+61 423 942 402 scats.vic@gmail.com Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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34 Years of Action

Notable & Pioneering Initiatives

Over the years SCATS has carried out a large number of notable and pioneering initiatives which has helped it become a household name among the community. Below are some of our key past and ongoing projects.

Live Initiatives

Our Community Programs

Discover the wide range of programs SCATS runs to support, educate and connect Sri Lankan Australian and other culturally and linguistically different communities together.

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Ongoing

Community Development and Sustainability

Cricket, badminton, volleyball and other sports events promoting healthy living for the Sri Lankan Australian community.
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Ongoing

Youth leadership and development

Building the next generation of Sri Lankan Australian leaders through mentoring, training and community involvement.
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Ongoing

Senior members welfare and activities

Dedicated programs helping seniors stay active, social and connected in the Australian community.
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Ongoing

Technology and education workshops

Workshops, seminars and mentoring to advance skills and knowledge for members of all ages.
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Ongoing

Arts, Music & Cultural Festivals

Celebrating Sri Lankan performing arts, music, dance and cultural festivals throughout the year.
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Archive Directory

34-Year History of Community Projects

🏥
sri lanka welfare
2000

Singithi Suwa Surekuma

Medical Equipment Drive

Donated medical equipment worth over $60,000 to the Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital in Colombo through a major community appeal in the year 2000.

$60,000+
Donated
🏘️
sri lanka welfare
2006

Australia–Sri Lanka Friendship Village

Tsunami Reconstruction

Constructed 10 houses in the tsunami-ravaged village of Bataatha, Hambantota, Sri Lanka, in partnership with Lions Club Dandenong Supper and several other organisations.

10 Homes
Built
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sri lanka education
1997–Present

Sisu Saviya Scholarship Scheme

Student Scholarships

Running since 1997, this scholarship scheme has benefited over 300 underprivileged students, giving them the financial support needed to continue their education.

300+
Students Supported
👁️
sri lanka welfare
2006–Present

Lions SightFirst Cataract Program

Eye Care Initiative

Donated over $50,000 since 2006 to fund approximately 1,800 free cataract operations at the Lions' SightFirst Eye Hospital in Hendala, Sri Lanka.

~1,800
Operations Funded
💻
sri lanka education
1995–2000

Computer Education Centres

Digital Literacy in Schools

Helped establish some of Sri Lanka's first Computer Education Centres in schools in association with Bellanwila Temple and the Department of Education in Sri Lanka.

Pioneer
Initiative
🏫
sri lanka education
2014–2016

Siyane Primary School Development

School Infrastructure Upgrade

Development work at Siyane Primary School in Malwana, Sri Lanka, including a new kitchen, water facilities, library room, model classroom, and building repairs.

4 Projects
Completed
🎶
australia culture
Ongoing

Multicultural Concerts & Cultural Events

Arts & Entertainment

Organises major multicultural and Sri Lankan concerts, musical shows and cultural events featuring leading artists such as Visharada W D Amaradeva, Visharada Nanda Malini, T.M Jayarathne, Athma Liyanage, Channa Perera, and other international and local artists.

34 Years
Of Cultural Events
💼
australia education welfare
Ongoing

Job Ready & Training Programs

Migrant Settlement Support

Job ready and training programs for migrants, VCE Education support programs, and topical engineering and technology seminars and lectures throughout the last 34 years.

34 Years
Of Service
🎭
australia culture
1998–2020

Short Drama Festivals

Theatre & Performing Arts

Special Short Drama Festivals and hosting of major plays from Sri Lanka featuring a mix of Sri Lankan and local Australian artists, running from 1998 to 2020.

22 Years
Of Theatre
🏅
australia culture education
Every 5 Years

Community Award Ceremonies

Recognising Excellence

Award ceremonies held every five years to recognise talented individuals in arts, innovation, science, technology, and Community/Welfare in our society.

5-Year
Cycle
🌱
australia welfare education
Ongoing

SCATS Youth Programs

Leadership & Identity

Youth programs running for 34 years that have paved the way for many new talents, helping young Sri Lankan Australians embrace their multicultural identity.

34 Years
Empowering Youth
👴
australia welfare
Ongoing

SCATS Seniors Programs

SEWA Seniors Initiative

Dedicated seniors programs across Western and South Eastern Melbourne through the SCATS Western Region branch and South Eastern Regional subgroup, providing regular activities and support.

2 Regions
Melbourne-Wide
Leadership Roster

SCATS Current Officials 2025/26

President Mr Kaleel Carder
Senior Vice President Mr Wasantha Perera OAM
Vice President Dr Hemantha Rohitha
Vice President Youth Engagement Mr Udara De Silva
Secretary Mrs Sumedha Jayasooriya
Treasurer Mrs Himalee Karunasena
Founder President, Chair of International Relations & Sri Lanka Project Committee Mr Gamini Perera OAM
Chair, Innovation and Science Committee Dr Hemantha Rohitha
Chair, Technology Committee Mr Wasantha Perera OAM
Chair, Cultural Committee Mr Mahinda Divulgane
Chair, Funding and Sponsorships Dr Senake Perera OAM
Chair, Media Committee Mr Vijaya Karunasena
Chair, Scholarships and Sisu Saviya Committee Dr Sudath Amarasinghe
Chair, South Eastern Seniors Mr Palitha Perera
Chair, SCATS Seniors West Mrs Kusuma Gunarathne
Advisor, Community Health Dr Sachini Perera
Advisor Youth Dr Sumudu Perera
Legal Advisor Mr Siri Bandara
Chair, English Training Programs Project Committee Mr Rohana Peris
Chair, SCATS Building Project Mr Kaleel Carder
Executive, SCATS Building Project Mr Viduranga Liyanage
Secretary, SCATS Youth Mr Sith Jayaweera
Secretary, SCATS Seniors West Mrs Hema Alwis
Secretary, SCATS South Eastern Region Vacant / To Be Specified
What's Next

Join Our Next Chapter

In addition to our regular and annual programs, we are delighted to engage in one of the most ambitious projects in our history — building a SCATS Multicultural Study Centre.

We are currently focused on our most ambitious project yet: the SCATS Multicultural Study Centre. Your support, through donations or partnership, helps us build a permanent home for community service.

✦ Learning Hub ✦ Cultural Preservation ✦ Social Welfare ✦ World-Class Facility ✦ Permanent Home
🏛️ Support the Study Centre 🤝 Become a Partner