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Thaala Dance Studio Brings Sri Lankan Dance to Sri Lankan Day 2026 in Auckland

Thaala Dance Studio Brings Sri Lankan Dance to Sri Lankan Day 2026 in Auckland Thaala Dance Studio NZ brought Sri Lankan dance to the community stage at Sri Lankan Day 2026 in Auckland, presenting two performances that celebrated the country’s rich cultural traditions. Junior and Intermediate students joined the studio’s Adult students to share their work with families and festival-goers. The event took place on Sunday 25 October at Wesley Community Centre. Organised by the Kiyala New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation, Sri Lankan Day offered a public gathering for the community to celebrate heritage through cultural performances, food, crafts and family activities. The studio shared its appreciation after the performances, saying: “We are incredibly proud of all our dancers for their dedication, passion, and wonderful performances.” The occasion also highlighted the contribution dance schools make to cultural life among Sri Lankans in New Zealand, helping students learn traditions and present ...

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Oct 26, 2026 Posted by In Article Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Young Sri Lankan New Zealander Savin Gunaratne Receives International Order of St John Honour

Young Sri Lankan New Zealander Savin Gunaratne Receives International Order of St John Honour Original photograph: ශ්‍රී LankaNZ. A young Sri Lankan New Zealander has received a rare international honour after being admitted as a Member of the Order of St John. Savin Gunaratne, who moved to New Zealand with his parents in 2013, was formally recognised for his sustained service with Hato Hone St John. His admission to the Order was officially published in The London Gazette in 2025, while the insignia was presented at a special ceremony in Auckland on 4 July 2026. The achievement was reported by Eranga Kaviratne of Hamilton for ශ්‍රී LankaNZ on 6 October 2026. It has been welcomed as a significant moment of pride for Sri Lankans in New Zealand and an inspiring example of youth leadership through community service. A rare international recognition The Order of St John is an international organisation ...

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Oct 8, 2026 Posted by In Article Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shehan Karunatilaka Partners with Education New Zealand to Inspire the Next Generation of Storytellers

Shehan Karunatilaka Partners with Education New Zealand to Inspire the Next Generation of Storytellers Shehan Karunatilaka. Photo credit: Newswire. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is partnering with Booker Prize-winning Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka at the Colombo International Book Fair from 25 September to 4 October 2026. The programme will bring together school and university students, aspiring writers, educators and readers for a series of literary engagements focused on storytelling, imagination and learning. It will also highlight the links between Sri Lankan literature, international education and the experiences of Sri Lankans who study, work and build creative careers overseas. Karunatilaka will take part in conversations with students, share insights into his writing journey and lead a special creative writing workshop for winners of the Education New Zealand Short Story Challenge. A celebrated Sri Lankan voice in global literature Shehan Karunatilaka is best known for The Seven Moons ...

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Sep 23, 2026 Posted by In Article Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,