Sulaika Dhanapala.
Sulaika Dhanapala
Director
Principal Solicitor and Migration Consultant (Migration Agent No. 0210877)
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible”. – Francis of Assisi
Sulaika was admitted into practice in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in 1985. In 2001, Sulaika was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia and has been practising as a solicitor in Australia ever since.
Sulaika prides herself on her straightforward no-nonsense approach to ensure her clients get resolutions that are quick and cost effective. She is a respected and experienced family and immigration lawyer with over 21 years’ experience and is highly sought after by clients wishing to secure her services. She has successfully run defended parenting cases, difficult property proceedings and has assisted many applicants to obtain permanent residency in Australia.
Sulaika has a candid and direct manner and is a strong and persuasive advocate both in the court setting and in negotiations. She has extensive experience in most registries including the Family Court of Australia, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Sulaika has been a law lecturer at the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and Victoria University. She was also the Principal Solicitor at the Central Highlands Legal Centre and the Whittlesea Community Legal Centre.
Sulaika is an active advocate for justice reform. In 1997, Sulaika played a leading role in establishing NESB LINKS, a community organisation which creates an atmosphere of belonging for Ballarat’s migrant community. In 1999, she played a vital role in the establishment of the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, raising community awareness on the issues which migrants face. Her voluntary work has seen her recognised as an integral part of the Ballarat community and as a result, she has been awarded the following prestigious awards:
2001 – Rural Women’s Leadership Award by the Department of Women’s Affairs
2005 – Award for Service Delivery to Multicultural Community (Community Service), by the Victoria Multicultural Commission
2008 – Award for Service Delivery to Multicultural Community (Community Service), by the Victoria Multicultural Commission
Sulaika was also one of the short-listed nominees for the Human Rights Award in 2005 for her services to refugees.
Outside of work Sulaika enjoys entertaining her friends and family with her culinary skills.
SULAIKA HAS HELD THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
Chairperson
Sri Lankan Australian Lawyers Association – 2019 to current
Chairperson
Ballarat Refugee Support Service Network – 2005 – 2010
Deputy Chairwoman
The Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition – 2007-2008
Chairperson
Ballarat Regional multicultural Council – 2002 – 2005
Founder & Chairperson
NESB Links – 1998 – 2002, 2006 – to date