About Us
Discover the rich history and mission of the Sri Lanka Association of New England, a cornerstone of community engagement and cultural preservation since 1998.
Our History
SLANE was founded on September 26, 1998, by a dedicated group of Sri Lankans in New England who recognized the need for a unified community organization. What began as a small gathering of like-minded individuals has grown into a thriving 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Since our inception, SLANE has been a cornerstone for community engagement and cultural preservation in the region, touching the lives of countless Sri Lankans and friends of Sri Lanka across all six New England states.
26+
Years of Service
1998
Year Founded
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September 26, 1998
SLANE was officially founded
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501(c)(3) Status
EIN #81-2280947
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Community Focus
Serving all New England states
Our Mission
SLANE’s mission is to promote social, cultural, educational, and recreational
activities that foster unity, good will, and peace among all Sri Lankans in the
New England region.
Social Activities
Building connections and friendships through community gatherings and social events.
Cultural Preservation
Preserving and sharing Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage with future generations.
Educational Programs
Providing educational opportunities and resources about Sri Lankan culture and traditions.
Recreational Events
Organizing fun and engaging recreational activities for families and individuals.
Our Journey
Key milestones in SLANE’s history
1998
SLANE was founded on September 26th by a group of Sri Lankans in New England
2000
First annual Winter Ball held, establishing our signature fundraising event
2005
Began cultural education programs for Sri Lankan youth
2010
Expanded community outreach to all six New England states
2015
Launched Discover Sri Lanka program with youth ambassadors
2020
Adapted to virtual events during pandemic, maintaining community connection
2024
Celebrating 26 years of community service and cultural preservation
Board of Directors
Key milestones in SLANE’s history
Meet Our Leadership Team
Our Board of Directors oversees SLANE's activities and ensures alignment with our mission of fostering community, preserving culture, and supporting charitable initiatives.
For a complete list of our board members and their roles, or to learn more about our governance, please contact us directly.
President: Edward Alwis
Vice President: Mark Maddison
Secretary: Nicole Peiris
Treasurer: Janaki Blum
Co-Treasurer: Maneesha Premaratne
Immediate Past President: Vishvaka Binduhewa
Auditor: Isuru Wickramaratne
Committee Members:
Charitha Guruge
Dan Crocker
David Senatilaka
Dhanushan Wijayaratna
Geraldine Wijesundera
Heshan Pallie
Irantha Weerakurukulasuriya
Jane Alwis
Lilupa Munindradasa
Natasha Ramanayake
Ramyanie Perera
Ravi Kurukulasuriya
Sachith Vidanapathirana
Sharmalie Jayasinghe
Shavik Gunarathne
Vyonni de Mel
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do at SLANE
Unity
Bringing Sri Lankans together across New England
Heritage
Preserving and celebrating our rich cultural traditions
Service
Supporting our community and those in need
Inclusion
Welcoming all friends of Sri Lanka with open arms