Sri Lanka Foundation celebrated their 12 year anniversary at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The Crystal ballroom was filled with over 350 Sri Lankan expatriates from around the world dressed in beautiful sarees and smart suits . This sold out event began with traditional magul bera followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Hon. Mrs. Swarna Gunarathna Consul General of Los Angeles was present at the event.
This year thirteen amazing individuals from Canada, USA and London were honored and celebrated for their exemplary achievements. The Award Show began with a modern dance performed by Sri Lanka Foundation Performing Arts Center and was followed by a performance by Sri Lankan American Baritone Mr. Gehan Cooray.
For a lifetime of outstanding excellence and recognition at an international level Mr.Rohan de Saram, Dr. Dilip Abaysekara, Mr. Asoka Weerasinghe & Professor Janaka Ruwanpura received the Lifetime Achievement Award. For their exemplary achievements, Mr. Dylan Modder, Professor Amita Wickrema and Prof. Lihini Aluwihare received the Exceptional Achievement Award. Venerable
Thalangama Devananda Thero recieved the runner-up award. For inspiring the younger generation to reach new heights Dr. Rasi Wickramasinghe, Ms. Nilakshi Parndigamage J.D. and Mrs. Fazana Salem Ismail received the Outstanding Performance by a Young Professional Award. The Srimerican of the Year Award was presented to SLYO founder Ms. Aruni Ganewatta and the President’s Award was presented to Mr. Thusitha De Silva for his contribution to Sri Lankan expatriates in Southern California.
After the Award show, Elegance by Anarkalli debuted their new line “Serendipity” a collection of elegant and contemporary women’s wear created with rich bold prints and one of a kind designs. LOVI ceylon introduced the world’s first patent-pending sarongsdesigned with built-in pockets, belts, and many other improvements to suit our active lifestyle. 15 year old pop singer Talin performed three songs from her new album. Everyone danced the night away to Colorblind with Tony Samaranayaka and Nicola Perera.
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