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Reported by Noel Nadesan, Neeraj Nanda & John Kumar

The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, and A.C. is the first doctor and person of Sri Lankan origin to become the Governor of Victoria. And he is proud of it. A migrant occupying such a high post is in itself a compliment to multicultural Australia. He came to Australia in 1949 at the age of nine. Since then there has been no looking back. As you talk to him it becomes clear that despite becoming the Governor at heart he remains a doctor. He has never been to Sri Lanka since he came here. But in September he is likely to visit Mumbai for a conference and from there a visit to Sri Lanka is expected.

The humble man tells us “First of all I did not expect to get this position. I was called by the Premier and I thought he would talk to me about science or medicine but he offered me this post. I took some time to decide about it as I was busy with my medical research. Since I took over this post I am trying to keep linkages to my research. It would be hard for me to completely cut off myself from that”

And what makes him a unique Governor? His answer is “I bring three major aspects -my medical and scientific background (which is research), my understanding of biotechnology and the fact that I am a migrant to this country.” Yes, being a migrant and becoming the Governor has brought many changes to his life. He says: “It has been a fantastic three months since I got to see a lot of people and seen a lot of things around. Participated in ANZAC Day, trips to country Victoria, South Gippsland, Geelong, Bendigo and it gives you a fantastic opportunity.” Being the Governor he finds it different from being a doctor. “I enjoyed my medical practice. Particularly I enjoyed the research. But at new opportunities one looks at the positive and negative. In my new role

I can be a public advocate. It is a different role. It is fulfilling that I am in the job, “he says.

And what does the Governor think about the success of multicultural Australia? His views are crystal clear on the subject. “It is working. On the whole we don’t have major problems. What happened in Sydney is a warning to everybody and we need to continue to look at issues and how you continue diversity and also social cohesion” he says. And what about the fact that some people only live in a small group?

His answer is: “I would put it in a slightly different way. If you are migrating to a country you should become part of that country’s society. But never the less never loosing the traditions of heritage you bring with you. Including where possible maintaining contact with the language you speak other than English. That brings the potential for Australians to learn these languages.”

Telling about his own experience he says, “having a darker skin I was called by funny names. I had a punch up. My first teacher in Camberwell Grammar used to call me a blondy. My hair was black. So, because of my Sri Lankan connection I found some tension not in the way of any bias but the commitment of my times. The issue being of recognising where you come from and yet fully engaging with the society.”

Talking about on men sexual health ,the Governor says “You have consider reproductive health as general health. You can bring out these issues based on research. 6,000 people across Australia went to see a doctor on such issues. Though they are willing to talk about their prostrate but are unwilling to talk about potency. If the doctor does not ask a question – you miss out.”

About Sri Lanka the Governor was blunt enough to say, “It is a no win situation. Huge drain on warfare and weapons. No winners and ultimately there has to be a sensible settlement. Settlement that recognises that everybody has got a right to exist. No matter who you are. The people concerned feel that they have a sense of participation.. It is some form of federation. Both parties need to accept that rather than continuing warfare. No one can win a war. Silly things happening like the current government not allowing Tsunami aid not going into the northern areas. It lost a lot of credibility because of that.” And adds, “I can’t see any small states being created. The economic viability is not there. Any solution you have to give a little on both sides. You have to say, we both have to prosper.”

[Uthayam]