PRESS RELEASE –
British Sri Lankan Association seeks Award nominations to recognise future leaders in society
THE BRITISH SRI LANKAN Association (BRISLA) will hold their annual BRISLA Awards Ceremony on 20th October 2023 at the Caledonian Club in London. These awards were established seven years ago by Chair, Dr Zimar Sivardeen and are now recognised as the highlight of the year.
A not-for-profit organisation, BRISLA brings together the diverse community of Sri Lankans from across the UK and provides a forum that facilitates co-operation between the two countries at an economic, educational, health and environmental level. In addition, this partnership works towards developing stronger links relating to trade and commerce, all within the framework of a creating a cohesive, fair and prosperous society for all.
The BRISLA Awards recognise the achievements, hard work and the professionalism of individuals and organisations who are seen to embody BRISLA’s mission. This year there is a focus on those leaders who will inspire and bring vision to the future, with the aim of providing a forum for younger people to realise their potential to become future leaders.
With these philanthropic values at the heart of the organisation it is a real accolade to be nominated for an Award, as the nominees have been seen to have demonstrated a code of conduct that upholds the overall ethos of BRISLA, and to be outstanding in their area of expertise.
The Judges, selected for their impartiality and industry background will consider those individuals they perceive to be ‘Visionaries for the Future’ who will set the tone for BRISLA into the next decade. The October Awards Celebration will be hosted by Master of Ceremony, Mark Jones returning for the seventh year running, with Guests of Honour, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Naseby PC, Venerable Seelawimala, Nirj Deva DL, representation from the Sri Lankan High Commission and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The 2023 Award Categories include two new ones, Entrepreneur of the Year and Local Champion 2023. In addition the other categories recognised are; Outstanding contribution to Global Sustainability, Outstanding contribution to the Legal Profession, Outstanding Contribution to the Health Profession and Outstanding Contribution to Literature.
In his capacity as Chair of BRISLA, Dr Sivardeen, who is also Director Optometrist at Specsavers New Malden said; ‘We are always delighted to see so many outstanding individuals being nominated by their peers for the BRISLA Awards. We very much look forward to the Awards Ceremony and presentations, as they recognise the tireless work carried out by individuals and businesses across the UK Sri Lankan and British communities. As ever unity and diversity will be celebrated.’
Please send your nominations to Dr Zimar Sivardeen at chairman@brisla.org.uk by 31st July 2023.
Chargé d’affaires for the United States Embassy to the UK, Ambassador Philip T. Reeker with Sujith Weerasinghe.
HE Saroja Sirisena, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK with Ajantha Tennakoon
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, HE Saroja Sirisena with Winston Churchill overlooking
