Looking back on his life journey, Sam is quick to acknowledge the many people who have shaped the person he is today.
He said his story is no different to anyone else’s — influenced by family, teachers and the values instilled in him from a young age.
His parents played a strong role in shaping his character, and his upbringing in Sri Lanka, alongside the guidance of his teachers, laid the foundations for a life built on service and compassion.
Raised with strong principles of generosity and community, and as a Sri Lankan Buddhist, Sam was always encouraged to share his blessings and support those in need.
A proud Sri Lankan Australian, Sam is no stranger to multiculturalism. His cultural values and faith continue to guide the way he lives and works, both personally and professionally.
“When I came to Australia, many kind and generous Australians played an important role in helping me stand on my own feet,” Sam said.
“Their encouragement, trust and willingness to guide me made a lasting impression.”
Sam’s involvement in multiculturalism began naturally through lived experience as a migrant when he arrived in Australia 26 years ago as an international student, pursuing higher studies in Business Management.
During that time, he saw first hand the challenges many international students and new arrivals faced — experiences that shaped a strong interest in community development and supporting others to settle more easily than he had seen many struggle to do.
Arriving in Shepparton in 2013 to support his wife’s career, Sam took time off work to raise their two children, he admitted he initially didn’t see Shepparton as a place he could imagine settling in.
However, that changed once he began volunteering.
“Once I connected with the community and began volunteering as a tutor at GOTAFE, everything changed,” he said.
“That experience opened doors for me and became the turning point that led me to the Ethnic Council of Shepparton.”
What started as a part-time project role grew into a lifelong commitment to the Shepparton community.
Through his work with international students, Sam realised that many new arrivals had skills, qualifications and strong aspirations but faced systemic and social barriers.
“When I joined the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District in 2014, I found an organisation that aligned strongly with my values,” Sam said.
“Through programs like the Regional Youth Leadership and Participation Program, refugee settlement initiatives and community capacity-building projects, I was able to combine my professional skills with my passion for community development.
“Multiculturalism, for me, is about belonging, opportunity and shared responsibility. It’s about ensuring everyone feels valued and has a fair chance to contribute.”
Across multicultural advocacy, emergency management, education and sport, Sam’s lifetime of service has touched countless organisations and individuals throughout the Goulburn Valley and beyond.
While the list of roles and accolades is extensive, at its heart his work has always been about connection, creating opportunity, fostering belonging and strengthening community.
Sam will be honoured with his Order of Australia Medal later this year, but for him, the recognition does not change the work he continues to do.
“Being able to use my own experience to help make that journey smoother for others has been incredibly meaningful,” he said.
“Whether it is a young person finding their voice, a family settling successfully, or a community organisation becoming stronger, those outcomes mean far more to me than any single award.
“Seeing people arrive with significant challenges and, over time, build successful lives, pursue education, support their families, and give back to their communities is deeply rewarding. That, to me, is the true measure of achievement.
“Receiving this honour felt very humbling, and it reassured me that doing the right thing, with the right intentions, does make a difference. It also motivates me to continue contributing even more to the community.”
