Short history of the Sri Lanka Indonesian Friendship Association (SLIFA)

The Sri Lanka Indonesia friendship Association (SLIFA) was inaugurated in June 1992 on initiative of His Excellency the late H. Suprapto the then Ambassador of Indonesia. The first President was Mr. Joe Karunaratne. We have to a large extent fulfilled our objectives, namely that of promoting closer cultural, social and trade relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. In as much as the Embassy is the official arm of Indonesia we have been the unofficial instrument through which aims and objectives of our two countries have been realized.

Our methods have been to organize cultural shows, food fiestas, get together, picnics, film show, news letters and so on whereby the people of Sri Lanka have been brought in close contact with the arts and crafts, music and dance and every aspect of the variegated culture of Indonesia. To this end the Embassy has cooperated whole heartedly in all our activities and supported us both morally and financially. The biggest boon has been the provision of the a place for us to hold our meetings at Riptaloka.

The highlights of the fourteen year period in our short history has been the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of Indonesia, the visit of a cultural troupe from Aceh and the inauguration of the office complex at Bauddhaloka Mawatha.

We are happy that we have had the most cordial relations with each and every Indonesian Chief of Mission during the short history of our organization, with His Excellency, the late H. Suprapto, their Excellencies, Junisar Jacub, Mohammad Saleh, Sudargo Mangunwidjojo, Charge‘d Affairs Mr. A Boentarman, and Madame Hermien Suwarno, to say nothing of the other numerous officials, one and all of whom have been excellent ambassadors of Indonesia. SLIFA has also been fortunate in having the closest cooperation and assistance from Dharma Wanita, the women’s organization of the embassy Staff.

The past Presidents of SLIFA are as follows:

	1992 - 1993	Mr. Joe Karunaratne
	1994 - 1995	Mr. J.P. Pathirane
	1996 - 1997	Mr. Eric Gunasekera
	1998 - 1999	Mr. B.D.K. Saldin
	2000 - 2001	Mr. Hamilton Amerasinghe
	2002 - 2003	Mr. Brigadier T.S. Sally
	2004 - 2005	Mr. I.P.C. Mendis
	2006 - 2008	Mr. Nihal Gooneratne
	2008 - 2010	Mr. Dudley Thambinayagam
	2010 - 2012	Mr. MR Tony Saldin (Present President)

It may be mentioned that a Ceylon Indonesia Friendship Association was in existence in the fifties established in 1956 by His Excellency J.D. de Fretes, Charge‘d Affairs at that time. One of the our former Presidents B.D.K. Saldin was one of its members.