Press Articles

Sri Lanka Women’s Association in UK celebrates 70th anniversary (2019)
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK (SLWA) celebrated with pride it’s 70th Anniversary at a luncheon at St.James Court Hotel,(A Taj Hotel) Buckingham Gate, London last month.
 
The President of the Association, Mrs Natalie Layman welcomed the Chief Guest, Her Excellency Ms Manisha Gunasekera, the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK,
 
and guests. Prior to the celebrations commencing, a somber moment for an In Memoriam, a minute’s silence observed in memory of the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka.
 
The traditional oil lamp was lit to the tune of “Danno Budunge” followed by a formal cutting of the Anniversary cake when the music burst into the familiar tune of “Congratulations” capturing the jubilant and relaxed atmosphere of the celebrations.
Guests were treated to a delicious silver service three course meal. Music was provided by a String Quartet which to the delight of the guests gave a very polished and exquisite performance which included some iconic Classical pieces  from Mozart, Vivaldi and Bach.
  
High Commissioner Manisha Gunasekera with SLWA members
 
The High Commissioner, Ms Manisha Gunasekera addressed the gathering. She commended the SLWA for its continued  service and activities over many years which have been of benefit to Sri Lanka especially for working towards the empowerment of women and girls. As Patron of the Association, Ms Gunasekera said that she was pleased to extend the support of the High Commission towards its activities and wished the SLWA success in its future.
 
A poem “An Ode to the SLWA” tracing the history of the SLWA to the present day composed by Hermione Tavarayan was recited by Mona Swaris.  Dr Nalini Ekanayake, President of Honour gave the Vote of Thanks, with the two National Anthems rounding off an enjoyable afternoon.
 
 On the advice of Sir Oliver E Goonetileke, 1st High Commissioner to the UK,  a letter was sent in late November 1949 to The Rt Hon D.S.Senanayake ,1st Prime Minister of Ceylon, to ask permission for such an organisation to be formed and his reply with a positive  response dated 8th December 1949, was received with the proviso that  he had no objection …..” as long as  the body was not political.”…On 21st December 1949 the  inaugural meeting  was held to form  the ‘Association .of Ceylon Women in the UK’.
The 70th Anniversary celebrations presented an opportunity to reflect on the rich history of the Association.  The SLWA was founded in 1949. its Co-founders, Lady Evelyn de Soysa and Mrs Laurel Casinader set up the Association as a non political, multi religious and multi cultural organisation.When the SLWA was formed in 1949, it was primarily to help the first generation of Sri Lankan women who came to the UK to meet in a spirit of fellowship and goodwill. It helped to break down the isolation they would have felt at the time in coming to a new country to live.
 
The Association was therefore a pioneer in the field of providing a forum for women to meet in a social environment to exchange views and provide mutual support. Since then the Association has evolved over the years and some important developments have taken place. Developmental work led to the setting up of the Education Scheme as a registered Charity in the UK in 1996.
 
The work that the Education Scheme carries out helps disadvantaged women and girls in Sri Lanka to gain economic emancipation and empower them. The aim of the Scheme is to facilitate the provision of educational grants to financially and socially deprived girls of secondary schools and young women in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the Scheme has been engaged in career enhancing projects to offer spoken and written English classes to young women in rural areas .
 
Fundraising activities undertaken by the Association have in the recent years helped to give aid to the Chronic Kidney Disease Hospital in Anuradhapura, Heart to Heart Foundation (providing heart surgery to impoverished patients)  “Water for life “, a water purification system for a school of 800 children in the Polonnaruwa district,  Prithipura Home for the Differently Disabled for the renovation and refurbishment of its activity room and the YWCA  “Girl Child Project’ to support under privileged girls in Sri Lanka.  Donations have also been sent recently to help victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. The SLWA also responds to victims of natural disasters by providing aid.
 
The SLWA is also proud to be affiliated to international and national organisations such as the International Alliance of Women, the Women’s Council in the UK, the Commonwealth Countries League and the Sri Lanka Women’s Conference.
 
 It is undoubtedly a great achievement that the Association has been able to sustain itself all these years in the UK. The SLWA continues to grow and is always looking for fresh ideas and new projects which will bring a beacon of hope and improve the welfare of disadvantaged people in Sri Lanka.The Association also hopes the rich history and current philanthropy will encourage new members to continue its legacy.
 
National New Year Celebrations (2018)
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the U.K. (SLWA) held it’s National New Year Celebrations on Saturday the 21st of April 2018, at the Holy Apostles Church Hall, London SW1. Mr Sam Cooray,Third Secretary, Sri Lanka High Commission in the U.K. was the Chief Guest.
 
This annual event brings together Sri Lankans and other nationalities in the spirit of the Association’s fundamental principles of a non-political, multicultural and multi religious organisation. The SLWA’s National New Year celebrations have, over the years, provided an opportunity to strengthen the cultural bonds of the Sri Lankan communities and also foster friendship and fellowship among different nationalities.
 
Mrs Mona Swaris, Vice President of the Association, on behalf of the President and the Committee welcomed the guests and wished them a vey enjoyable afternoon. The proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp led by Mr Sam Cooray. A Representative from the different communities in Sri Lanka also had the honour of lighting the lamp. This was followed by a brief address by Mr Sam Cooray in which he spoke of the significance of the National New Year and also said that he was very pleased to attend the SLWA’s celebrations especially as he had enjoyed the event last year.
 
Guests were treated to the traditional New Year fare of Kiribath and a welcome drink. A sumptuous buffet lunch, catered by Golden Platter was enjoyed by all. Music provided by Lalindra Fernando created a lively atmosphere throughout with guests dancing to some memorable tunes. A Sing Along to some “golden oldies” created a relaxed atmosphere after lunch, followed by a game which called upon some team work. The Baila competition was a big draw with everyone having great fun and enjoyment. A raffle with a line up of some great prizes rounded up the activities of the afternoon.
 
A Vote of Thanks was given by Mrs Natalie Layman, President of the SLWA. The event ended with the National Anthems of both Sri Lanka and Great Britain.
 
68th Annual General (2017)
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association held it’s 68th Annual General Meeting on 25th March 2017 at the Sri Lanka High Commission. It was very well attended by the Members of the Association. Guests included the President of the Commonwealth Countries League and a representative from the Women’s Council UK.
 
At the formal proceedings of the meeting the following appointments were made:
 
Ex-Officio Members:
President of Honour: Dr Miss Nalini Ekanayake
Vice President of Honour: Dr Mrs Seetha Siriwardena
 
The following members were appointed to the Executive Committee:-
 
President: Mrs Kumari Ratnayake
Secretary: Mrs Minoli Weeraman
Treasurer: Mrs Ranee Thuraisingham
Education Officer: Mrs Chitra Jayasooriya
Immediate Past President: Mrs Calista Jayasinghe
Vice President: Mrs Natalie Layman
Membership Secretary: Mrs Luckshanthi Goonawardena
 
Executive Committee:
Mrs Calista Jayasinghe, Mrs Natalie Layman, Mrs Swarna Athauda, Mrs Ranee Thurasingham, Mrs Luckshanthi Goonewardena, Mrs Sarasa Siriwardana, Mrs Indira Wimalasena, Dr Mrs Kamali De Soyza, Mrs Mona Swaris, Mrs Ruvenie De Alwis Jayasinghe, Mrs Malini Perera, Mrs Chitra Fernando, Ms Vajira Zeghli, Mrs Fathima Muhammed, Mrs Nelun Perera.
 
Mrs Sue Clarke and Mrs Damayanthi Holbourne were welcomed as new members to the Committee.
 
Trustees of the Education Scheme: Mrs Chitra Jayasooriya, Dr Mrs Kamali De Soyza, Mrs Mona Swaris, Mrs NatalieLayman, Mrs Indira Wimalasena and Mrs Sarasa Siriwardana.
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association (SLWA) was formed in 1949 and was a pioneer in the field of providing a forum for women from Sri Lanka to meet in a social environment to exchange views and provide mutual support and to establish goodwill and understanding among all nationalities. Since then the organisation has evolved over the last 68 years. The Education Scheme is a registered Charity in the UK and has over the years invested in the education of women and young girls in Sri Lanka to help them gain economic emancipation and empower them.
 
The Association has recently raised funds for the CFS Prithipura Home in Sri Lanka. Prithipura is a home for destitute children with mental and physical disability. It is a registered Charity and approved as a Non Governmental Organisation. The Home is run primarily through donations in both cash and kind from individual and corporate well wishers. The SLWA raised funds through a sponsored walk and a Christmas lunch, “Yuletide Cheer”, specifically, to upgrade the Activity Room in the Home, to help improve the quality of life of the residents. Most of them derive great pleasure by participating in creative activity such as hand work, painting, singing and dancing.
 
Regular donations are also given to the Save the Children Fund, The Greater London Fund for the Blind, LEPRA, the Buddhist Temple in Chiswick, the Mulleriyawa Hospital in Sri Lanka, Commonwealth Countries League, Countries and Families Abroad. Funds are also raised for Charitable causes in Sri Lanka such as the recent donations to Prithipura Home, Heart to Heart Trust Fund, installation of a Water purification system in a school in the North Central Province sponsored by “Inner Wheel” and the Chronic Kidney Disease Hospital in Anuradhapura. SLWA also responds to appeals for funds to help those afflicted by natural disasters around the world.
 
The SLWA is also proud to be affiliated to international and national organisations such as the International Alliance for Women, the Women’s Council in the UK, the Commonwealth Countries League and the Sri Lanka Women’s Conference.
 
SRI LANKA WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION’S “YULETIDE CHEER” (2016)
 
Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK, held a festive lunch, “Yuletide Cheer” on the 11th December 2016 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Victoria, London SW1. Mrs Kumari Ratnayake, President of the Association welcomed the guests and wished them all an enjoyable afternoon.
 
The event was well attended. The guests were treated to a sumptuous Sri Lanka buffet, and entertained to soft music during lunch. Later, dancing commenced with a buzz to some well loved tunes including the ever popular Baila. A joyous rendition of a selection of traditional carols followed in festive spirit.
 
The event had also a very serious purpose, namely to raise funds for the CFS Prithipura Home in Sri Lanka. Prithipura is a home for destitute children with mental and physical disability. It is a registered Charity and approved as a Non Governmental Organisation. The Home is run primarily through donations in both cash and kind from individual and corporate well wishers. The Government of Sri Lanka, Department of Social Services, provides approximately Rs. 270,000 annually, while the monthly running expenses are Rs. 600,000 which does not include management and capital expenditures of the home.
 
Funds at this event were raised specifically, to upgrade the Activity Room in the Home to further improve the quality of life of the residents. Most of them derive great pleasure by participating in creative activity such as hand work, painting, singing and dancing. The Association had also raised some funds from a Sponsored Walk in Hyde Park on the 3rd of September but more funds were needed for the purpose of improving and expanding the Activity Room. Since the event, Mrs Kumari Ratnayake has visited the Prithipura Home to witness first hand some of the services and activities of the Home.
 
Guests contributed very generously by participating wholeheartedly in the Raffle and through donations for this very needy cause-the Prithipura Home. “Yuletide Cheer” ended in great spirit and a festive mood.
 
SRI LANKA WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION IN THE UK (2016)
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK, celebrated it’s 67th Founders Day on 15 October 2016 at the Sri Lanka High Commission. The President, Mrs Kumari Ratnayake welcomed Her Excellency Amira WIJEWARDENA, High Commissioner and Patron of the Association, invited guests, members and well wishers.
 
The distinguished guest speakers were Dr Kamal Gamammpila and Dr Shihan De Silva Jayasuriya.
 
Dr Gamammpila’s subject was the ‘Chronic Kidney Disease in Sri Lanka’. He is a Biomedical Scientist with a Ph.d in Physiology from Imperial College and a M .Phil in BioPhysics from the University of Brunel. He is also affiliated to Imperial College and collaborates with Professor Saroj Jayasinghe of The Medical Faculty, Colombo on chronic kidney disease. He has recently analysed the data of the WHO study on the subject.
 
Dr Shihan De Silva Jayasuriya is a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University College,London. A Ph.d on Indo-Portuguese of Ceylon – History, linguistics and literature. Her presentation focused on the cultural imprint left by the Portuguese in Sri Lanka with regard to language, trade and the kaffir community of Puttalam district and their music. She is the author of several books on the subject.
 
This followed a sumptuous afternoon tea provided by the Association.
 
Sri Lanka Women’s Association UK celebrates Founders Day (2015)
 
LONDON -The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK (SLWA) celebrated its Founderâ’s Day last month with a Tea Dance at the Holiday Inn, Empire Way, Wembley.
 
The President Mrs Calista Jayasinghe welcomed the guests to an afternoon “Chai Tea” with savouries and sweet treats and a varied programme including lively music and dancing.
 
Guest Speaker Linda Duffield, a former British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, who had recently visited the country as part of the team of observers from the Commonwealth Secretariat for the Parliamentary elections in August, spoke warmly about her time in Sri Lanka and also of the common ties that linked the two countries.
 
The event was also in aid of two charitable projects in Sri Lanka. The Heart to Trust Fund project , “Giving Heart to Poor People” gives hope to impoverished people grappling with heart disease to meet the expenses of heart surgery and “Seeking Water for Life” sponsored by Inner Wheel which provides water purification systems to hospitals, schools and community centres for those suffering from chronic kidney disease in the North Central Province.
 
A raffle consisting of an array of attractive prizes was also held.
 
Annual Donation to London Buddhist Vihara (2015)
 
On behalf of theLanka Women’s Association,and other members donated a Microwave Oven to the London Buddhist Vihara on the day the Vesak Programme was held at the temple. Each year on the Vesak day the association donates an item required by the Vihara.
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association is one of the oldest Sri Lankan charitable organisations in the UK. This year they have65th anniversary.is a non-politicalassociation based in London.senior committee member, Luckshanti Goonawardena on behalf of the SLWA said that for the last 65 years they have carried out various projects to educate underchildren in Sri Lanka. During this time they also have assistedmany otherin Sri Lanka as well as worthy charities in the UK.
Sri Lanka Women’s Association celebrates it’s 65th Anniversary (2014)
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association, (SLWA) celebrated its 65th Anniversary in the UK with a traditional Tea Party at the House of Lords on the 7th of October 2014, hosted by the grace and generosity of the Rt.Hon. The Lord Naseby. Lord Naseby has been a long standing friend of the Association having also hosted the Association’s 60th Anniversary.
 
The President of the SLWA, Mrs Calista Jayasinghe, welcomed the guests and invited Lord Naseby to give his Welcome Address. In his speech, Lord Naseby spoke warmly about the time he has spent in Sri Lanka, becoming a supporter of the country both in good times and its difficult periods.
 
A traditional celebratory lamp was lit as well as a formal cutting of a Celebration Cake before the President of Honour, Dr Nalini Ekanayake gave a speech tracing the history of the SLWA. As well as providing non-members and visitors with some fascinating background to the Association, she also spoke eloquently of the patronage bestowed over the years from former Prime Ministers, High Commissioners in the UK and other dignitaries.
 
To mark the historic occasion, Dr Nalini Ekanayake also highlighted some notable milestones of the Association. The SLWA was founded in 1949 as a non-political, multi religious, multi-cultural organisation, primarily to help the first generation of women who came to the UK to meet in a spirit of goodwill and fellowship. She highlighted that The SLWA is also affiliated to the Women’s Council in the UK, the Commonwealth Countries League, the International Alliance of Women and the Sri Lanka Women’s Conference.
 
In 1996, the SLWA Education Scheme was registered as a Charity in the UK. In 2013, 23 secondary school children were given educational grants, 18 are continuing in 2014. Since 2010, SLWA has undertaken three English teaching projects in Sri Lanka irrespective of ethnicity. Regular donations are given to various Charities in the UK and Sri Lanka and the Association also responds to appeals for funds to help those affected by natural disasters.
 
We hope that knowledge of the SLWA’s rich history and current philanthropy will encourage new members to continue its legacy
 
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK 64th Annual General Meeting (2013)
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK held their 64th Annual General Meeting on Saturday 23rd March 2013, at the Sri Lanka High Commission, Hyde Park Gardens, London.
 
Indira Wimalasena, President SLWA addressed the gathering. Among the guest speakers were, the Patron of the Association, Dr Chris Nonis, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Great Britain, Louisa Service, OBE, President of the Commonwealth Countries League (CCL), and Hilary Paddon of the International Alliance of Women (IAW). Swarna Athauda, Hon. Treasurer, and Chitra Jayasooriya, Education Officer, presented their reports. The Secretary’s report was presented by Natalie Layman. The election of office bearers was followed by short eats and tea.
 
The SLWA in the UK is one of the oldest Sri Lankan Associations in the UK. The Education Scheme provides grants to under privileged girls in Sri Lanka, to educate themselves, and thereby enhance the lives of their families.
 
The SLWA is affiliated to the Commonwealth Countries League and the International Alliance of Women. The SLWA raise funds annually, by having stalls at the CCL and CFAB fairs. The CCL raises funds for deserving children all over the world, including Sri Lanka, and CFAB (Children & Families Across Borders), identifies and protects children who have been separated from their families across international borders, due to conflict, trafficking, abduction, migration, divorce and asylum. All funds raised by the SLWA are donated to the respective organisations.
 
The SLWA’s next event, the annual National New Year celebration will be held on Saturday 20th April 2013, at St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, Priory Avenue, Turnham Green, London W4 1TX. Traditional food will be served, followed by lunch  provided by Golden Platter. For further details call Swarna on 0208 302 8928.
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK 64th Annual General Meeting (2013)
 
The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK held their 64th Annual General Meeting on Saturday 23rd March 2013, at the Sri Lanka High Commission, Hyde Park Gardens, London.
 
Indira Wimalasena, President SLWA addressed the gathering. Among the guest speakers were, the Patron of the Association, Dr Chris Nonis, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Great Britain, Louisa Service, OBE, President of the Commonwealth Countries League (CCL), and Hilary Paddon of the International Alliance of Women (IAW). Swarna Athauda, Hon. Treasurer, and Chitra Jayasooriya, Education Officer, presented their reports. The Secretary’s report was presented by Natalie Layman. The election of office bearers was followed by short eats and tea.
 
The SLWA in the UK is one of the oldest Sri Lankan Associations in the UK. The Education Scheme provides grants to under privileged girls in Sri Lanka, to educate themselves, and thereby enhance the lives of their families.
 
The SLWA is affiliated to the Commonwealth Countries League and the International Alliance of Women. The SLWA raise funds annually, by having stalls at the CCL and CFAB fairs. The CCL raises funds for deserving children all over the world, including Sri Lanka, and CFAB (Children & Families Across Borders), identifies and protects children who have been separated from their families across international borders, due to conflict, trafficking, abduction, migration, divorce and asylum. All funds raised by the SLWA are donated to the respective organisations.
 
The SLWA’s next event, the annual National New Year celebration will be held on Saturday 20th April 2013, at St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, Priory Avenue, Turnham Green, London W4 1TX. Traditional food will be served, followed by lunch  provided by Golden Platter. For further details call Swarna on 0208 302 8928.