Sri Lanka Foundation Awards 2018 was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday November 18, 2018. Over 400 guests attended the awards ceremony to celebrate 18 exceptional Sri Lankan expatriates from over 4 continents. The evening began with a traditional welcome featuring various traditional drums and traditional dancers from Sri Lanka Foundation Performing Arts Center.

For a lifetime of outstanding excellence and recognition at an international level Binodh De Silva Ph.D., Prof. Chan Wirasinghe, Prof. Mario Pinto, Prof. Malik Peiris, Sir. Sabarathnam Arukumaran and Prof. Primal de Lanerolle received the Lifetime Achievement award.

For their exemplary achievements in their field, Dr. Dilantha Ellegala, Mr. Alston Koch, Dr. Anura Rathnayake, Dr. Nilmini Silva-Send and Dr. Tahir Farzan received the Exceptional Achievement Award. For their outstanding performances Geethanga De Silva, Ph.D. and Mrs. Ranujie Wijayasooriya received the Outstanding Performance by a Young Professional Award. For their dedication and humanitarian work, sisters Kiara & Siara Gunawardhana received the Outstanding Performance- Junior Award.

The Srimerican of the Year Award was presented to Al Kamalee Jabbar for becoming the first Sri Lankan to be appointed to a United States public office. The President’s Award was presented to Mr. Rukshan Perera for his contribution to his motherland Sri Lanka. Mrs. Shirani Stanislaus, Chief Operating Officer of Sri Lanka Foundation also received a special President’s Award for being a pillar of strength for the growth of Sri Lanka Foundation for the past 15 years.

Elegance by Anarkalli showcased a wonderful fashion show and everyone danced the night away to fabulous music by Tony and Nicola.

As you know the winners were nominated by individuals just like you. You can visit our website www.slf.la or call our office at (213) 483-0126 for more information on how to nominate a well deserved Sri Lankan expatriate who has made a difference to humanity.