Get ready for a historic cultural celebration that bridges continents and communities! This Sinhala and Tamil New Year, FINN TV USA (Foundation International News Network) is proud to present “සූර්ය මංගල්‍යය 2025”, in collaboration with ITN (Independent Television Network) of Sri Lanka and CeyFlix TV in Australia. For the first time ever, a Sri Lankan-based television program is being aired from Los Angeles on a terrestrial Sri Lankan TV channel; FINN TV USA; Channel 31.7, broadcasting directly into homes across the U.S. This groundbreaking partnership brings together Sri Lanka, the United States, and Australia in a celebration of unity, tradition, and heritage. Watch It Live From Around the World! From Colombo, Sri Lanka – ITN From Los Angeles, USA – FINN TV USA From Adelaide, Australia – CeyFlix TV Broadcast Schedule April 13th at 1:00 PM (PST) – USA April 15th at 4:00 AM (PST) – USA How to Watch
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The America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles (ASPAS) is honored to present the fifth annual “Beauty of Sri Lanka” Photographic Exhibition in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C., the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in celebration of International Earth Day 2025. Exhibition Dates & Venues ❖ April 26, 2025 – Celebrity Centre International, Hollywood, Los Angeles ❖ April 29, 2025 – Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, New York ❖ May 3, 2025 – Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington, D.C. Exhibition Highlights ❖ Breathtaking landscapes ❖ Diverse flora and fauna ❖ Vibrant culture and traditions ❖ Rich heritage and arts ❖ Majestic seascapes ❖ UNESCO World Heritage Sites ReTree LA: Earth Day Restoration Drive As part of the
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The Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) proudly commenced its 2025 academic year by warmly welcoming new students on January 26, 2025. The SLF APA was accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), in 2019. Since then, it has established itself as a globally recognized institution. Dedicated to fostering personal growth and cultural excellence, the academy invites prospective students to enroll in its vibrant programs in 2025. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation, and his wife, Aeshea Jayasinghe. The academy’s Operational Director, Achala Weerasinghe, along with the academy’s teachers, current students, parents, and new enrollees, contributed to the colorful and inspiring event. Achala Weerasinghe delivered a heartfelt welcome address, expressing her excitement for the new academic year. Following her speech, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe and SLF APA
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The Sri Lanka Foundation is excited to share the remarkable accomplishments of Jason Rajasinghe and his production company, RAD Productions USA. Jason recently earned a significant accolade at the Chicago/Midwest Emmys, making this his second Emmy win, a feat that builds on his previous achievements. His journey to this success was highlighted on November 2nd, 2024 in Chicago, where RAD Productions USA attended the awards ceremony with two prestigious nominations.   RAD Productions USA, co-founded by Jason Rajasinghe, Annika Senanayake, and Hope Rajasinghe, has established a strong reputation for guerrilla filmmaking and powerful storytelling. This year, the company was nominated in two categories:   RAD Productions USA co-founded by Jason Rajasinghe, Annika Senanayake, and Hope Rajasinghe, has established a strong reputation for guerrilla filmmaking and powerful storytelling   Categories #504/#505 Outstanding Achievement for Commercial – Single Spot/Campaign: For the Stoney Acres Farm Commercial, a project showcasing the legacy and spirit
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On September 27, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) students performed in the World Peace Day and United Nations Day celebrations hosted by the Global Peace Foundation. Held at the Shahu Mahal Banquet Hall in Lakewood, California, this year’s event centered around the theme “UN for US: Unity and Diversity.” Distinguished guests, Including Mayor Todd Rogers of Lakewood, and Vice Mayor Cindy Allen of Long Beach, Dr. Lalith P. Chandradasa, Consul General of Sri Lanka, attended in support of this vision of global harmony. Achala Weerasinghe, SLF APA’s Operational Director, represented the Academy and connected with event VIPs, including Dr. Manorama Sharma Gupta, Founder and President of the Global Peace Foundation. SLF APA Senior Students Shyanna Stanislaus, Senuri Pilana Manage, and Methaya Wijemunige performed a traditional Sri Lankan dance, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage alongside performances from other countries. Their presence highlighted the powerful
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ගුරු වරම් ලැබ ගෙන සබයෙන් වරම් ගනිමින සිව් වරම් බලයෙන බසී ඇදුරා වරම් ගනිමින! On August 18th, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts held its annual Silambu Mangalya (Ceremony of Awarding Silambu) at the Mindfulness Meditation Center – Covina Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara. This traditional event celebrates students who are preparing to graduate, marking an important milestone in their journey in Sri Lankan dance and music. In Sri Lankan arts and cultural traditions, a beginner’s journey in dance or music culminates in becoming formally recognized as a dancer or musician after mastering their craft. As part of this ritual, dancers don a ceremonial headdress, while musicians receive their instruments from their teachers in a significant rite of passage. With blessings from their teachers and family, students then showcase their skills before experts in their respective fields. This process signifies their readiness to practice independently. This cultural rite,
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On August 6, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) conducted an inspiring workshop for students at the Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory (LAPAC) on Pico Boulevard. Led by the talented instructors Nirosha Wijegunasekare and Akila Palipana, with guidance from SLF APA Director Achala Weerasinghe, this engaging session celebrated Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage by introducing participants to traditional dance forms that have been preserved through generations, each showcasing its unique movement styles. The workshop immersed attendees in a variety of dance forms rooted in ancient rituals, emphasizing their narrative power through rhythm, reverence, and resilience. Each movement created a vibrant and graceful symphony that captured the essence of Sri Lankan culture. A highlight of the workshop was the Kandyan Dance, closely linked to the Kohomba Kankariya, a majestic celebration that invokes divine blessings from Kandy. Participants also explored the lively Low Country Dance, associated with
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The Ceylon International Film Festival was held last month from October 23rd to October 28th and here is a review by Nandi Jasentuliyana, Former Deputy Director-General of the United Nations: A Spectacular Celebration of Global Cinema, Ceylon Film Festival Awards Ceremony 2023, was held recently in Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A., the city of arts and culture, originally the home of Hollywood. A weeklong festival supported by the State of California, the City of Santa Barbara, and the Direct Relief Foundation culminated with the award ceremony. A week during which the Sri Lankan flag was flown at the venue and was in full display the entire week of the festival in Santa Barbara, California. The Ceylon Film Festival 2023 is the brainchild of Aruni Boteju, Founder of the Ceylon International Film Festival Corporation, which held its inaugural festival in 2022. The festival this year played host to a remarkable event that
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For the first time, our Sri Lanka Flag flew in Santa Barbara for the week of the Ceylon International Film Festival, which started with a Ceylon high tea ceremony. The 2nd Ceylon International Film Festival 2023 started with a very successful opening night on October 23rd, 2023. Mayor of Santa Barbara, Representative from Senator Monique Limone’s office, 1st District Supervisor Das Williams, City Council members, Officer Representing State Assembly, City organization leaders, President of the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, President of the Santa Barbara Rotary club, and the President of the Sister Cities, and many more city leaders honored us being part of our humble event. The free screenings were held until Friday, October 27th, at the Direct Relief Hatch Hall, and the closing ceremony was held at the beautiful and historical Lobero Theater on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. Image credit: https://instagram.com/ceylonintlfilmfestival
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From Sri Lanka to LA Jeevo makes his debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. He will reimagine his pop, hip-hop, and global sound with an orchestral arrangement. A story of an artist who finds God through tragedy and triumph. Jeevo is a family-oriented individual and one of his dreams has been to perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and he says God graciously made it happen this year. It was quite unexpected. For the last 15 years, he has released 7 albums and poured his heart and soul into this craft. He has created a lane in the world of music that had not been traveled. Jeevo has combined genres, spoken about his faith in unconventional ways, and done this without the backing of any established record label or funding. On July 22, 2023, he will be performing at a venue that is widely regarded as the best
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