learning and repute in the community that I have had the privilege of getting to
know.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the essay writers who are present here this
evening, namely: Barbara Flick, Eric Wilson, Brian Hancock, Justice Peter
Hamill, Dr. Don Wickrema, Thiru Arumugam, and Hiran Kulatilake. Also,
Senanie de Silva, wife of the late Sunil de Silva.
Senaka Weeraratna by the way is the innovator and pioneer of cricket’s
‘Player Referral’ concept which is the lynchpin of the Decision Review System
(DRS) that has changed the fundamentals of the game, namely,
the adjudication process of cricket. He is still waiting for formal recognition by
the ICC, which I am certain will be his due without further delay (25 years
have passed since his first letter to the Editor of the ‘Australian’ on Player
Referral published on March 25, 1997) as there is none to challenge his
authorship of DRS with supporting verifiable evidence.
I wish to thank Her Excellency Ms. Margaret Beazley AC KC the Governor of
NSW for gracing this occasion and delivering a marvelous speech that will
resonate and bring our two countries closer to each other. I am grateful to
Justice Dina Yehia and Michael O’Dea for their thoughtful and well-
researched comments. Thank you, Tish, for agreeing to entertain us with
elegant cello music for a short while.
My sincere appreciation goes to Hayley, for agreeing to be the MC for this
event, despite becoming a mother for the second time only 2 weeks ago.
Hayley was my trusted lieutenant when we were getting into risky and
uncharted territory in the field of litigation.
For the past 3 decades, my second home, (some would argue that it became
my first home), has been 111 Elizabeth St, Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers. I
express my gratitude to the partners and staff, past and present, for the
friendship and camaraderie, and especially to the amazing members of my
team. Unfortunately, our Managing Partner Hanaan Indari is unable to
attend tonight. She is sadly missed.
A very special thanks to Belinda, Angelica and Julian, and our General
Manager John Willey, for their wonderful work in organizing this event.
Thank you also to Kithsiri Karunaratne and Hemantha Hewagama for their
high-quality technical work behind the cameras.
I grew up in Sri Lanka in the company of a wonderful loving family and I want
to pay my humble tribute to my late parents and all my siblings and their
spouses for making a huge difference in the quality of my life. I will always
remain indebted to them and cherish the memory of a shared past. My
youngest brother Seevali and my cousin – almost a brother- Desh are both
with us here tonight.
In Australia, we have a high-achieving Sri Lankan-born / connected expatriate
community, particularly in New South Wales. Some of them are in attendance
this evening and I thank you for your friendship and support throughout the
past 4 decades.
Finally, my soul mate who walked with me together, at times a rough terrain,
for over 45 years, Ramya and our three children and their spouses, and of
course my five grandchildren. I thank you all for everything. This book would
not have seen the light of day if not for your blessings and unqualified support.
Before I conclude let me thank all of you for your kind courtesy in attending as
Special Guests of my firm Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers which generously and
meticulously organized this beautiful function in this august venue – the New
South Parliament House.
Thank you.
Maithri Panagoda