The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles served as the venue for Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day celebration on March 8, 2026, an event that drew several hundred guests and highlighted themes of unity, cultural pride, and international cooperation. Organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, led by Mr. Charitha Yattogoda, the celebration was filmed by FINN TV and broadcast to Sri Lanka, extending the event’s reach beyond the immediate attendees.
The evening commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, a symbol of enlightenment and unity, followed by prayers offered by representatives from the Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian faiths. This interfaith segment reflected Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual diversity and served as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to religious harmony. A highlight of the program was the presentation of The Way to Happiness book by L. Ron Hubbard, translated into Sinhalese, to Mr. Yattogoda by the Senior Vice President of Celebrity Centre. The final chapter, “Flourish and Prosper,” was specifically highlighted as a wish for the Sri Lankan people to continue thriving and prospering in unity.
Ms. Rekha Mallikarachchi, Deputy Consul General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, read a National Day message from Sri Lanka’s Honorary Foreign Minister, which emphasized the importance of national unity and the collective well-being of the people, irrespective of their diverse faiths and languages. This message resonated strongly given Sri Lanka’s recent challenges and ongoing recovery efforts.
In a tangible show of support for Sri Lanka’s development, the Sri Lankan community in Sun Valley/Los Angeles presented a generous $21,000 check to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund. This contribution underscores the diaspora’s strong commitment to the nation’s recovery and progress, and highlights the role of overseas communities in supporting homeland initiatives.
The celebration concluded with an electrifying drum and dance performance by renowned artists Mr. Waruna Hemachandra and Ms. Sandani Sulochani, leaving the audience with a sense of pride and unity. The event not only honored Sri Lanka’s independence but also reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and global harmony.
The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre, dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and promoting global harmony, continues to host such meaningful events. For more information about the Church, visit https://www.scientology.cc.
The Scientology religion, founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, has expanded to more than 11,000 Churches, Missions, and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries. This event exemplifies how cultural institutions can serve as platforms for unity and mutual understanding.
