The Sri Lanka American Association of Southern California presented a special recognition to 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 marked the continuation of a nine-year partnership between the Association and the Church, during which 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, stated that through this partnership, members have learned about Hubbard's work in education and literacy, drug rehabilitation, and criminal reform. According to the recognition, Hubbard's developments "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 around the globe."
This recognition matters because it represents how cultural organizations are acknowledging figures beyond their immediate community for broader humanitarian contributions. The Association's decision to honor Hubbard during a celebration of national independence suggests they view his work as aligning with values of community support and progress. The partnership's longevity—nine years with 25 events—indicates this is not a superficial connection but an established relationship that has influenced the Association's perspective.
The implications extend to how religious and cultural organizations collaborate across different traditions. The Association's statement that they have "come to learn about the life and legacy" of Hubbard through this partnership demonstrates how sustained engagement can lead to mutual recognition between diverse communities. For readers in multicultural societies, this illustrates how community organizations can serve as bridges between different cultural and religious traditions.
Hubbard's philosophy, as quoted from his 1965 article "My Philosophy," emphasizes sharing wisdom and helping others help themselves—principles that apparently resonated with the Association's mission. 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, providing external validation of his impact beyond Scientology circles.
The recognition also highlights Hubbard's literary achievements, noting he holds the Guinness World Record for most published works by one author. His teachings remain accessible through various media, including the Scientology Network series L. Ron Hubbard: In His Own Voice, which streams on multiple platforms including Scientology.tv. The network, introduced by David Miscavige in March 2018, reaches over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages, demonstrating the global reach of Hubbard's teachings.
For the business community, this recognition illustrates how religious and cultural organizations can form lasting partnerships that benefit both parties. The Church of Scientology provides venue space for cultural preservation events, while the Association gains a consistent location for community gatherings. Such models may inform how other organizations approach cross-cultural collaboration in increasingly diverse societies.
