Happy Sinhala & Hindu New Year 2025! May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year illuminate your life with joy, happiness, good health, and success throughout the year. With heartfelt wishes, Sri Lanka Foundation Team  
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Get ready for a historic cultural celebration that bridges continents and communities! This Sinhala and Tamil New Year, FINN TV USA (Foundation International News Network) is proud to present “සූර්ය මංගල්‍යය 2025”, in collaboration with ITN (Independent Television Network) of Sri Lanka and CeyFlix TV in Australia. For the first time ever, a Sri Lankan-based television program is being aired from Los Angeles on a terrestrial Sri Lankan TV channel; FINN TV USA; Channel 31.7, broadcasting directly into homes across the U.S. This groundbreaking partnership brings together Sri Lanka, the United States, and Australia in a celebration of unity, tradition, and heritage. Watch It Live From Around the World! From Colombo, Sri Lanka – ITN From Los Angeles, USA – FINN TV USA From Adelaide, Australia – CeyFlix TV Broadcast Schedule April 13th at 1:00 PM (PST) – USA April 15th at 4:00 AM (PST) – USA How to Watch
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The Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) proudly commenced its 2025 academic year by warmly welcoming new students on January 26, 2025. The SLF APA was accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), in 2019. Since then, it has established itself as a globally recognized institution. Dedicated to fostering personal growth and cultural excellence, the academy invites prospective students to enroll in its vibrant programs in 2025. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation, and his wife, Aeshea Jayasinghe. The academy’s Operational Director, Achala Weerasinghe, along with the academy’s teachers, current students, parents, and new enrollees, contributed to the colorful and inspiring event. Achala Weerasinghe delivered a heartfelt welcome address, expressing her excitement for the new academic year. Following her speech, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe and SLF APA
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Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women, advocating for gender equality, and inspiring action towards a fairer and more inclusive world. This year, the theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, highlights the critical need to create a society where every woman and girl has equal opportunities, rights, and the power to shape her own future. At Sri Lanka Foundation International (SLF), we recognize the invaluable contributions of women not only within the Sri Lankan community but also around the world. Women have continuously made remarkable progress in science, politics, business, education, arts, sports, and beyond. Their accomplishments and resilience have paved the way for a more equitable society, and IWD serves as a reminder of their incredible impact on shaping the world. However, despite significant
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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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