Jayasinhala Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Jayasinhala Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related Sri Lankan and religious causes, including Buddhism and Scientology. 

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. The foundation is recently-minted, and its priority areas may still be emerging. 

PROFILE: The Jayasinhala Foundation was established in 2013 by Sri Lankan-American physician and plastic surgeon Walter Jayasinghe and his wife Aeshea, executive director of Primanti Montessori School in Whittier, California. The foundation lacks transparency and does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. Tax filings suggest the The Jayasinhala Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related Sri Lankan and religious causes. 

In 2003, Walter established the Sri Lanka Foundation, whose mission is to "educate the citizens of the world on Sri Lanka and the achievements of its people, as well as aid in the advancement of the Sri Lankan community worldwide." In a recent fiscal year, the couple, via Jayasinhala Foundation, directed a 7 figure gift to Sri Lanka Foundation. Walter also established Los Angeles Medical Center Foundation with its head office in Los Angeles, California. Additionally, Walter is engaged in Buddhist activities, and is one of founders of the first ever Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Hollywood as well as the Institute of Buddha Dhamma Studies, all of which he supports. The family also appears to have an interest in Scientology. 

Grants range from $7,000 to $1.2 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $2.3 million. Past grantees include Sri Lankan Medical Association; Church of Scientology; and Bridge Publications, the "world's largest all-digital, print-on-demand publishing house, publishing many of L. Ron Hubbard's books in 50 languages."

The Jayasinhala Foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals. 

PEOPLE:

Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).

CONTACT:

Jayasinhala Foundation
880 Rosalind Road
San Marino, CA 91108