Every year, the Sri Lanka Foundation International USA works diligently to bring the sights, tastes, colors, and culture of Sri Lanka to the people through one of its most significant events, The “Sri Lanka Day Expo & Parade.”
The very first virtual Sri Lanka Day & Expo premiered in 2021. The Cultural show was the highlight of the entire event and it would not have been possible to make it the roaring success that it was if it were not for the choreographers and group leaders from Sri Lanka and around the globe. Their tremendous commitment and dedication made this event absolutely unforgettable and loved by a worldwide audience. SLF and its staff is humbled and profoundly gracious for all the hard work and efforts of every single one of those in the neighborhood to those half way across the world, Thank you.
On behalf of Sri Lanka Foundation International USA, Achala Weerasinghe, The Director of Cultural Affairs & The Director Of Operations at the Academy of Performing Arts, has personally met the group leaders and choreographers who collaborated that day during her visit to Sri Lanka. She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of them and also handed out certificates of recognition as a token of appreciation.
Some of the collaborators from Sri Lanka include:
Sahan Ranwala – The Managing Director of Ranwala Foundation.
Nirosha Wijegunasekare – The lecturer at the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet and Modern Dance at University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Akila Palipana – Visiting lecturer at the University of Kelaniya.
Shanika Marasinghe – Professional fashion designer.
And the Akila Palipana Dance School.
Achala has also held successful meetings with the staff of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts Colombo She met with, the Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rohana P. Mahaliyanaarachchi, Dean of faculty of dance and drama Dr. Indika Ferdinando, and the lecturer Nirosha Wijegunasekare. She discussed exchange programs to further strengthen the relationships between the University and the Sri Lanka Foundation International.
She also met with Dulanga Gunaratna, the Senior lecturer and with Dhanushka Senevirathna, the Probationary lecturer, at the University of Kelaniya.
The meetings held with Dr Priyeshini Perera and her team at UBL (University Business Linkage) is promising to gear us up towards making industry linkages and connections within the performance industry.
Moreover, she discussed future collaborations with these dance schools and universities during her visit to Sri Lanka. Finally, she invited these dance groups to join hand in hand with Sri Lanka Foundation and work together on upcoming cultural events. We are excited to see where these new beginnings lead.
