A 17-year-old Sri Lankan American student, Sadali Costa, has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan American female to earn the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, the highest honour awarded by Scouts America. 

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Sri Lankan community in the United States, as Costa joins a select group of young people who have attained this distinguished recognition.

One local Scout made history in late 2025 when she joined a group of over 2.5 million youth who have earned the Eagle Scout rank, the organization’s highest honor.

Sadali Costa, a 17-year-old incoming senior at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, is the first Sri Lankan American girl to receive the rank, as far as Scouting America can tell, said Patrick Scherer, CEO of Stow’s Great Trail Council.

She was among 169 Eagle Scout achievers from Medina, Summit, Portage, Trumbull and Mahoning counties in 2025, Scherer said.

Costa’s parents immigrated here from Sri Lanka in 2007.

She became a Cub Scout in 2018.

That year, the organization, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, began allowing girls to join Cub Scouts, the program for younger children. The following year, Boy Scouts rebranded to Scouts BSA and began allowing girls to pursue Eagle Scout recognition.

In December 2025, Costa received the Eagle Scout rank, which only 4% of Scouts have earned, according to the Heart of America Council.

The rank requires a lengthy review process, with requirements including demonstrating understanding of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, earning 21 merit badges and serving in leadership positions.

King Charles knighted the University of Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor, Sri Lankan-born Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, in an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle.

Professor Canagarajah was recognised in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for his inestimable contribution to higher education, particularly in championing inclusion.

During the ceremony, the head of state followed tradition by touching the shoulders of the kneeling Professor Canagarajah with a sword, before formally conferring the honour.

Professor Canagarajah was born and educated in Sri Lanka, before moving to the UK where he received his BA (Hons) and PhD degrees from the University of Cambridge in 1989 and 1993.

Professor Canagarajah, who travelled to Berkshire with his wife Thabi, said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award from King Charles. It is a recognition of the efforts of so many others who have contributed to my success, including my dear friends and family and colleagues both past and present.

“I also hope it will serve as an inspiration for others. As a boy from the once war-torn land of Sri Lanka, to being recognised by royalty is quite a remarkable journey. It is because of the transformative power of education and the opportunities it presents that this has been possible. That is why I remain committed to removing barriers for others so that they too can fulfil their true potential.”

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Canagarajah has shown an unwavering commitment to education as a force for improving lives and creating a fairer society. As the first minority ethnic Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, in the first plural city in the UK, he has used his influence to give voice to those who are so often overlooked and under-represented and has taken actions to overcome barriers and create opportunities for others.

He has led one of the most diverse universities in the country – 38% of students are from the most disadvantaged areas and 69% from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Sri Lankan-American gymnast Tiana Sumanasekera has announced that she will now represent Sri Lanka, describing the decision as both a proud and emotional milestone in her career.

In a message shared on social media, Sumanasekera said she has always had a deep passion for gymnastics and fell in love with the sport from her very first day. She said it had been an honor to represent Team USA over the past five years and expressed gratitude for the opportunities that journey gave her.

Sumanasekera said competing for Sri Lanka would be an “absolute dream come true,” adding that representing the country would allow her to honor her heritage and contribute to greater visibility for gymnastics in Sri Lanka and South Asia.

“As a Sri Lankan American, my heart will always be proud to belong to both countries,” she wrote, while thanking supporters and saying she is excited for the opportunities ahead.