The Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa participated in the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa (SLCAO) through a series of community, cultural and sporting activities marking this significant milestone.

The Acting High Commissioner, Kiritharan Kumarasamy, participated as the Guest of Honour at the SLCAO 50th Anniversary “Legacy Gala” in Ottawa. The event brought together members of the Sri Lankan community and distinguished guests to celebrate five decades of SLCAO’s contribution to the community.

Addressing the gathering, the Acting High Commissioner congratulated SLCAO on its 50th Anniversary and commended its longstanding contribution to strengthening community bonds, preserving Sri Lankan cultural heritage and fostering unity among Sri Lankans in Canada. He also highlighted the important role of community organizations in strengthening people-to-people relations between Sri Lanka and Canada and passing Sri Lankan heritage and values to younger generations.

The Acting High Commissioner appreciated the close and constructive engagement between SLCAO and the High Commission over the years. Referring to their continued cooperation, he noted the recent joint participation of SLCAO and the High Commission in the YMCA Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, organized in support of the YMCA’s community programmes and charitable initiatives. He highlighted such initiatives as valuable opportunities to promote Sri Lankan culture and strengthen engagement with the wider Canadian community.

As part of the 50th Anniversary programme, the Acting High Commissioner and officials of the High Commission also participated in the SLCAO Tri-City Cricket Tournament, with sponsorship assistance from the High Commission. The tournament brought together teams from Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal, promoting fellowship and community spirit among Sri Lankans from different cities.

The tournament concluded with the Ottawa Tuskers winning the Men’s Championship and the Ottawa Avengers securing the Women’s Championship.

The High Commission’s participation in the SLCAO 50th Anniversary activities reflects the strong and continuing engagement between the Mission and the Sri Lankan community in Ottawa and its commitment, working with community organizations to promote Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and strengthen people-to-people connections between Sri Lanka and Canada.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Ottawa

17 August 2026