British Sri Lankan Association (BRISLA) hosted its 2025 Awards Ceremony at London’s esteemed Royal Over-Seas League on 10th October 2025, bringing together exceptional figures from the British Sri Lankan community for an evening of recognition and celebration. BRISLA, known for its commitment to international friendship across the Commonwealth, the event combined inspiring tributes with vibrant entertainment and distinguished company.
Hosted by Mark Jones, the ceremony honoured individuals whose work exemplifies leadership, service and cultural pride. Award recipients included:
- Outstanding Contribution to Leadership — Lushani Kodituwakku
- Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare — Professor Prasanna Sooriakumaran
- Outstanding Contribution to the British Sri Lankan Community — Deshabandu Lynn Stanier MBE
- Outstanding Contribution to the Local Sports Community — Mantrulaady Thushaarah
- Outstanding Contribution to Wildlife — Dushyantha Silva
- Local Champion of the Year — Dr Menaca Pothalingam
- Outstanding Contribution to Classical Dance — Dilini Seneviratne
Special guests included H.E. Nimal Senadheera, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, The Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Dingemans, Senior President of Tribunals, and Steve Phillips, Chair of the Board at Regent Global, who reflected on their personal ties to both nations—offering moments of humour, reflection, and renewed commitment to the enduring bond between Britain and Sri Lanka. A performance by the Kandyan Dancers graced the event.
The winner of the two free return Sri Lankan Airline tickets was Dilini Kodituwakku.
BRISLA Chair, Dr Zimar Sivardeen emphasised the vital role minority communities have played in shaping the UK, highlighting the contribution of British Sri Lankans across business, healthcare, culture and public service. Now in its eleventh year, BRISLA continues to champion “Global unity in diversity,” honouring leaders who bring vision and progress to their fields.
Since its founding, BRISLA has advocated for social cohesion, sustainable development and cross-community collaboration. Its mission remains clear: to build a society where every community plays a part in shaping a better future for all.
BRISLA Awards 2025 Winners
Lushani Kodituwakku with Colonel Andrew Smith
H.E. Nimal Senadheera presenting the award to Deshabandu Lynn Stanier MBE
Winners of the BRISLA Awards 2025: From Right to Left – Professor Prasanna Sooriakumaran, Mantrulaady Thushaarah, Lushani Kodituwakku, Dilini Seneviratne, Dr Menaca Pothalingam, Dushyantha Silva and Deshabandu Lynn Stanier MBE
Kandyan Dancers Company
The Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Dingemans with Professor Prasanna Sooriakumaran.
Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie CBE presenting the award to Mantrulaady Thushaarah.
H.R.H. Princess Katarina of Serbia, Lady de Silva with Dushyantha Silva.
Dr Menaca Pothalingam being presented with her award by Tony Matharu.
H.E. Nimal Senadheera presenting the award to Dilini Seneviratne
The winner of the two Sri Lankan airline tickets, Dinil Kodituwakku with Vignes Kumar, BRISLA secretary (left hand side).
