Shine a Light 2025
Shine A Light: Celebrating Sri Lankan Volunteer Spirit took place on Sunday, 22 June 2025 at Sommerville Presbyterian Church, Remuera. Organised by the Kiwi Sri Lankan Charitable Trust with support from the Department of Internal Affairs, the event honoured the outstanding voluntary contributions of Sri Lankan volunteers in Auckland. Around 50 community leaders and grassroots volunteers attended the celebration, which included formal recognition, networking, and a light dinner. The event was graced by His Excellency, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Zealand, who acknowledged the value of community service and cultural connection. It was a heartfelt evening that celebrated the spirit of giving and the positive impact of volunteerism across our communities.
Honouring Sri Lankan Community Excellence in New Zealand
Here are the Sri Lankan community organizations honoured by His Excellency Mr. Prasanna Gamage, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to New Zealand, in recognition of their remarkable contributions. Scroll through to explore the inspiring work each group has carried out and the reasons they were celebrated
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA-NEW ZEALAND CHAPTER INCORPORATED
The Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya – New Zealand Chapter Incorporated is a charitable organisation dedicated to strengthening connections between the University of Peradeniya and its alumni in New Zealand. It fosters relationships among graduates, supports newly migrated alumni with settlement and employment, and promotes awareness of the University’s achievements and needs. The Association also encourages members to contribute to academic excellence and development initiatives at their alma mater. All activities are guided by charitable objectives, with income and resources directed toward supporting the community and advancing education. Two recent initiatives include the Working Students’ Assistance Programme (WSAP), which supports 30 financially disadvantaged undergraduate students in Sri Lanka, and the screening of Sri Gauthama Buddha Matha, a cultural event that promoted community engagement and raised funds. Through such efforts, the Association continues to serve as a bridge between alumni and the University, while making a positive contribution to both the Sri Lankan and New Zealand communities.
Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute Alumni Association of New Zealand
The Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute Alumni Association of New Zealand is a charitable organisation established to connect former students of the institute now living in New Zealand. The Association aims to foster fellowship among alumni, support newly arrived members with settlement and employment, and contribute to community development through cultural and social initiatives. With a focus on unity and inclusion, the Association brings people together to celebrate shared heritage and values. All activities are aligned with its charitable objectives, promoting cultural awareness and supporting the well-being of its members and the wider community. A recent initiative was the Sinhala–Tamil New Year Celebration, which provided an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together and experience traditional New Year customs. The event featured cultural performances, games, and traditional food, creating a joyful and inclusive space for all community groups. Through such efforts, the Association continues to strengthen community bonds and celebrate cultural diversity in New Zealand.
IESL NZ Chapter
The IESL New Zealand Chapter is dedicated to advancing the science and profession of engineering in New Zealand, with a strong focus on supporting Sri Lankan engineers living and working across the country. As the official overseas chapter of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), the organisation upholds the core values and professional standards of the IESL while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and professional environment. The Chapter serves as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and career development, helping engineers remain connected to their professional roots and contribute meaningfully to the New Zealand engineering sector and the wider community. In addition to its professional development focus, the Chapter also organises events that celebrate Sri Lankan culture and strengthen community bonds. Two notable recent initiatives include the Engineers' Pedura, a Sri Lankan musical extravaganza that brought engineers and their families together in a spirit of celebration, and IESL New Zealand Tech Talks, which featured engaging presentations on cutting-edge engineering topics relevant to today’s industry. These events reflect the Chapter’s dual commitment to both professional growth and cultural connection, supporting a vibrant and united engineering community in Aotearoa.
New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation
The New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation Incorporated (NZSLF) is a registered charity committed to strengthening cultural ties within the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand and fostering meaningful connections between Sri Lankan and other communities across the country. Guided by its vision, NZSLF promotes unity, cultural understanding, and social cohesion through events and charitable initiatives that celebrate Sri Lankan heritage and contribute to community well-being. The Foundation organises a range of programmes that support both local and international causes. Recent highlights include a successful fundraising concert and the vibrant Sri Lanka Day celebration, which showcased traditional music, dance, and cuisine to a diverse audience. NZSLF also supports charitable efforts, including donations to St John New Zealand and the Digana Rehabilitation Hospital in Sri Lanka, demonstrating its commitment to giving back both locally and abroad. Through these initiatives, NZSLF continues to be a bridge between cultures, promoting goodwill and community spirit in Aotearoa.
New Zealand Sri Lanka Performing Arts Circle (SPCNZ)
The New Zealand Sri Lanka Performing Arts Circle (SPCNZ) is a vibrant community-based organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through the performing arts. Its mission is to provide an inclusive platform for Sri Lankan New Zealanders to express their talents in music, dance, drama, and literature, while fostering cultural pride and intergenerational connection. SPCNZ believes in the power of the arts to strengthen community bonds and promote unity, creativity, and well-being. Two recent initiatives showcase the group’s commitment to high-quality cultural programming. “Wiroopa”, an original stage drama, brought together a diverse group of Sri Lankan New Zealand artists, earning acclaim for its artistic expression and cultural depth. Another successful event, “Helabus Udanaya”, celebrated Sinhala language and literature through poetry, readings, and performances, offering a platform for both emerging and established writers. Through such initiatives, SPCNZ continues to enrich New Zealand’s multicultural landscape.
New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple
The New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple, located in Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, is much more than a place of worship—it’s a vital hub for community support and service. Daily nithya poojas and annual festivals, including its 10-day Mahotsavam, attract hundreds and raise both spiritual and communal energy indiannewslink.co.nz+8srilankanz.co.nz+8nzmurugan.org.nz+8. Amid the global COVID lockdown, the Temple sustained connection and solace by livestreaming religious services, reaching over 4,500 online devotees . The Temple’s social outreach is equally profound. Volunteers assemble food parcels weekly for families in need, preparing and distributing meals from their community hall—creating a lively, inclusive environment and supporting the vulnerable prayers1.com. They host regular fundraiser events, like Deepavali concerts and homams, to maintain and expand the Temple and hall facilities, which also serve as venues for cultural gatherings and private events reddit.com+10indiannewslink.co.nz+10nzmurugan.org.nz+10. In doing so, the Temple builds cultural connection and plays a crucial role in strengthening South Auckland’s social fabric.
North Shore Theravada Buddhist Temple
The NorthShore Buddhist Trust (NTBT) in Auckland is a community-focused organisation dedicated to promoting spiritual well-being, cultural values, and social harmony. NTBT regularly organises events that bring people together through shared traditions and acts of kindness. On January 1st, the Trust held a New Year Blessing and Dana Ceremony at Westlake Boys High School. The event included religious observances, a sermon on compassion and generosity, and a community almsgiving, fostering unity and gratitude. Another key initiative was the Sri Lankan New Year Cultural Day. The celebration featured traditional games, cultural performances, and a recreated model village, offering a nostalgic connection to Sri Lankan heritage for all ages. Beyond events, NTBT also provides social support to the community, promoting mindfulness, intergenerational connection, and service, while reinforcing values of compassion, respect, and inclusion in everyday life.
Siphala Foundation
The Siphala Foundation, based in Auckland, New Zealand, is a charitable organisation committed to supporting students facing financial hardship in their pursuit of education. Guided by the belief that education is a powerful tool for change, the Foundation's core mission is to provide continuous, meaningful financial assistance to selected students who demonstrate both need and potential. By easing the financial burden on these young individuals, the Foundation empowers them to focus on their studies and work toward brighter futures. Unlike many organisations that operate through short-term projects, the Siphala Foundation is deeply engaged in ongoing support, building long-term relationships with the students it assists. This sustained approach ensures that students receive the help they need throughout their educational journey, rather than as a one-off gesture. Through its quiet yet impactful work, the Foundation plays a vital role in improving lives, nurturing talent, and strengthening communities—one student at a time.
Dr Anne Perera
Dr Anne Doloras Perera, St Johns, Auckland, received the award for her services to food science and nutrition and the service to the community. ‘I feel really humbled and honoured to be on this elite list to be recognized as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit,’ she says accepting, ‘such a high honour for the professional and community work she has done over the past 40 plus years in her adopted land of NZ. She has a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture from Peradeniya University, a Masters Degree in Food Technology from the FAO International Food Technology Training Centre (IFTTC), a PhD in Food & Nutrition from Oregon State University , USA, and an executive MBA in New Zealand. She has worked in the food technology field in many countries including Brazil, Tanzania, Singapore, the USA and New Zealand. Also she has served on executive committees of several professional, ethnic and community organisations and been in several voluntary organizations including a project sponsored by Volunteer Service Abroad, New Zealand. where she is a Distinguished Member. She was once a President of the United Sri Lanka Association (USLA) the most active Sri Lankan community association, Auckland and a founder member, a President, of the New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation.
Dr Asoka Dias
Dr. Talduwa Gamage Chandrasoma Asoka Dias has been awarded with the Queen’s Service Medal for the services rendered to uplift health and serve the Sri Lankan community. Dr. Asoka Dias has contributed to community health, particularly focusing on mental, social and spiritual wellbeing of the Sri Lankan community, since he migrated to New Zealand in 1997. Dr. Dias led a fundraising initiative for the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple from 2004 until the successful establishment of the temple in 2014. He provided leadership towards establishing new premises for the temple in 2008 and for its ongoing maintenance. For ten years, he has coordinated a monthly meditation programme at the temple, which has helped reduce mental stress, fatigue and anxiety and provide health benefits within the community. He helped re-establish the New Zealand Overseas Doctors Association in 1999, which has seen more than 250 qualified doctors from 32 countries engage in work in New Zealand. He has been a member of the United Sri Lanka Association in Auckland for more than 20 years, helping members with their physical and mental well-being through discussions, presentations and hands-on workshops. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the planning for the urgent delivery of High Flow Oxygen machines to Sri Lanka. Dr Dias spearheaded a campaign to vaccinate as many people as possible in the Sri Lankan community, using the Sinhalese language to improve communication and reach for the message.
