the guidance of the amazing Janali Herath, the director of her own dance company, the Jannali Dance Academy.

A big thank you also goes to Chief Thero Venerable Bodidamma and all the monks; Peter Cameron, the caretaker of the Mount Evelyn Buddhist monastery, who was also there that day; and Professor Mudiyanse Disanayaka from Sri Lanka, a pioneer of Sri Lankan traditional dance, who attended this special occasion. Professor Disanayaka is the only person who has received an award in Sri Lanka as a professional dancer.

The 'Triple Gem'—Buddha, Dharma and Sangha—guides us with peace, kindness and wisdom. With over 615,000 Buddhists in Australia, your contributions are invaluable to our community. Thank you so much. May the Triple Gem bless all of you. Namo Buddaya!