The Dunedin Sri Lankan Society (DSLS) has elected a new leadership team and announced plans to expand its support for Sri Lankan migrants, families and students in the Otago region.
The Society held its fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 7 June 2026 at the Sargood Centre in Dunedin. The formal meeting was followed by a dinner for members, providing an opportunity to recognise the Society’s progress and welcome its next phase of development.
Dr Suranga Dassanayake, a founding member of the DSLS, was elected President. Dr Kavinda Wijenayake was elected Secretary. The appointments bring experienced community leaders into the Society’s executive team as it prepares to broaden its health, wellbeing, educational and cultural activities.
New leadership for the Dunedin Sri Lankan community
Dr Dassanayake has been closely involved with the DSLS since its formation. He previously served as Co-Secretary and later as Vice President for two consecutive terms. His experience across the Society’s development provides continuity as the organisation moves into a new period of activity.
Dr Wijenayake has also held an active role within the Society, serving as Assistant Secretary for two years before taking on the position of Secretary.
Speaking after his election, Dr Dassanayake said:
“I am honoured to lead a high-calibre team comprising academics and experienced professionals from a range of industries. Thanks to the dedication of the outgoing executive, the Society is now in a strong position, providing an excellent foundation for future growth.”
The new committee includes academics and professionals from a range of industries. According to the Society, this breadth of experience will support the development of practical services for local Sri Lankan families while maintaining the organisation’s cultural and community focus.
Appreciation for outgoing President Susil Rupasinghe
The AGM also recognised the contribution of outgoing President Mr Susil Rupasinghe, who led the DSLS across three consecutive terms.
Mr Rupasinghe played an important role in strengthening the Society during its formative years and helping establish it as a respected organisation within Dunedin’s Sri Lankan community. His leadership provided continuity as the Society developed its activities, membership and community connections.
Following the recommendation of the Society’s patrons, Mr Rupasinghe will continue to serve as an Advisor. His ongoing involvement is expected to support a smooth transition and allow the new executive to benefit from his knowledge and experience.
The transition reflects an important stage in the Society’s development. Community organisations often rely on the commitment of volunteers and long-serving members, and the decision to retain experienced leadership in an advisory role can help maintain stability while creating opportunities for new ideas.
Key priorities include migrant wellbeing
The new DSLS committee intends to continue promoting Sri Lankan culture while expanding the practical services available to migrants and families.
One of its main priorities is the health and wellbeing of Sri Lankan migrants. This may include creating greater awareness of health-related support, encouraging community discussion and helping people find appropriate services when they need them.
For migrants living away from their country of birth, community organisations can provide an important source of information and connection. They can help families understand local services, share useful knowledge and maintain social links with others who have similar cultural experiences.
The DSLS’s focus on wellbeing also reflects the changing needs of Sri Lankans living in New Zealand. The community includes long-established families, recent migrants, students, professionals and children growing up between Sri Lankan and New Zealand cultural influences.
By combining community engagement with health and wellbeing initiatives, the Society aims to provide support that is relevant to different generations.
Illustrative image generated for this article. It does not depict a specific DSLS programme or identifiable participants.
Educational support for children and NCEA students
Education is another important priority for the new committee.
The DSLS plans to expand support for children, with particular attention to volunteer-led guidance for students preparing for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). NCEA is New Zealand’s main secondary school qualification and plays an important role in students’ future study and career pathways.
Volunteer-led guidance could offer students additional encouragement as they manage subject choices, assessments and examination preparation. It may also provide families with a clearer understanding of the NCEA system and the support available to young people.
The initiative is expected to draw on the knowledge and experience of members of the Sri Lankan community, including academics, teachers, professionals and older students. Such programmes can create valuable links between generations, allowing younger people to receive practical guidance from those who have already navigated New Zealand’s education system.
For Sri Lankan families, educational support can also be a way to strengthen confidence and participation. Children are able to receive help with their studies while remaining connected to a wider community that understands their cultural background and family experiences.
Detailed proposals for the health and educational programmes are being developed. The DSLS expects the initiatives to be implemented during the new committee’s term.
A society built through community participation
The Dunedin Sri Lankan Society was established at its inaugural AGM in January 2023. The founding team included Founder President Mr Randima Senarathna, Co-Secretaries Mr Kasun Gayathra and Dr Suranga Dassanayake, Treasurer Dr Duminda Kuruppuarachchi and an executive committee.
At the second AGM, held on 25 June 2023, Mr Susil Rupasinghe was elected President. He subsequently led the Society for three consecutive terms, supported by Secretary Mr Kasun Gayathra, Treasurer Dr Duminda Kuruppuarachchi and other dedicated committee members.
The Society’s progress demonstrates the importance of organised community participation. Cultural associations do more than host social occasions. They help preserve traditions, create networks, support families and introduce younger generations to the heritage of their parents and grandparents.
Activities connected with Sri Lankan culture can include celebrations, community dinners, educational programmes, religious observances, professional gatherings and family events. These occasions help maintain connections with Sri Lanka while enabling members to take an active role in life in New Zealand.
This balance is also familiar to Sri Lankan communities in other countries. Sri Lankans in the UK, Canada, Australia and elsewhere continue to establish organisations that bring together cultural preservation, education, professional support and community service. Readers interested in wider diaspora activity can explore the eLanka blog, which covers Sri Lankan news, community developments and cultural stories for an international audience.
Illustrative image generated for this article. It represents the proposed educational support focus and does not show a specific DSLS session.
Looking ahead to the Society’s next phase
The fifth AGM marks a constructive transition for the Dunedin Sri Lankan Society. The organisation has acknowledged the contribution of its outgoing executive, retained Mr Rupasinghe as an Advisor and elected leaders with previous experience of the Society’s work.
The new committee’s priorities are practical and community-focused. Supporting migrant wellbeing, helping students prepare for NCEA and continuing to promote Sri Lankan culture can benefit families across Dunedin and the wider Otago region.
The Society’s work also has significance beyond individual programmes. Strong community organisations create a foundation for participation, connection and leadership. They give professionals opportunities to contribute their expertise, provide young people with role models and help families maintain cultural links in a new country.
The DSLS now enters its next term with an established structure and a clear programme of development. Its members’ continued participation will be central to turning the committee’s proposals into accessible services for the local community.
For readers following Sri Lankan culture, diaspora achievements and community activity around the world, the Dunedin Society’s leadership transition is a positive example of local organisation supporting long-term community wellbeing.
Readers interested in Sri Lanka events in the UK and wider diaspora community developments can also browse eLanka’s community and cultural coverage.
Original source
This article is based on the report published by Sri LankaNZ: “Dunedin Sri Lankan Society – (DSLS) New Leadership at Fifth Annual General Meeting”. The AGM photograph is reproduced from the original source.
