our history
In 2022 Mohamed Anas and Sudesh Galhenage took the initiative to form an authorized institution in Regina. Together, they conceived the idea of the Sri Lankan Association of Regina (SLAR) and collaborated with Sashika Hiripitiya, Sampath Fernando, and Rita Werapitiya to establish the foundation of SLAR in April 2022.
The SLAR was officially formed on July 10, 2022, Its first President is Sampath Fernando, and the inaugural board includes Sonali Fernando, Roshan Hennayake, Christopher Henriques, Anthony Ehuaraj, Mohamad Anas and Sudesh Galhenage. Along with our purpose and objectives, SLAR has promoted Sri Lankan, Supporting community and membership.
Dr. Frank Samuel, who relocated to Regina in 1968, is believed to be the earliest recorded Sri Lankan resident in the area. In 1967, he graduated as a medical doctor from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. Immediately after graduation, Frank left Ireland for Regina, where he set up a private practice with two other physicians at Broadway Medical Clinic. During his seventeen years practicing medicine in Regina, he became one of the team physicians for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Regina Rams. Frank also was a team physician for Team Canada at several Olympic Games.
In the recent past, since 2013, Sri Lankan community activities have increased, and our sister, the Facebook page Sri Reginians, was created.
The Sri Lankan Association of Regina is celebrating its first Anniversary. Cheers to the past year and looking forward to many more years..!