The Sri Lanka American Association of Southern California presented a special recognition honoring Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard during its Independence Day celebration at the Church of Scientology of the Valley. The event featured a cultural program celebrating Sri Lankan heritage and community values before board members and association members gathered on stage to acknowledge Hubbard's legacy.
This recognition follows nine years of partnership between the Association and the Church of Scientology of the Valley, where 25 cultural events have been hosted for the Sri Lankan community. The Association, founded over 50 years ago to foster fellowship and preserve cultural heritage among Sri Lankans in Southern California, has through this collaboration learned about Hubbard's work in education, literacy, drug rehabilitation, and criminal reform.
According to the recognition, Hubbard's developments in these fields have brought literacy to millions in the United States and abroad, permanently freed hundreds of thousands from substance abuse, and restored trust and honesty in communities worldwide. The Association cited Hubbard's 1965 article "My Philosophy," where he wrote about sharing wisdom, helping others help themselves, and persevering through challenges.
Smithsonian Magazine's 2015 Collector's Edition featured Hubbard as one of the 100 most significant Americans of all time and among the 11 most influential religious figures in American history. Described as having lived "20 lifetimes in the span of one," Hubbard holds the Guinness World Record for the most published works by one author and founded Scientology, which the recognition describes as "the world's youngest major religion and the only major religion with the voice of its Founder intact."
The recognition highlights Hubbard's recorded public lectures delivered over a quarter-century, which are featured in the Scientology Network original series L. Ron Hubbard: In His Own Voice. The Scientology Network, launched in March 2018 with an introduction by David Miscavige, is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-Verse, and streaming at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps, and via Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV platforms, reaching more than 240 countries and territories in 17 languages.
The event's significance extends beyond ceremonial recognition, demonstrating how cultural organizations engage with religious institutions to address social issues. The Association's focus on Hubbard's humanitarian work rather than theological aspects suggests a model for intercommunity collaboration focused on practical solutions to education, addiction, and criminal justice challenges. This recognition may influence how diaspora communities partner with religious organizations to advance shared social goals while preserving cultural identity.
For the Sri Lankan community in Southern California, this ongoing partnership provides a venue for cultural preservation while accessing resources related to literacy and rehabilitation. The recognition reflects broader trends of immigrant communities forming strategic alliances with established institutions to address community needs. As cultural organizations seek to maintain relevance and impact, such collaborations may become increasingly important for delivering services while celebrating heritage.
