The President of Nalanda College Old Boys Association (NCOBAA) of America, Janaka Perera, spoke with SLF. He said the organization was established in the 1980s by a group of old boys from Nalanda College residing in California. Though it was a small initiative at the beginning, the general membership of our association grew steadily over the years. In 2017, NCOBAA was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We are proud to present NCOBAA as an organization that has brought various meaningful social events to the Sri Lankan community, not only in the Los Angeles area but also to those in several major cities in the USA. Since its inception, in line with the organization’s mission and vision, they have supported their college financially and through other means. In addition to several completed projects, an ongoing scholarship program helps several students deserving the financial need.
NCOBAA’s vision is to provide guidance, advice, scholarships, and financial support to enhance Nalanda College’s education and other activities. Furthermore, they want to uplift their alma mater, Nalanda College in Sri Lanka, to thrive in the US with resources to produce the next generation of citizens ingrained with human values and intellectual acumen.
Janaka Perera, the principal broker of Perch Properties, is a realtor, real estate investor, builder, property manager, finance & accounting professional, and a computer specialist with an M.Sc. in IT. He stated that he is honored to be the President of NCOBA and is working diligently with his committee members to raise funds for the following projects: expanding the school gymnasium, providing educational scholarships for disadvantaged students, and continuing to provide meals for the underprivileged.
Janaka explained that the movie Children of the Sun, “GAADI,” was selected to be showcased on June 22nd, 2024, in Los Angeles not only for fundraising purposes but also because the film has great values that can be learned by all age groups and is beautifully shot. The film explores historical Sri Lanka and centers on a couple’s journey towards love and self-respect.
Award-winning filmmaker Udaya Prasanna Vithanage, who has been in the film industry for a decade, is the director of GAADI. He is widely regarded as one of South Asia’s most talented and influential filmmakers. He is known for thought-provoking films that often deal with social, political, and cultural issues.
Janaka hopes the Sri Lankan American community in Los Angeles will join NCOBAA to support the event’s cause and take advantage of the opportunity to watch the exemplary movie.
View the event here: https://www.srilankafoundation.org/events/gaadi-children-of-the-sun/
