Maithri Panagoda, Member of the Order of Australia

Maithri Panagoda, a distinguished lawyer based in New South Wales in Australia has been made a member of the Order of Australia (AM). He received the award from the Governor General of Australia on Queen's birthday.

In the Australian Honours System, appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service. It is awarded for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement.

It rewards people who have made a significant difference to their community, the country or at an international level. The citation for Mr. Panagoda's honour is 'for significant service to the Sri Lankan community in New South Wales, and to the law, particularly in litigation and dispute resolution.'

Mr. Panagoda is a partner of Carroll & O'Dca, a law firm in Sydney. Over a period of nearly 40 years as a litigator, he has represented many people in all jurisdictions, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame.