The celebrations were held, maintaining the tradition of multiculturalism in Sri Lanka.

The Chief Priest of the Vishnu Shiva Mandir Shri Pradeep Bhat and visiting Priest Shri Krishnamoorthy Bhat conducted the religious observances with an invocation prayer and offered blessings to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the people of Sri Lanka and Australia and also prayed for harmony among all communities. High Commissioner, Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe whilst welcoming the audience, stressed the significance of religious tolerance and co-existence in Sri Lanka which should pave the way for reconciliation and better understanding. He further stressed the importance of teachings of the great religions represented in Sri Lanka to the younger generations for guidance towards a peaceful society in the future.

Mrs. Paromita Dey sang a number of devotional songs, accompanied by an outstanding violin performance by Mrs. Prathiba Nagapushan, Tabla bySukumar Subramaniam and Miruthangam by  Saravanan Kandasamy. The students of Dr. Shibani Mishra, Odissi Dance Academy presented a splendid odissi dance and the students of Mrs. Bhagya Palihawadana, Sri Lanka Dancing School performed a beautiful Sri Lankan dance.

Thamo Sritharan, Vice- President of the Vishnu Shiva Mandir delivered a speech on the significance of Deepavali, quoting the essence of all religions and emphasising the guidance for the human beings to start new to live peacefully in this materialistic world.

Periyasamy Pillai Selvaraj, Minister of this Mission delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Following the religious and cultural functions, refreshments were served, which included an array of traditional Hindu Foods, for all participants.(KH)