ABOUT US
Read our amazing stories over the journey through.
From Vision to Community: The Okanagan Sri Lankans!
The Okanagan Sri Lankans community was founded in 2015 by two Sri Lankans in Kelowna with the purpose of uniting fellow Sri Lankans living in the Okanagan Valley—from Vernon to Osoyoos—and celebrating Sri Lankan culture in our new home. From that vision, the Okanagan Sri Lankans Facebook page was created on December 14, 2015, becoming the first step in connecting our growing community.
As the years went by, the community expanded, and so did the need to support one another. Beginning in 2020, a few dedicated families began organizing and hosting gatherings in their homes. However, as the number of members grew, these small gatherings were no longer practical. Recognizing this, the founders, registered the Okanagan Sri Lankans as a nonprofit organization.
Since then, we have continued to build a vibrant, supportive, and active community—one that values cultural heritage, unity, and making a positive contribution to the Okanagan Valley. Today, we are steadily growing and remain committed to helping one another, celebrating our traditions, and enriching the wider community we live in.
Message from the President
Welcome to the Okanagan Sri Lankans community!
It’s an honor to serve as the President of this vibrant and growing community.
It all began in 2015 with just a few families in Kelowna who wanted to connect with fellow Sri Lankans across the Okanagan Valley.
From small home gatherings to becoming a registered non-profit, we’ve come a long way together.
Okanagan Sri Lankans has grown into a strong and supportive community.
Our mission is to celebrate our heritage, support one another, and contribute positively to the broader Canadian society. Whether through cultural events, social gatherings, or community projects, we aim to create a welcoming space for all.
We aim to actively engage with other communities in the Okanagan, promoting unity and sharing the richness of our Sri Lankan heritage.
Whether you’re new to the area or have been with us for years, we invite you to stay connected and get involved.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we can continue to build a strong, united, and proud community.
Warm regards,
Our Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the Okanagan Sri Lankans (OKSL) leads our community with dedication and passion. As a non-profit organization, our committee members volunteer their time and expertise to guide activities, foster unity, and ensure that our cultural values are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Krishanthi Gunasekara
Executive PresidentNirmal Hettiarachchi
Executive SecretryShachinie Imalsha
Vice PresidentDula Samanthi
TreasurerSanji Jayathilake
TreasurerTechnology & Digital Media
Nipuna Edirisinghe
Committe MemberRasika Ranaweera
Committe MemberShachinie Imalsha
Vice President, Committe MemberEvent and Initiatives
Krishanthi Gunasekara
President, Committe MemberManoj Fernando
Committe MemberDinushi Ariyathilaka
Committe MemberLousica Gajendiran
Committe MemberThilini Suresha
Committe MemberPasindu Rajapakse
Committe MemberRushil Abeykoon
Committe MemberFund Raising & Community Relations