SCATS launches welfare projects

By L.S. Ananda KANNANGARA

Anjula Godakumbura

Nimna Rupasingha

Gamini Perera

A drama staged in Melbourne

Presenting the keys of a new house to tsunami victim

The Melbourne-based Sri Lanka Study Centre for the Advancement of Technology and Social Welfare (SCATS) will launch a series of welfare projects to mark its 20th anniversary this year, SCATS President Anjula Godakumbura said.-"SCATS" is the most prominent and active community organisation of the Sri Lankans in Melbourne. It has its branches in Sydney and Colombo and its membership and committee includes many accomplished professionals and people of all ages, the President said.

Sri Lankan expatriates in Australia are keen to preserve the Sri Lankan culture by frequently keeping in touch with the relevant sources.

'SCATS' sponsors cultural programs as a means to promote Sri Lankan identity, the President said.

Together with other organisations in Australia SCATS raised US $ 100,000 and built 10 houses for tsunami affected families in Gurupokuna Hambantota.

Medical equipment worth over US$ 60,000 was also donated to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo. In the cultural sphere SCATS organised Sri Lankan films, dramas, traditional dances and short drama festivals in Melbourne and Sydney, Godakumbura said.

SCATS project chairman, Nimna Rupasingha said that a Sri Lanka Tourism Photo exhibition and art exhibition with the collaboration of the Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry, donation of hospital equipment, staging of Sri Lankan films in leading towns in Australia are in the pipeline.

She said that 'A Journey of Service', a book on SCATS 20-year service to Sri Lanka will be published to mark the anniversary.

Victoria Governor professor David de Krestser said that SCATS programs are a testimony to its commitment to promote Sri Lankan identity in Australia, promote welfare projects in Sri Lanka and help the needy Sri Lankan migrants in Australia.

As a community organisation SCATS has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 1992 expanding its services with a network of national and international branches, Founder president SCATS Gamini Perera said.

Its significant achievements in technological, cultural and social activities couch for the continued dedication of its membership, volunteers and well-wishers he said.

The biggest SCATS initiated project in Sri Lanka is the 'The Australia - Sri Lanka Friendship Village' in Hambantota launched with the assistance of other community organisations in Australia for tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.

Numerous cultural, educational and social welfare projects for Sri Lankans domicile in Australia have been implemented.

SCATS has helped the Sri Lankans with special talents to interact and improve other skills and goals in life.

The business related seminars, workshops, conferences and promotional activities too have been conducted for the benefit of the Sri Lankan business community.

The establishment of senior citizen groups under the name of SCATS Sewa Eastern region and SCATS Sewa Western region has been a boom to elders, enabling them to meet regularly interact and engage in welfare and recreation activities.

The SCATS International Resource Centre was set up in Sri Lanka in March, 2002.

SCATS Youth is another body set up for Sri Lankan youth and students.