His Excellency Alexi Gunasekera and senior SLBC members with cricket legends, Roshan Mahanama and Chaminda Vaas.
DUBAI: In celebration of the 53rd National Day of the United Arab Emirates, also known as Eid Al Etihad, the Sri Lankan Business Council (SLBC) in the UAE hosted a networking breakfast on 2 December that brought together business leaders, Sri Lankan expatriates and two of the island nation’s cricket legends—Roshan Mahanama and Chaminda Vaas-as Guests of Honour.
Held at the Jumeirah Creekside hotel in Dubai, the grand cultural and community event underscored the shared aspirations and enduring partnership between the Sri Lankan community and the UAE, while highlighting the importance of unity, collaboration, and social responsibility in fostering growth and development in today’s multicultural world. The attendees also included two other former Sri Lankan cricketers, Ajith Weerakkody and Naveed Nawaz.
Sri Lanka’s Consul General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Alexi Gunasekera delivered an insightful speech, tracing the UAE’s remarkable journey from a collection of seven emirates to a unified global leader renowned for its inclusivity and collaborative spirit. He encouraged the Sri Lankan community to embrace these ideals in their efforts to drive Sri Lanka’s growth and prosperity. With nearly 340,000 Sri Lankans in the UAE contributing to its development, he appealed to the diaspora to draw inspiration from the UAE model and contribute to Sri Lanka’s growth, particularly in tourism, trade, and foreign direct investment.
SLBC Chairman Suren Swaminathan introduced two significant philanthropic initiatives supported by the Council: the Roshan Mahanama Trust, which aids underprivileged children, differently abled children and paediatric cancer patients, and the Bleed Good Foundation, which addresses menstrual hygiene issues in Sri Lanka. These initiatives were emphasized as part of the Council’s social commitment and charitable work.
The SLBC presented a cheque for LKR500,000 to the Roshan Mahanama Trust, underscoring their dedication to supporting noble causes. This gesture inspired an outpouring of generosity, with anonymous donors contributing tens of thousands of rupees to the Trust on the spot. Separately the Council also handed over a cheque for LKR500,000 to the Bleed Good campaign.
Roshan Mahanama, one of the finest cricketers produced by Sri Lanka, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan diaspora for their unwavering support to the Roshan Mahanama Trust. He explained that the Trust’s mission is to uplift underprivileged children in Sri Lanka by focusing on education, health, and community well-being. “Our children are the citizens of tomorrow, and investing in their development is imperative for a brighter future,” he said, urging continued diaspora support with his poignant call to action: “Give your share to show you care.”
Shihan Sheriff, Vice Chairman, SLBC delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of sponsors, stakeholders, and partners, as well as the presence of the Sri Lankan cricketing legends and members of the Sri Lankan community and their families.
The celebrations were further enriched by vibrant performances from a cultural troupe, young talents, and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The event served as a platform to strengthen community ties and inspire collaborative efforts for the betterment of both nations.
