In Sri Lanka’s history of producing standouts on the international stage in the entertainment industry, few have carried the nation’s banner as consistently as Alston Koch. A versatile performer, host, and advocate, the Sri Lankan-Australian has not only made a name for himself in music but has also become a recognisable figure in Hollywood circles.
Today, Koch’s impact has grown, especially with his designation by the Commonwealth Union as its Envoy to Australia and the Pacific Region. In his role as an envoy, he is responsible for advancing the Commonwealth Union’s mission while also acting as a consultant.
Koch reached a major milestone in his career in 2015, when he was officially appointed as the host of The Family Film Awards at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California. The announcement represented Koch’s personal success while also making way for an opportunity to promote “brand Sri Lanka” to the US and other prominent audiences.
The event, held at Universal City, boosted Koch’s status in the entertainment industry. His performance as the event’s host garnered much praise from Hollywood executives, industry leaders, and celebrities and was a moment of pride for Sri Lanka, with the world’s entertainment capital embracing a performer from an island nation rarely associated with international show business.
The hosting role came at a time when Sri Lanka was experiencing growing interest in the U.S. tourism market. Visitor arrivals from the United States had increased by 19.1% by the end of July 2015, reaching 26,200 arrivals. The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Dr Rohantha Athukorala, acknowledged the impact caused by Koch’s appointment, perceiving it as an opportunity to position Sri Lanka more prominently on the American tourism map. Athukorala recognised that achievements such as Koch’s could be strategically leveraged to build awareness and attract more visitors, with the ambitious goal of expanding the U.S. market from 50,000 to 100,000 visits annually.
The move was not the first time he had taken on the role of ambassador for his country, having long been recognised as a goodwill ambassador for Sri Lanka Tourism, using his global profile to promote the island’s attractions. His contributions also extended to community service in the United States, where he received a Special Citation & Commendation from the United States Congress for “outstanding and invaluable service to the community in America.” The California State Senate also acknowledged his efforts, demonstrating that his influence extended beyond the entertainment industry.
Born in Sri Lanka and having migrated to be based in Australia, Koch’s career trajectory has been both international and revolutionary. Known in Australia as the “Funk Master” after the success of his second album on the ARIA Charts, Koch became a household name in the music industry. His influence on modern dance music earned him the reputation of the Godfather of Dance & EDM.
As host of the 2015 Family Film Awards, Koch added new dimensions to his career, establishing himself as a respected emcee in addition to his achievements as a musician. His on-stage presence left a lasting impression, prompting an invitation to host the Black Oscars in Los Angeles.
Koch’s venture with the Commonwealth Union also aligns seamlessly with his long-standing humanitarian work. As an Ambassador for Climate Change through the I.C.T.P., he has consistently advocated for environmental awareness and sustainable solutions.
Nevertheless, even with his international commitments, Koch has continued to represent Sri Lanka at major global events, such as the Ambassador for the Family Film Awards (USA) and the Arts for Peace Foundation (USA). His recognition as Global Entertainer of the Year 2018 at the Ada Derana Sri Lankan of the Year Awards has established Koch as one of the country’s most successful global representatives.
