Gunawardana Samaratunge

Name: Gunawardana Samaratunge 

Occupation: Customer Service Advisor

Country of origin: Sri Lanka

Location: Dubbo

Here with: self

Length of time in region: since 2013 in Australia, since 2018 in Orana

Advancing his career in the banking industry is one of Gunawardana Samaratunge’s aims since migrating to the Orana region in 2018.

Currently on a 489 bridging visa, Mr Samaratunge is qualified with a Bachelor of Business (Administration, Human Resource Management, Professional Accounting). Fluent in English and Sinhalese, he is working as a Customer Service Advisor at St George Bank, Dubbo.

“I have worked for HSBC bank before I migrated to Australia for higher studies. As soon as I completed my studies, I joined the Westpac Banking Group in Australia,” he said.

Mr Samaratunge enjoys travelling, fishing and camping and is making friends and enjoying his new lifestyle.

“I’m really into fitness and outdoor adventures.

“I met a lot of people at uni as well as at work. Locals are friendly and helped me to settle down here in Australia. People are easy-going and respect each other’s values at all times.”

Mr Samaratunge said there are many positive aspects of moving to Australia, including the standard of living, job opportunities, higher education, weather, gender equality and diversified culture.

He also said that RDA Orana had been very helpful during the migration process.

“The RDA Orana migration team did a great job for the end to end nomination process. I do really appreciate the prompt responses and clarifications provided.”

His advice to other migrants is to ‘do your own research about the Orana region before you move and apply for the nomination ahead.’

Mr Samaratunge is now looking forward to his future in the Orana region.

“I absolutely love the country lifestyle. It is more relaxing and convenient, less traffic, literally five minutes away from work and cheap rent.”