The Sri Lanka Association of New England (SLANE) was formed on September 26, 1998 in Cambridge, MA . At this inaugural meeting, the objectives of the association were agreed upon while an eleven member executive committee was elected for the year 1998/99. It was decided to open the membership of the association to all Sri Lankans living in New England. The organization’s missions is: -To foster friendship, goodwill, peace and unity among all Sri Lankans in Massachusetts and neighboring states. -To take steps to sustain the Sri Lankan cultural traditions among the Sri Lankans in U.S. and to promote the Sri Lankan culture. -To promote awareness and interests of Sri Lankan economic and political situation. -To organize social, welfare, and cultural activities for the benefit of Sri Lankans. -To welcome and support the newly arriving Sri Lankans, especially students. -To commemorate events of National importance in Sri Lanka.