Australia Awards South and West Asia

Lakmini Prabani Perera from Sri Lanka completed a Master of Arts (Women’s and Gender Studies) at Flinders University in South Australia at the end of 2025, with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship.

In the following video recorded during her time in Australia, Lakmini discusses her experiences as an Australia Awards scholar.

Lakmini is a firm believer in the power of her Australia Awards Scholarship. “It will enable me to become a more effective leader in the development sector and an advocate, to implement and design gender-responsive and inclusive projects,” she says, “and to amplify the voices of marginalised communities too.”

She has good reason to be confident: she has already seen the impact of existing alumni. “What made me apply for this Scholarship,” she says, “is that I’ve seen some of the previous alumni, their work in the sector, specifically on the development sector, and Australia Awards’ engagement with the alumni when they’re back at home.” On top of this, she continues, “I had a dream to study in an international university and I thought Australia was the best country.”

Lakmini (front row, left) pictured with other Australia Awards scholars at Flinders University.

Her experience with Australia Awards has borne out her initial impression. In Australia, Lakmini learnt about inclusive policy design and developed an understanding of women’s and gender issues and intersectional feminist frameworks, community engagement and participatory community approaches. “I believe my Scholarship will help me to become a more effective advocate in terms of being able to demand and push for gender-responsive and inclusive policy reforms, as well as legal reforms, in my country,” she says.

“My Scholarship has developed my skills personally as well as professionally, as part of the improvement in my academic journey.”

The learning environment in Australia was a major factor in her development. “Studying at the university, comparatively, was a different experience for me,” she says. “I felt that it’s more hands on. It’s very engaging, and it’s very interactive. It gives us the chance to engage beyond the learning, make us interested to explore more, and reflect more.” In particular, she notes, the students are encouraged to look beyond the theoretical perspective, and consider the application of these theories in real world practice.

Lakmini delivering the opening remarks on behalf of scholars at the 2025 Scholars Symposium in Adelaide.

Outside of her studies, Lakmini remained focused on her interest in the development sector, and worked in paid and volunteer roles related to gender and disability while in Australia, which gave her international exposure and development practice experience. But she also found time for social activities. “I had friends from the Australia Awards cohort, so we tried to meet as much as possible. One of the things that we mostly do is enjoy food from different cultures,” she says. She and her friends cook together, and like to attend some of the wide range of different festivals that take place in Adelaide.

Lakmini’s family is also an important part of her Australian life. “One of the benefits of this Scholarship is that it is very family oriented and family friendly,” she says. “So I was able to come to Australia with my family.” She points out that this meant that her family were able to experience work and study in Australia as well.

Lakmini (left) and other Australia Awards scholars from Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh with Senator Charlotte Walker, Senator for South Australia during the Scholars Symposium in Adelaide.

“This Scholarship also helped us prepare for our arrival to Australia,” Lakmini continues, referring to the pre-departure briefing in Sri Lanka, which she says was useful “not only to prepare us for our academics, but also to prepare us how to adapt to that Australian culture”.

Equally helpful was the Introductory Academic Program that Australia Awards scholars complete in Australia before they start their studies. This learning, Lakmini says, “gave us the opportunity to enhance our writing, presentation and different skills to prepare us for our academic journey”. In addition, the program introduced university facilities such as library services, student services, the psychosocial and mental health support that is available through the university, and other engagement opportunities such as student clubs and associations.

Lakmini also benefited from professional development opportunities provided by Australia Awards. In November 2025, she attended the Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia Scholars Symposium in Adelaide, where she delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the scholar cohort and reflected on how her Scholarship experience had been transformative.

Lakmini (third from left) and other Australia Awards scholars present their artwork produced during a workshop with Indigenous artist Byce Cawte (third from left), a proud Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri man through his mother’s side, and Wirangu, Kokatha, and Mirning through his father’s.

While in Australia, Lakmini had opportunities to learn about the country’s history and deepen her understanding of Australia’s First Nations peoples and cultures. In 2025, she participated in an Indigenous art workshop and, during the Scholars Symposium, undertook a city tour with an Indigenous guide.

Given that working with previous alumni is what prompted Lakmini to apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship, she hopes that she too can inspire others to follow in her footsteps. “Whoever is looking forward to apply, I would say this is a growth [opportunity] beyond the academic journey,” she says. “It’s growth for your personal and professional skills as well … You have to step outside your comfort zones, but that’s where you learn and enhance different skills.”

Lakmini participates in a smoking ceremony as part of an Indigenous city tour during the 2025 Australia Awards Scholars Symposium.

Ultimately, she says, “It’s beyond a Scholarship. It is actually a vision that you will follow, and also a future for yourself and for your community and your contribution to your country.” But she is confident that those who are committed to Sri Lanka’s development will succeed. “It’s that passion that keeps you going, and you will keep that passion alive throughout the journey.”