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Support Community Health in Sri Lanka. Honor a Legacy. Create Lasting Change. 6 Jul 6:43 AM (3 months ago)

Join us in advancing equitable, community-led health initiatives across Sri Lanka.

Our Mission

The O.E.R. Abhayaratne Trust is dedicated to strengthening Sri Lanka’s public health systems by supporting sustainable, community-based health projects and research. We believe that transformative health solutions begin at the local level—where communities know their needs best.

Founded in memory of Professor O.E.R. Abhayaratne, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected public health leaders, the Trust continues his life’s work: building a healthier, more equitable nation through knowledge, compassion, and action.

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Prof. Abhayaratne (left) at the 1948 International Congress on Tropical Medicine, Washington D.C.

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Prof. OER Abhayratne  leaning against Harvard Monument

Why Sri Lanka? Why Now?

Sri Lanka has long been recognized for its commitment to free healthcare and high-quality public health outcomes. But communities today face increasing strain—particularly in rural areas—due to rising costs, under-resourced facilities, and limited opportunities for locally-driven health innovation.

The O.E.R. Abhayaratne Trust exists to bridge that gap.

Through the O.E.R. Abhayaratne Endowment Fund, we provide annual grants that:

• Empower local health professionals and researchers
• Fund community-led health interventions
• Promote practical, evidence-based solutions tailored to Sri Lankan realities

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Community dialogue: Women in discussion with medical officers and public health workers in a rural setting

How the Trust Works

Each year, interest from the Endowment Fund is directed toward the O.E.R. Abhayaratne Grants, awarded to impactful health research and projects through the University of Colombo’s Department of Community Health. Grants are selected by an independent committee, appointed by the Prof. O.E.R. Abhayaratne Trust.

The Trust ensures:

• Transparent and rigorous project selection
• A focus on sustainability and community participation
• Clear reporting and measurable health outcomes

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University of Colombo medical students engaging with rural schools and field settings as part of a community medicine module

Your Impact

Your support directly contributes to a healthier Sri Lanka—where communities are not just recipients of care but leaders in shaping their own health futures.

Whether you’re contributing in memory of a loved one, supporting Sri Lankan development, or honoring Prof. Abhayaratne’s enduring legacy, your donation helps fund:

• Grassroots health education
• Improved access to care
• Innovative public health research
• Stronger health systems for future generations

Give today. Help communities in Sri Lanka thrive.

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Public health students visiting elders to document community health needs during field placements

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive stories from the field, updates on our grant recipients, and news on how your support is making a difference in Sri Lanka’s health landscape.

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Grant-supported researcher presenting findings at an international conference—turning local data into global insights.

Learn More

To read the official letter of invitation from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, including details of the endowment’s purpose, administration, and legacy of Professor O.E.R. Abhayaratne:

Download the Official Invitation Letter (PDF)
Issued by Prof. Vajira H.W. Dissanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

 

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Improving national health and healthcare access through legislation and policy, while significantly reducing costs. 2 Jul 4:37 AM (3 months ago)

“New Research Calls for Overhaul of Food, Drug, and Nutraceutical Regulations to Boost Public Health and Cut Costs.”

A groundbreaking peer-reviewed article by Dr. Sunil J. Wimalawansa, Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, and Human Nutrition, outlines an urgent call to reform the regulatory landscape surrounding food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. Published in Foods (June 2025, Vol. 14, Issue 13, Article 2328).

This paper highlights how outdated and fragmented policies are harming public health and driving unsustainable healthcare costs in the U.S. and worldwide. Titled “Reforming Food, Drug, and Nutraceutical Regulations to Improve Public Health and Reduce Healthcare Costs,” the article proposes actionable solutions that could serve as a roadmap—or even a White Paper—for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and international health agencies.

The author argues that coordinated reforms with new laws (Food & Drugs) can lead to a more efficient healthcare system, improve population health, and significantly reduce economic burdens. I can save ONE trillion dollars of healthcare costs and make our Nation healthy.

Read more: https://mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/13/2328

Also in: The following SM sites:

https://x.com/SJWimalawansa/status/1940074260988354802

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sunilwimalawansa_new-research-calls-for-overhaul-of-food-activity-7345839304578875392–f4R?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAANDAkoBf-_hbR85qLKzVaQTg48J52X4-BY

https://www.facebook.com/sunil.wimalawansa/posts/pfbid08hVcZbzCKCJ6KtPqEQ7CL6MnxbSYXpndjbhEY3iX8GcAFy72TwWR5oe2Uxd1br81l

Anudi Gunasekara to Represent Sri Lanka at Miss World 2025 12 May 1:29 PM (5 months ago)

Anudi Gunasekara, a Sri Lankan model and dedicated social activist, is set to represent Sri Lanka at the 72nd Miss World pageant, which will be held in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to culminate on May 31, 2025, following a series of activities and competitions running from May 7 to 31.

A passionate advocate for social change, Gunasekara has garnered attention for her impactful “Beauty with a Purpose” project, Saheli, which addresses the critical issue of period poverty in Sri Lanka. Her initiative seeks to enhance menstrual health and hygiene for underprivileged women and girls throughout the country, aiming to break stigmas and improve access to essential resources.

With contestants from over 140 countries expected to participate, Miss World 2025 stands as one of the most prestigious global platforms celebrating beauty, intelligence, and humanitarian commitment. Gunasekara’s participation not only highlights Sri Lanka’s cultural richness and grace but also reflects the nation’s dedication to meaningful social change.

Her journey to the Miss World stage represents a proud moment for Sri Lanka, as she prepares to shine internationally and inspire positive change through her advocacy.

Best Wishes from Sri Lanka Foundation International!

Happy Sinhala & Hindu New Year 2025! – From Sri Lanka Foundation Int. 15 Apr 12:39 PM (6 months ago)

Happy Sinhala & Hindu New Year 2025!

May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year illuminate your life with joy, happiness, good health, and success throughout the year.

With heartfelt wishes,
Sri Lanka Foundation Team

 

සූර්ය මංගල්‍යය 2025 – A Global Sinhala & Tamil New Year Celebration! 12 Apr 9:03 AM (6 months ago)

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
Enjoy the celebrations on your favorite streaming platforms:
Samsung TV
LG TV
Amazon TV
Sony TV
ROKU TV
Hulu TV
Apple TV

Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Colombo, or Adelaide, don’t miss this incredible showcase of Sri Lankan culture, dance, music, and student performances from the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts.

“සූර්ය මංගල්‍යය 2025” is more than just a New Year celebration—it’s a global connection of Sri Lankans around the world, sharing joy, tradition, and unity.

Mark your calendars and celebrate with us!

Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Sri Lanka & Celebrate Earth Day 2025 9 Apr 2:29 PM (6 months ago)

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 Earth Day 2025 celebrations, ASPAS is proud to present ReTree LA, a meaningful initiative dedicated to restoring and revitalizing the Los Angeles ecosystem.

Date: April 26, 2025.
Time: 10.30 a.m. onwards
Location: Celebrity Centre International, Hollywood, Los Angeles

A key highlight of this initiative is the distribution of 100 plants to attendees at the Beauty of Sri Lanka 2025 Photographic Exhibition. This effort aims to raise environmental awareness and encourage individuals to take an active role in rebuilding green spaces.

By planting and nurturing trees, participants will help revitalize ecosystems damaged by recent wildfires in Los Angeles, create habitats for wildlife and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Together, let’s restore nature, rebuild communities, and celebrate a greener future! Celebrate Sri Lanka & Make a Difference

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Sri Lanka while playing a role in restoring our planet. Join this inspiring journey to promote cultural appreciation and environmental conservation.

SLF APA Welcomes New Students for the 2025 Academic Year! 28 Mar 3:31 PM (6 months ago)

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 External Dancing teachers Nirosha Wijegunasekare, External Dancing teachers Akila Palipana and Academic teacher Umendra Kahadawaarachchi, and drumming teacher Waruna Hemachandra shared their words of encouragement and vision for the school.

A highlight of the event was the inspiring testimonials from academy graduates and current students, who shared their transformative experiences at SLF APA. Parents also had the opportunity to meet with teachers and the management team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

As a special recognition, all students who participated in Sri Lanka Day 2024 were presented with certificates of appreciation for their contributions. The certificates were personally awarded by Dr. Walter Jayasinghe and Aeshea Jayasinghe, underscoring their gratitude and pride in the students’ achievements.

The event also featured captivating videos highlighting the academy’s past successes, including workshops, cultural programs, and dance performances. A special video by FINN TV USA added a dynamic touch to the occasion, while attendees were introduced to the channel’s streaming content and its staff.

The SLF APA continues to offer engaging Dancing and Drumming classes, available both online and in-person, every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. These classes provide students with an opportunity to create, interpret, and present original artistic expressions inspired by Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

For more information, please contact:

Achala Weerasinghe
Senior Production Director of Sri Lanka Foundation / Operational Director of Academy of Performing Arts
Phone: 213-400-1662
Email: achala@slint.org

Ready to join us?
Visit www.srilankafoundation.org and click on the “Academy” tab to complete your enrollment application today!

Sri Lanka Foundation Int Celebrates the New Year with the Launch of “Light Up a Life” Campaign 28 Mar 3:20 PM (6 months ago)

In celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, we are very excited to announce the launch of our “Light Up a Life” campaign, which will empower underprivileged communities across Sri Lanka.

We are hoping that you all celebrate with us and make a donation in honor of someone else, wishing them a happy New Year and ensuring the betterment of those in Sri Lanka. When a donation is made in honor of someone else, we will send them a free e-card wishing them a happy New Year. With your support and the support of others, we can directly impact the lives of the underprivileged in Sri Lanka.

Through the Light Up A Life campaign, we are revitalizing two of our most passionate Causes:

Essential Items for Pregnant Women
Providing pregnancy care kits to ensure a healthy start for mothers and babies in underserved areas.
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Combating Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Addressing CKD by improving access to clean drinking water and raising awareness among at-risk communities.
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WE ARE ALSO LAUNCHING A NEW SCHOLARSHIP

SLF International Scholarship for Women & Children
Empowering the future! Supporting women and children through education, helping break the cycle of poverty, and building a brighter tomorrow.

Join us in making a difference!

Your contributions can directly impact lives through education, healthcare, and essential aid programs. Together, we can light up lives across Sri Lanka.

More about this campaign and our organization:

Dr. Walter Jayasinghe founded Sri Lanka Foundation International (SLF) in 2003 in Los Angeles to promote Sri Lankan culture globally and support communities in need. He is a Sri Lankan-born physician, philanthropist, and entrepreneur whose lifelong mission has been to give back to his motherland. With a deep commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities, this initiative reflects his belief that “Success is a debt owed back to society.”

The Light Up A Life campaign is spearheaded by Farida Chittalwala (Lukmanjee), the SLF Ambassador for Projects and Development. She leads this campaign with passion and dedication, ensuring its success in reaching those most in need. Farida is also the foundation Ambassador for District 9 of the Zonta International Foundation for Women.

www.slfint.org/lightupalife
(213) 483 0126
causes@slfint.org

 

International Women’s Day 2025 10 Mar 1:58 PM (7 months ago)

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women, advocating for gender equality, and inspiring action towards a fairer and more inclusive world. This year, the theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, highlights the critical need to create a society where every woman and girl has equal opportunities, rights, and the power to shape her own future.

At Sri Lanka Foundation International (SLF), we recognize the invaluable contributions of women not only within the Sri Lankan community but also around the world. Women have continuously made remarkable progress in science, politics, business, education, arts, sports, and beyond. Their accomplishments and resilience have paved the way for a more equitable society, and IWD serves as a reminder of their incredible impact on shaping the world. However, despite significant progress, many women still face social, economic, and cultural challenges such as gender discrimination, unequal pay, limited access to education, and workplace bias. International Women’s Day calls upon individuals, organizations, and communities to unite to break down barriers and foster an environment of inclusivity and opportunity for all women and girls.

Sri Lanka Foundation International remains committed to empowering women through various initiatives, events, and community programs that promote gender equality and celebrate women’s achievements. We believe that by fostering an inclusive society where women and girls have the resources and support they need, we can collectively contribute to a better and more equitable future.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we encourage everyone to reflect on the importance of gender equality and to support policies, programs, and initiatives that amplify women’s voices, rights, and opportunities. Let us continue to champion a world where all women and girls are empowered to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential.

Happy International Women’s Day 2025 from all of us at Sri Lanka Foundation International. Together, let’s build a future where every woman, regardless of her background, has the power to thrive.

SLF Celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 8 Mar 6:43 AM (7 months ago)

As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, we at the Sri Lanka Foundation would like to hear from you!

We invite Sri Lankans in the United States to share a message with us to info@slfint.org on how International Women’s Day resonates with them. What does this day signify in their life? How do they celebrate it? What message would they like to share with the world?

Please share your picture (optional), thoughts, stories, or messages with us. We’ll compile them into a special feature to celebrate this important day.

Thank you for participating!

Best regards,
Sri Lanka Foundation