Mr Monarawila was unable to pass the English test as a requirement of his visa.
Nearly 12 months later, the family is still fighting to stay in the country, with Mr Monarawila continuing to hold down and "love" his job with Mario Calandro of Calandro Engineering.
Since last September Mr Monarawila has applied for a one-month extension stay on his bridging visa E. Recently he was successful in obtaining a three-month stay.
His Melbourne-based lawyer, Michael Gros, visited Shepparton on Wednesday and the News understands the two met with Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum's office.
Mr Gros said the local member and Mr Monarawila's employer have shown fantastic support for his client.
"After the story broke, Damian Drum decided it was a worthy cause," Mr Gros said. "They provided us with a letter of support, which I think was really quite important.
"The case is now with the Assistant Minister for Immigration and the best we can do is wait.
"He (Mr Monarawila) will be expected to appear at a status resolution, where the minister can make a decision to allow him to stay or not.
"They can grant us any visa they want — either temporary or permanent. It can still take another three months after October."
Mr Monarawila and his wife have been in the country for about eight years, during which time they have welcomed a daughter, who is now four.
During the past 12 months, he still hasn't been able to buy furniture or move house, fearful he could be deported.
Because the family was told it would be heading back to Sri Lanka, Mr Monarawila purchased tickets for a flight. That $2000 will probably never be recovered.
If Mr Monarawila attempts to leave Australia for any reason he will not be allowed to return.
This has already caused major pain for him, as he could not travel to Sri Lanka when his mother died.
Although his daughter was born in Australia, she legally is considered a Sri Lankan national until she turns 10, when the family can apply for Australian citizenship.
Mr Monarawila said he is fond of the Shepparton region and hopeful he can one day seek permanent residency.
"The workplace is very nice and I enjoy working," he said. "I think there are locals who don't want to do the work in my field so I'm happy to do it.
"I feel Melbourne is boring and I want to stay in Shepparton. My long-term goal is to stay with my boss because he's a good man and teacher."
The bridging visa E grants Mr Monarawila the right to work. He has already obtained a diploma in mechanical engineering.
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