Founder President and CEO
Though he moved to a large metropolis, Suriya could not resist his love of nature and took the initiative to form the “America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles”.Suriya’s recent publication “Kingdom of Ruhuna” a folklore based historical account. from the past to present of the Yala National Park, based on his two and a half year research project for his MA at the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka. He was a Student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). In 2020, a certificate of commendation was presented to Suriya Perera by the prestigious conservation agency “The Nature Conservancy of America” in recognition of his tremendous contribution towards nature conservation through various programs organized by the America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles.Suriya Perera – President and CEO of the America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society in Los Angeles was the first ever Sri Lankan to hold a nature photographic exhibition in the USA.
Joanne Stolte
Senior AdvisorHon FPSA, MPSA, EFIAP, ESFIAP is an accomplished photographer and highly regarded figure in the photography community. She has earned numerous distinctions, including PPSA, EPSA, MPSA, and HonPSA, for her contributions to photography and the Photographic Society of America (PSA). Joanne has served in various leadership roles within PSA, including Vice President of Membership and Information Systems, and has made significant contributions to developing PSA’s digital presence and member resources. She is an international photography judge and has earned recognition for her work with the Southern California Council of Camera Clubs (S4C) and the Federation Internationale de L’art Photographique (FIAP).
Dr. Nandasiri Jasenthuliyana
Senior AdvisorPresident Emeritus of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), holds advanced degrees in Law and International Relations from the Universities of Ceylon, London and McGill, and is an Attorney-at-Law. He holds Diplomas in Aerospace Law and International and Comparative Law. He was formerly the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Jasentuliyana is the author of the four-volume “Manual of Space Law”, Oceana (1979), “International Space Law and the United Nations”, Kluwer Law (1999), “International Space Programmes and Policies”, North-Holland (1984); and editor of “Space Law: Development and Scope”, Praeger (1991) and “Perspectives on International Law”, Kluwer (1995). He has been a visiting lecturer at Princeton, Stanford, Columbia, and McGill. He is a Trustee of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), a member of the Board of Directors of International Space University (ISU). He serves as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the “Journal of Space Policy”, published in the United Kingdom, and the “Journal of Space Law”, published in the United States. He was the Recipient of the 1982 Testimonial Award of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) awarded annually in the recognition of important contributions to space law and policy and the 1989 Leadership Award of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). He was selected by the United States National Space Society to its unique world-wide list of “100 space people who have had the greatest impact on our lives”.
Sadeesha Hulangamuwa
SecretarySadeesha Hulangamuwa is the Secretary of the America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles (ASPAS) She is a former Registered Nurse in De Soyza Maternity Hospital, Colombo Sri Lanka. Currently Sadeesha works in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
Sanjaya Warnasuriya
Director - EducationalSanjaya Warnasuriya At the age of five, his father took his camera and placed it around his neck and with a smile said “now you look like a photographer”. From that moment on, Sanjaya fell in love with photography and observing nature through a lens. His love and passion for the media has taken him to many parts of the world to observe and document animal behavior in their habitats as well as interactions with humans. As a self taught photographer he has a keen interest in learning and sharing creative ideas with fellow photographers. A business developer by profession, Sanjaya holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).
Sandani S Kahadugoda
Director Cultural Affairs / Academy of Performing ArtsSandani was completed her 4 years degree from performing arts in 2013 University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka. She has completed her masters degree in 2020 University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka. She has studied Indian Kathak dance to expert level. She was a main dancer in Chithrasena dance company since 2014 – 2022. She was a teacher in charge of Dance in Ladies College Colombo 7. She has a dance Choreography diploma in Sri lanka foundation institute. She also served as a external lecturer for Sabaragamuwa dance in University of Kelaniya.
Andy Samasasena
Director of Publication and Exhibition Committee MemberAndy Samarasena is a renowned photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of the world through his lens. With over three decades of experience, Andy has established himself as a prominent figure in both the photography and banking industries. As the Vice President at Community West Bank, his leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the success of the institution.
However, it is Andy’s passion for photography that truly sets him apart. Specializing in wedding and portrait photography, Andy has immortalized countless special moments for clients over the years. His talent has not gone unnoticed, as he has had the privilege of photographing esteemed celebrities such as Morgan Freeman, Michael Bolton, Gladys Knight, Olivia Newton-John, Seal, Sheila E, and many more. Beyond his work with celebrities, Andy is deeply involved in the Sri Lankan community in the Los Angeles area. He has been a fixture at community events, using his photography skills to document and celebrate the vibrant culture and traditions of Sri Lanka. His photographs have been featured in numerous publications around the world, showcasing the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan life in the USA to a global audience.
In addition to his community involvement, Andy’s work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. His photographs have been exhibited at prestigious events such as the “Beauty of Sri Lanka” exhibitions in 2019 and 2023.
Andy’s work has also been showcased in galleries and exhibitions in countries around the world, including Israel, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Slovenia. In addition to his remarkable achievements within the photography community, Andy recently achieved a milestone victory by clinching 1st place in the prestigious Winning Images of 2023 Competition in the USA. His winning photograph, captured at the historic Gal Viharaya in Sri Lanka, not only secured the top spot but also earned the coveted honor of being selected as the Cover Page of the Publication. Amidst thousands of submissions, Andy’s image stood out for its breathtaking composition and evocative storytelling. Through his photography, Andy Samarasena continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his unique perspective and artistic vision. Whether capturing the intimacy of a wedding ceremony or the grandeur of a cultural celebration, Andy’s photographs are a testament to his skill, passion, and dedication to the craft.
Shantha Weerasinghe
Director - ExhibitionShantha Weerasinghe (FNPAS) was a photographer in the Department of Agriculture (1970 to 19….) and at the Agriculture Research and Training Institute, ARTI (19…. to 1980). Since 1973, he was the exhibition’s secretary of the National Photographic Art Society of Sri Lanka and held his own exhibition in1975 at Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. He has won the first prize at the UNESCO photo contest and at the Southeast Asian Wildlife Photography Competition. He was a Photographer and Colour Lab Technician in Sharjah and Dubai (1980 to 19….). There, he won numerous awards at photo contests, including the photographer of the year award twice in 1983 and 1986. He was the Geological Photographer at ADCO, the largest oil company, a subsidiary of the ADNOC group of companies, Abu Dhabi (1990 to 2010). There he conducted classes and workshops and organized photography competitions among oil companies. He also worked as a visiting lecturer in photography at Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. While in the UAE, he also won the Pentax and Agfa awards for excellence in photography. Since his retirement in 2010, Shantha has devoted his time to bird photography.
Medini Rathnayaka
Director - Media MC Beauty of Sri Lanka Photo ExhibitionMs. Medini Rathnayaka is a leading Master of ceremonies in the Sri Lankan community. She is a prominent member of the contributing community as a Program Director and Master of Ceremonies of Sri Lankan Community events including those produced and presented by her through the Serendib Foundation, which she co-founded to promote Sri Lankan cultural activities. She is an Attorney, and Senior Vice President of HUB International Insurance, one of the largest global insurance brokerages
Waruna Shri Hemachandra
Director - Cultural Affairs/Acamay of Performing ArtsWaruna Shri Hemachandra, member of America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society. Is an Artist, Drummer, and Rhythm composer. Waruna is a seasoned Drummer and Oriental professional dancer.
