The Office of the Consulate General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Victoria was established on 21 June 2013 in Melbourne with the principle objective of providing Consular services to the Sri Lankan expatriate community and Australians. The Consulate General has jurisdiction over Australian States of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Diplomatic relations between Sri Lankan and Australia were formally inaugurated in 1947. The establishment of a Sri Lankan diplomatic Mission in Victoria was necessitated by the growing numbers of Sri Lankan expatriate community, students, visitors and promotion of trade and investment, sports, tourism etc. Sri Lankans (formerly Ceylonese) started settling in Victoria since the 19th century. Their presence was first identified in the census conducted in 1871. The Sri Lankan (Ceylonese) in Victoria remained small until the abolishment of “White Australia” policy in 1973. The end of the White Australia policy saw increase of the arrival of Sri Lankan migrants to Victoria. According to Australian census of 2011, the number of Sri Lankans recorded in Victoria was 43, 991. Sri Lankans are the eight largest migrant population in Victoria. Out of this population 53% speak Sinhalese, 16% speak Tamil, and most others speak English. Religious diversity follows a similar pattern, with 42% Buddhist, 12% Hindu and 40% Christian. The Consulate General of Sri Lanka is committed to serve Sri Lankan Community and Australians who wish to avail its services and we have been endeavoring to meet the demand at our level best. We welcome your feedback on our services or any other matters in our face book page/ comments column on our website.
