Educate Lanka Scholars welcomed by the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Washington D.C.

The event was part of the delegation’s visit to the annual Global Citizenship Institute in Massachusetts and the celebration of Educate Lanka’s 10th anniversary. The visit also exemplified a case of strengthened ties between the U.S. and Sri Lanka through promotion of global citizenship and inter-institutional collaboration.

On July 18th, 2017, four (4) Educate Lanka Foundation Scholars from Sri Lanka, together with a group of Educate Lanka benefactors and well-wishers from the Sri Lankan American community, were hosted for a welcome reception and dinner at the Sri Lankan Residence by Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, marking the celebration of Educate Lanka Foundation’s 10th anniversary.

Educate Lanka Scholars were welcomed and greeted by the Sri Lankan Ambassador, Prasad Kariyawasam. Photo Credit: Sri Lankan Embassy

The delegation of four (4) Educate Lanka Scholars, Nathasha Dharmasena (20), Sakunika Amarasinghe (21), Chamudu Jayasingha (16), Kaveesha Gimhana (19), together with Educate Lanka’s Country Coordinator, Dhanusha Amarasinghe, and Liaison Officer, Thiyagi Peiris, was invited for the Global Citizenship Institute at St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts as part of the partnership between Educate Lanka and St. Mark’s School. During the week-long annual program, Educate Lanka Scholars learned about the role and responsibilities of an engaged global citizen while applying their learnings to design solutions for some of the social issues pertaining to their own communities which will be implemented when they return to Sri Lanka.

Educate Lanka delegation, the only international participants, representing Sri Lanka at the Global Citizenship Institute at St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts.

The Ambassador’s reception, which was part of the delegation’s second-leg of their U.S. visit, provided the students with a unique opportunity to share their individual stories, accomplishments, and future aspirations with the Ambassador and his distinguished guests. Welcoming the delegation and guests to his residence, Ambassador Kariyawasam highlighted the importance of Educate Lanka’s mission and approach in providing a transparent and virtual platform for the overseas Sri Lankans to invest in the next generation of Sri Lanka’s global citizens by sharing both their financial resources and knowledge.

Educate Lanka Scholars presenting the Ambassador with a token of appreciation signifying the many decades-long abiding friendship and relations between the two nations. From left: Desk Officer for Sri Lanka at the U.S. Department of State, Jason Evans, Educate Lanka Scholars: Kaveesha Gimhana, Chamudu Jayasingha, Nathasha Dharmasena, Sakunika Amarasinghe, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, Educate Lanka founder, Manjula Dissanayake, Educate Lanka country coordinator, Dhanu Amarasinghe, Educate Lanka liaison officer, Thiyagi Peiris. Photo Credit: Sri Lankan Embassy

Speaking at the occasion, Educate Lanka’s founder and president, Manjula Dissanayake, emphasized the importance and the need to provide opportunities for Sri Lanka’s next generation to think and act globally.

“These four students epitomize the definition of an Educate Lanka Scholar, which is to think beyond their education and profession in becoming responsible and empathic citizens of the world who are ready to tackle the challenges and demands of the 21st century.”

- Manjula Dissanayake, Founder, Educate Lanka Foundation, Inc.

As part of their visit to DC, the delegation also had the opportunity to attend a series of events planned around the 10th anniversary of the organization, which included a couple of “meet and greet” sessions with the founding team of Educate Lanka as well as with nearly 30 Sri Lankan American young professionals from the Greater Washington area organized by the Sri Lankan Association of Washington DC.

“Meet & Greet” session with Sri Lankan American young professionals in the Greater Washington area organized by the Sri Lankan Association of Washington DC. Photo Credit: Yohan Perera

The Educate Lanka delegation with its founder, Manjula Dissanayake. From left: Dhanu, Manjula, Kaveesha, Sakunika, Nathasha, Thiyagi, Chamudu. Photo Credit: Yohan Perera

Despite the packed schedule, they also found time to visit some of the Smithsonian museums and key landmarks of historic DC before departing to Sri Lanka on July 19th.

Watch a quick overview video of their journey to the U.S. and their time at the Global Citizenship Institute:

To learn more about Educate Lanka’s mission and to invest in the education of an Educate Lanka student, please visit www.educatelanka.org