On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation auditorium buzzed with anticipation and excitement as participants gathered for the “Awaken Your Inner Warrior” workshop. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts, this event promised a journey into self-discovery, anti-aging techniques, stress release, mindfulness, and breathing exercises, led by the esteemed spiritual instructor Nadil Silva. Nadil Silva, a Sri Lankan native currently residing in Sweden, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the workshop. With a BSc from the University of Peradeniya and an MSc from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, Nadil’s academic background is as impressive as his practical expertise. He is actively engaged in martial arts and a respected figure in cultural mediation, combining these disciplines to offer a unique and holistic approach to spiritual instruction. The workshop began with a warm welcome from Achala Weerasinghe, the Operational Director of the Sri Lanka Foundation
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On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, a distinguished delegation from the Accrediting Commission of Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) conducted the six-year accreditation review of the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (APA). This review follows the Academy’s initial accreditation in 2019, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards academic excellence and continuous improvement. The school’s evaluation aligned rigorously with the ACS WASC Self-Study criteria, ensuring a thorough and multifaceted assessment. Key areas of focus included organization for student learning, curriculum, instruction and assessment, student personal and academic support, and the overall school culture and environment. Elizabeth Oberreiter, Director of ACS WASC, led the on-site evaluation with a meticulous approach. Her visit involved detailed classroom observations, providing insights into instructional quality and student engagement. Ms. Oberreiter engaged in comprehensive discussions with randomly selected parents and students. She also observed the academy’s resources, including the library,
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The Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) gave a spectacular performance at the grand celebration of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day in Los Angeles, California. This event was held with immense pride and patriotic fervor, and was a true testament to the cultural richness and heritage of Sri Lanka. The Independence Day anniversary was celebrated by the Counsel General Office of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles with the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California, bringing together Sri Lankan expatriates and friends of Sri Lanka. The talented dancers from the SLF APA took center stage, captivating the audience with their mesmerizing performance. The island nation’s rich cultural tapestry was celebrated with the rhythmic beats and the graceful movements of Kandyan dance. As the melodies of traditional music filled the air and the dancers moved in perfect harmony, spectators were reminded of the profound connection that binds them
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මගේ සිරිලක ගැන – ලොවට කියමි මම​ සුරපුරයක් වෙන – ලොවේ මෙවැනි නැත​ සරු පස පොළොවෙ න් – වැහි බිඳු අහසි න් මුතු කැට මිණී කැට – මගෙ සිරිලක ඇත​. (By Miranda Hemalatha) February 4th marked the 76th anniversary of Sri Lanka gaining independence from colonial rule. Sri Lankan National Day, also referred to as Independence Day, is a significant Sri Lankan holiday observed annually. It celebrates the nation’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1948. This commemoration is widely celebrated nationwide with various festivities, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, vibrant dances, captivating parades, and cultural performances, symbolizing the spirit of unity and national pride. The Southern California celebration of Sri Lanka’s 76th National Independence Day occurred on February 3rd, 2024. The Independence Day anniversary was celebrated by the Counsel General Office of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles with the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California, bringing together Sri Lankan expatriates
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On Saturday, December 10th, 2022, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA), founded in 2015 and Accredited in 2019, held its second inaugural graduation ceremony at the Mindfulness Meditation Center in Covina, California. Senuri Pilana Manage, with her indomitable courage, effort, and commitment, became another successful graduate of Kandyan dance in our second Siraspath Palandaweeme Mangalya (Graduation) ceremony. She is a senior student who participates in online and in-person dance classes at the Academy of Performing Arts in Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF APA). She was exploring to gain knowledge and new experiences through her learning process. Sri Lanka has a unique and rich traditional dance history of over 2500 years. Sri Lankan traditional dances offer worship, healing and meditation processes, sickness, and invoking blessings. Sri Lankan Traditional Dance graduation is called a “Kalaeli Mangalya.” When a Kandyan dance student has been dancing for several years and has
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This year, Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF) showcased a blissful finale to the year 2022 with the Academy of Performing Arts (APA) traditional Dancing Concert at Disney California Adventure Park Hollywood Backlot stage on the 26th of November. Flared with the festive vibe of the holidays, this event had the audience bubbling with joy in anticipation of the breathtaking performances of the members of APA, much like previous concerts of APA at Disneyland with much enthusiasm and awe. The ceremony was glorified by the presence of the Chairman, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, President/CEO, Dr. Dishan Jayasinha, Vice President, Mrs. Aeshea Jayasinghe, Mrs. Zuigly Jayasinha, and the COO, Shirani Stanislaus of SLF. The students and the teachers of APA, and the community performers were zealous by the honor of their presence at the event. The show was set in motion with a beautiful Managalam Dance, welcoming all the spectators and guests, performed by
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Sri Lanka Day Expo & Parade, a virtual Global Celebration, was launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 13th and 14th, 2022 to showcase the rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts including music, dance and visual arts. Throughout the two-day festivities, the featured events staged from around the world when the sights and sounds and the unique taste of Sri Lanka virtually came alive. Mesmerizing dance and music performances were staged throughout the two days. It featured Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre staged from USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, U.K., and India. Hope you enjoyed watching the spectacular performances by Sanduani Sulochani Dance Group and the Senior Dance Troupe of Bishops College from Sri Lanka which was featured in the last weeks SLF News. This week we are featuring two more Amazing
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Sri Lanka Day Expo & Parade, a virtual Global Celebration, was launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 13th and 14th, 2022. This epic event introduced Sri Lanka’s historical heritage and culture, music, dance forms, and local food and products to a worldwide audience. All that and more while being entertained by breathtaking cultural performances, you can click on the videos below to watch the spectacular performances if you missed the event.  Throughout the two-day festivities, mesmerizing dance and music performances included Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre staged from Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K., and India. The performances were interspersed with a cultural fashion show with Sri Lankan models showcasing Sri Lankan outfits of different styles.  Click on the links below to watch the Performances by the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of
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On Sunday, August 13th, 2022 the final count down began while hundreds of people anxiously waiting started to log in to the SLF PLATFORM!!!! The entrance to the Auditorium door opened and the guests were lead to the roof top in an elevator which was never witnessed in any virtual event before. The curtains rolled down, the lights went off in the Auditorium and the official ceremony began followed by the Global Cultural Program. The six hours Mesmerizing Cultural Performances from all over the world was viewed and enjoyed by many when some of the other Attendees were visiting and chatting with Vendors in the Exhibition Hall and the networking lounge was busy with people watching the Resourceful Video’s. The attendees had the choice of deciding which segment of their interest and was able to enjoy it from the comfort of their homes. The event continued with excitement building up
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Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts was privileged to put our mission into action once again with our hands held with Getty to preserve, support, celebrate and present to a wide range of audiences; the culture, language, dance, and arts of Sri Lanka through performing our heritage.  Getty is a cultural and philanthropic institution dedicated to the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the world’s artistic legacy; an ideal platform for Sri Lankan heritage to converse with international art and culture. What portent can be greater than a conversation in this nature? The event was open to multiple and a diverse set of communities in celebration of Getty’s 25 years of service to the international sphere of art and culture where they showcased the cultural diversity of Los Angeles by creating a series of free outdoor community art festivals, cultural performances, workshops, food stalls and many other colorful and diversified
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