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The mission of the SLCAM

* Provides a focal point for the community of Canadians and residents in Montreal with origins in Sri Lanka
* Provides a place for those who come to Montreal to meet people
* Expose our cultural heritage to Canadians with non-Sri Lankan origins
* Provide a forum to our young members to socialize with each other, develop their organizational and leadership skills, as well as express themselves artistically and in other forms

In April of 1988, the Sri Lanka-Canada Association of Montreal was formed and registered (Registration Number: 1144158095) within the Province of Québec as a non-profit cultural orginazation. SLCAM is administered by an Executive Committee duly elected by the membership once a year, usually in November of the preceding year. The membership also selects a Board of Directors in order to assist the Executive Committee in the same year.

Before the present Association, the Burgher community in Montreal had the "Lotus Club". That probably was the very first formal Association in Canada formed by people with origins in Sri Lanka. The Lotus Club was defunct when the present Association took wings.

Message From The President

Samangi De Silva, President

“The passing of the torch” – a phrase we all have been hearing on many occasions over the last few weeks, especially in light of the recent Olympic Winter Games. Now this phrase can also be used to describe recent events within the Sri Lanka- Canada Association of Montreal.

Almost two decades ago, a small group of tenacious and committed Sri Lankans residing in Montreal decided to form the SLCAM, with the primary goal of promoting Sri Lankan culture in this city. An equally important goal in creating this organization was to provide younger generations of Sri Lankan-Canadians living in Montreal a link with their native land, with the ultimate hope that these youngsters would one day continue to carry on the work of the SLCAM.
That day arrived last November, when a group of willing and able “youngsters” assumed responsibility for many of the roles within the Executive Committee of the SLCAM – in some cases taking over positions which had been occupied for many years by their own parents.

As one of these so-called “youngsters”, I believe that on behalf of the new Committee I can safely say that we are both exhilarated and nervous to assume such a great responsibility. This is our chance to show the Sri Lankan community of Montreal what we have learned by watching our parents, grandparents, “aunties and uncles” in action – and we intend to make them proud.

The goal of the SLCAM throughout its existence has been to foster relationships among all members of the Montreal Sri Lankan community - putting aside all ethnic and religious differences – and to create a network of social and professional ties which will help strengthen our close-knit community. To this end, the new committee will work towards reaching out to the Sri Lankan community in Montreal by offering various types of social services while maintaining most of the “traditional” offerings of the Association – i.e. be prepared for some exciting twists to be added to the annual New Year celebrations, “dosai and bingo nights” etc.

If you and/or members of your family are not part of the SLCAM, but would like to see what the fuss is all about, I would like to take this opportunity to extend you an invitation on behalf of my fellow Committee members – we will welcome you with open arms and an “Ayubowan” at our next event

This year has already begun with promise and great expectations, and we need your help in making our visions come true. Please join us and together we will be able to make this one of the greatest years in SLCAM history!

Thank you,

On behalf of the Excecutive Committee and Board of Directors (SLCAM)

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