Please join the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung in her fourth town hall with the Sri Lankan-American Community. Ambassador Chung will discuss our longstanding partnership with Sri Lanka and her perspectives on the future of the Indo-Pacific. Ambassador Chung will be joined by Consular Chief Rafael Andrade, who will lead a 20-minute session demystifying the visa process and the work of his section. The town hall will feature a question-and-answer session; participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance. Date: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 Time: 6.30 p.m Pacific | 9.30 p.m Eastern This event is open to the public and all are welcome but registration in advance is required. Register Now For more information contact: Achala Weerasinghe 213-483-0126 or achala@slfint.org
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ගුරු වරම් ලැබ ගෙන සබයෙන් වරම් ගනිමින සිව් වරම් බලයෙන බසී ඇදුරා වරම් ගනිමින! On August 18th, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts held its annual Silambu Mangalya (Ceremony of Awarding Silambu) at the Mindfulness Meditation Center – Covina Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara. This traditional event celebrates students who are preparing to graduate, marking an important milestone in their journey in Sri Lankan dance and music. In Sri Lankan arts and cultural traditions, a beginner’s journey in dance or music culminates in becoming formally recognized as a dancer or musician after mastering their craft. As part of this ritual, dancers don a ceremonial headdress, while musicians receive their instruments from their teachers in a significant rite of passage. With blessings from their teachers and family, students then showcase their skills before experts in their respective fields. This process signifies their readiness to practice independently. This cultural rite,
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In August 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) came together for a truly touching and colorful celebration to honor Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, known as Dr. Jay, on his birthday. The event took place at the Mindfulness Meditation Center, also known as the Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara, following the SLF APA Pahimpath Mangalya, adding an extra layer of spirituality and warmth to the occasion. The celebration was not just a gathering; it was a beautiful outpouring of love and appreciation. The teachers, students, and their parents all came together to show how much Dr. Jay, the founder of the SLF APA, means to them. As Dr. Jay arrived, he was met with a touching surprise. Each person present offered him a single rose, symbolizing their love and gratitude. The simplicity of this gesture, yet its profound significance, left him visibly moved, his heart full and his
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Professor Patrick Olivelle is an Indologist,  a philologist, and a scholar of Sanskrit Literature whose work has focused on asceticism, renunciation, and the dharma. He has been a Professor of Sanskrit and Indian Religions in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin since 1991. In 2006, Professor Patrick Olivelle received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sri Lanka Foundation International for his research and contributions to Indology and Religious Studies. He continues his research in Sanskrit, Ancient Indian religious history, and the history of the Idea of Dharma.  Since 2006, he has received the following Recognition and Awards: – 2020 Elected Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. – 2017 Prize of Foundation Colette Caillat of the Institut de France. – Conferred Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, University of Chicago, June 11, 2016. – Career Research Excellence Award, The University of Texas
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The 2024 Sri Lanka Day Virtual Global Celebrations, presented by the Sri Lanka Foundation International, premiered to a worldwide audience on August 17th, 2024. Suffice it to say that Sri Lanka’s vibrant historical heritage and culture were showcased through splendid cultural performances from diverse corners of the globe. All that and more while being entertained by breathtaking fashion, traditional drums, and music from around the world, all enjoyed in the comfort of your homes. Here is a snapshot of our performing groups: The Global Celebrations began with a special tribute to our sponsors, whose invaluable partnership was instrumental in the event’s success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Techno Dad, Sunland Group of Companies, J Med Supply Inc., Anon Catering, Uniformity, Holy Family Alumni Association of California, and Antonette Duval from Wells Fargo for their generous support. Their contributions were crucial in making this event a resounding success. Achala Weerasinghe,
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On Friday, August 9th, 2024, the City of Los Angeles celebrated Sri Lanka Day and Dr. Walter Jayasinghe’s accomplishments with the Sri Lanka Foundation and community members. The celebration began with Councilwoman Heather Hutt and Councilman Curren D. Price, Jr. recognizing SLF and Dr. Jay. Councilwoman Hutt gave testimony praising Dr. Jay for his dedication and commitment to helping others, especially those in the Los Angeles community. She told the story of Dr. Jay’s arrival in the US in 1962 and his accomplishments along the way. Councilman Price then spoke about Dr. Jay’s impact on the Los Angeles community. The City of Los Angeles recognized 9 August 2024 as Sri Lanka Day and presented Dr. Jay and the Sri Lanka Foundation with beautiful proclamations to mark the occasion. Dr. Jay was very honored by the recognition received by the City Council Officials and other dignitaries and expressed his utmost gratitude.
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will launch in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International YouTube channel on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase Sri Lanka’s rich artistic traditions, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show for the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, viewers will experience a captivating performance inspired by the 18 traditional Wannam of Kandyan dance, which dates back to the 1700s in the royal courts of Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Gajaga Wannama, the most popular of these Wannam, symbolizes the harmonious blend of feminine and masculine qualities, represented by the majestic elephant. Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty and grace of Sri Lankan dance with this spectacular rendition of Gajaga Wannama! This unique performance brings together talented teachers from the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts, from Sri Lanka and the USA, united on
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International YouTube channel on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show of the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience traditional performances by the Students of the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts. One of the student performances is set to the theme song of the Sri Lanka Foundation International – Sri Lanka Day, which was created with the aim of proudly displaying the Sri Lankan cultural identity around the world. The talented students of the Sri Lanka Foundation’s Academy of Performing Arts will guide us on a journey through our history, beautifully weaving together the threads of heritage and pride. Holding the revered Blue Lotus flower, they symbolize
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International YouTube channel on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show of the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience traditional performances where we dive into a centuries-old legend from Welihela village, Sri Lanka. It tells the tale of a prince who made the ultimate sacrifice under a kohomba tree. Revered by Malayalam kings, he was worshiped as Lord Kohomba, giving narration to the Kohomba Halla in the Udarata dance tradition. As drums resound and dancers move with precision, the air fills with pleasant singing and the ancient rhythm of the “Kohomba Halle”. Each movement by the performers pays homage to the Kohomba god, invoking his blessings and healing powers.
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show for the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience a performance based on Sri Lanka’s History. Since ancient times, legendary Sri Lankan heroes have made ultimate sacrifices to safeguard our treasure island, Sri Lanka. This performance with the song of ‘Gombeti Hiddalaya’ beautifully honors King Dutugamunu, a great leader who unified our nation and brought peace and stability through his brave and wise leadership. Known affectionately as ‘Hiddalaya’ in his youth, meaning ‘strong-willed one,’ he embodied the spirit of a robust Sinhalese and remained a symbol of unwavering loyalism, determination, perseverance, and endurance. Meet the talented Junior students of
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