April 26, 2023: Representatives of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association of Queensland and supporters marched in the Anzac Day parade at Booker Place, Bellbowrie, on Tuesday, April 25.
The contingent attended the morning service, which was followed by the traditional cricket match between the Lord Mayor’s XI and an Army XI. The day was commemorated under the auspices of the Kenmore/Moggill RSL Sub Branch.
As in past years, a selection of Sri Lankan cuisine, courtesy of Thilani Catering, was served up to the crowd. This was in commemoration of the part played by the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps (Tea Leaves) during the Gallipoli campaign. The Commander of the Anzac Corps, Lieutenant General William Birdwood, made 71 of these men his guard and personal escort. By the end of the campaign, only 10 remained.
The local Sri Lankan involvement in the traditional cricket match recognises those brave Sri Lankans who fought alongside the Australians and New Zealanders as fellow Anzacs.
