Our Founder
“Passion is what leads me to make a difference in SLYO“
Meet Aruni Ganewatte, SLYO’s Founder
Although born in Sri Lanka, Aruni immigrated to the United States as a young girl. Growing up in the US, Aruni found it challenging to navigate the differences between her Sri Lankan heritage and her growing American identity; as she grew older, these tensions became more apparent. It was only after her mother’s untimely passing that Aruni saw the full, heartwarming power of the Sri Lankan community. Several Los Angeles-based Sri Lankans who had previously barely known her offered unyielding comfort and support, fueling her desire to give back to her community.
The Sri Lankan Youth Organization (SLYO) was started in 2011 as a small group focused on inspiring Los Angeles-based Sri Lankan youth to develop the leadership skills needed to run projects supporting their local community. However, it soon spiraled into a global phenomenon. Today, SLYO has chapters worldwide, from different regions in the US to the UK, Canada, and Sri Lanka. In addition to supporting several essential projects in Sri Lanka, such as building thirteen libraries in impoverished, rural areas of the island country, SLYO chapters have also run several local, community-based activities, such as clothing drives and providing school supplies for disadvantaged youth.
In her professional life, Aruni has similarly pursued a career that seeks to improve the lives of those around her. Today, Aruni serves as a Community Service Coordinator for the Ventura County Public Health Department. In her role, Aruni leads the Ventura County Community Health Improvement Collaborative ( VCCHIC) to build partnerships to improve population health outcomes in Ventura County.
Aruni firmly believes in balancing and maintaining a rich personal life while managing her busy career. She takes frequent hikes and gym trips, constantly pushing herself to improve mentally and physically. She profoundly values cultivating sincere relationships and always cherishes every interaction with her friends, family, and loved ones.
