It was in 1983 that the then small community of Sri Lankan Tamils living in Canberra felt the need for a formal identity for themselves and formed the Canberra Tamil Association (CTA). 1983 was a watershed year for Tamils in Sri Lanka. The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has led to the migration of a considerable number of Sri Lankan Tamils to the western world, Australia and New Zealand. Needless to say that the suffering of their brethren back home resonated with their kin and kith in Canberra as it did with many thousands in the Tamil diaspora around the world. The small community made the big decision and we salute those great minds for taking the initiative to form CTA.

The enthusiasm, effort and excellence of its members has nourished CTA to grow into a community power in the ACT. CTA is one of the largest cultural organizations in the ACT and the surrounding region today, serving as a model for many, growing ethnic and cultural groups.

Following its inception in 1983, CTA has achieved many milestones in contributing to multiculturalism in the ACT through preserving and nurturing one of the world’s oldest and richest cultures – Tamil. One such major milestones is the inauguration of the Canberra Tamil School in 1991 to ensure the richness of the Tamil language and culture is passed on to future generations. The capacity of the Canberra Tamil School grew rapidly from tutoring a few dozen students to over a hundred within a few years, with its expansion into two campuses serving the residents of North and South Canberra. Canberra Tamil School is one of the largest and most active community language schools in the ACT today.

CTA, recognising the importance of connecting people, coordinated a Tamil radio service, as early as 1985. The initial 30 minute per week broadcast grew into 3 hours a week in a few years. In order to meet listener expectations and to promote cultural elements, Tamil radio featured a variety of programs reflecting various interests of Tamil. The CTA Tamil radio now broadcasts high quality shows, three days a week, including one run by Tamil youth of the CTA. The broadcasting times on FM 91.1 channel are: Saturday 11 am – 12, Sunday 12-1 pm (youth) and Thursday 8-9 pm.

The culture and the religion are almost inseparable in Tamil heritage. CTA recognized this and took many initiatives since mid-1980s. It provided support to host religious gatherings and events, raised funds for religious needs and provided organizational support. CTA never failed to represent its community as appropriate to the Territory and Commonwealth governments, particularly when it came to preserving culture. Tamils in Canberra enjoy three temples and a Tamil Christian Fellowship, which has been popular for its activities, including the annual Christmas carol event.

CTA has always been keen to cater for the complete demographic spectrum of its membership. One successful organization that has been greatly supported by the CTA is the Canberra Tamil Senior Citizens Association, formed in 1996. Again, while the Senior Citizens Association is independent, CTA has provided every support it needed for its inception, reflecting the significance and respect that are given to the seniors in Tamil culture. This support has never diminished.

Traditional sports is another element that makes the Tamil culture unique; and CTA and its Canberra Tamil School have been instrumental in organizing traditional sporting events for the community. No doubt, those that participated in one of these events would have enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

In addition to the direct contribution to preserving Tamil culture, CTA has provided enormous support to a number of private cultural institutions like dance and music schools in Canberra. These were all started within the last three decades with complete support from CTA and contributed substantially to the growth of the Tamil culture in the region.    

CTA has been instrumental in caring for the Tamil youth of Canberra. It has recognized that almost all members of Tamil youth in Canberra today were born outside Sri Lanka, unlike majority of the Tamil youth three decades ago, who would have migrated with their parents. CTA has provided every support the youth needed to organize themselves and decide their preferences for networking and preserving Tamil culture through various functions.

While continuing to provide a strong platform for the Tamil community in Canberra for cultural enhancement, CTA tirelessly works to achieve its objectives and contributes its fair-share to the broader Canberra and Australian multiculturalism. Showcasing Tamil identity through performances, exhibitions and food stalls at territory and national events, and supporting and participating in other government initiatives, such as assisting new immigrants, are a few to note.

CTA has always upheld its purpose and promoted awareness of the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka during the difficult three decades since its inception. A great example is the humanitarian assistance that CTA provided for those devastated by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. In addition, CTA organised a variety of fund raising events, including musical programs involving renowned artists from India and Sri Lanka. CTA’s initiatives once again proved that the Canberra Tamil community always cares for those that are in hardship.

Tamil will live for ever and the Canberra Tamil Association will continue to flourish. Let’s continue to contribute to the cause of this great organization and maintain our cultural identity.