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Good News From Jayam July 1, 2026 Pls Scroll Down 35 items

Happy Fourth of July “O Beautiful For Spacious Skies”

Eric Meyer Appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka

“I congratulate Eric Meyer on his appointment to serve as the next ambassador to Sri Lanka,” said Scott Straus, a professor and chair of the Department of Political Science. “Ambassador Meyer’s exceptional career in public service is an inspiration for UC Berkeley students of political science. As faculty, we hope to train future leaders, and we are so pleased to see an alum play such an important role in American foreign policy.” U.S. President Donald Trump nominated him for the diplomatic post. Sri Lanka is a mostly rural nation of approximately 22 million people. It encompasses an island the size of West Virginia off the southeastern coast of India. The strategic location abuts some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. An estimated 85,000 U.S. residents also identify as Sri Lankan. Eric Meyer replaces Julie Chung whose term ended in January 2026..

Very Sad News – Professor Asgi Fazleabas of Michigan State University passed away

Professor Asgi Fazleabas being presented with the Sri Lanka Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 by Jayam Rutnam Founder of the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California, at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California. (See article in the Obituary section below)

Best Hospital in Sri Lanka St Joseph Hospital, Negombo (Please click on arrow)

Patsy Rutnam – Cooling off under Marilyn Monroe’s Famous Statue in Palm Springs, Ca.

Zori Dassanayake Graduates from El Camino Real Charter High School (Here with Mom – famous actress and model Morina Dass)

Lower Malwathu Oya Project brings new life to Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone

Massive irrigation scheme promises water, livelihoods and renewed prosperity for thousands across Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Mannar

In one of the most ambitious irrigation and regional transformation initiatives ever undertaken in the country, the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Sector Development Project in the Northern and North Central Provinces is steadily progressing under the direct guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, turning a decades-long aspiration into a landmark development reality. Originally conceptualised in the 1950s, with a technical feasibility study supported by the former Soviet Union, the project emerged from a national need to address chronic water scarcity, underdeveloped agriculture, and recurring drought conditions in the Dry Zone. After decades of delays, construction finally commenced in 2021.

Warsha Karasinghe Graduates from UCLA

“One of the First Ceylonese Migrant Families to the USA Rosy Weerasinghe and her family” Roger Weerasinghe Writes a Book (Cover photo: Rosy, Roger, Romany and Savithri)

British-Sri Lankan engineer gains spotlight after Mercedes’ Austrian GP win

A British‑Sri Lankan engineer has become an unexpected face of celebration after Mercedes’ triumph at the Austrian Grand Prix, lifting the Constructors’ Trophy on the podium and gaining viral fame worldwide. Arun Rajkumar, born into a Sri Lankan Tamil family, is a trackside power unit engineer for Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. 

He plays a key role in monitoring and optimising the performance and reliability of the team’s power units during race weekends, making him an integral part of the Mercedes‑AMG Formula 1 setup.

Youth must be at the centre of Sri Lanka’s transformation

Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake discusses national unity, employment, entrepreneurship, sports, digital transformation and empowering a new generation. Sri Lanka’s youth have played a decisive role in shaping the country’s recent social and political transformation and are expected to be central to its future development. Recognising this, the Government has placed youth empowerment at the heart of its national agenda through initiatives that promote opportunity, social cohesion and preparedness for a rapidly changing world.

Vice Admiral Damian Fernando appointed new Navy Commander

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Rear Admiral Damian Fernando as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. Concurrently elevated to the rank of Vice Admiral, he will take charge as the 27th Commander of the country’s naval forces. The formal letter of appointment was handed over to Vice Admiral Fernando by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, on Tuesday (June 30) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat.

 The new appointment is scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2026. He succeeds the incumbent Navy Commander, Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, who is slated to retire from active military service on the same day.

‘Podi Menike’ railway service resumes

Passenger train ‘Podi Menike’, operating between Nanu Oya and Badulla on the Upcountry Railway Line, resumed service yesterday (20) after being temporarily suspended for seven months due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Train operations had previously been restricted following a landslide that damaged the railway track in the Parakum-

pura area between Ambewela and Nanu Oya. During the disruption, train services operated only between Ambewela and Badulla. The affected section has now been fully rehabilitated through a joint effort involving railway engineers, railway employees, the National Building Research Organisation, and a private company, enabling authorities to restore train operations along the route.

Awarding of Black Belt in Karate to Nevin Malaviarachchi

Congratulations Wicks!!! You’ve got a fine-looking Grandson and I know you and his parents & family must be very proud of him. Black Belt is a tremendous achievement and he is to be congratulated for his focus and dedication to the martial arts. It will give him tremendous confidence all through life that he’ll know he can achieve whatever he puts his mind to. Again, KUDOS to Nevin & his parents for raising such a dedicated and determined young man! All my very best to him, you and his parents and uncle.

VR, Vaughn.

“I had the pleasure to inform Commander (Ret) Vaughn Martin, U.S. Navy, about your obtaining the Black Belt in Karate. Commander Vaughn was my supervisor 1990-1994, when I was working as Manager of the U.S. International Military Education and Training (IMET) for Sri Lanka Armed Forces and Maldives National Security Service (NSS) in the Defense Attache’ Office for 18 years from 1981. Vaughn is my good friend from then onwards. He had also followed a Karate Class but had not got the Black Belt for personal reasons.” Wicks Malaviarachchi – Las Vegas, Nevada

Jayam’s Choice “The Hits of the Sixties” (Please click on arrow)

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T & S Productions USA 46th Production “Gee Tharu Yamaya” in Baldwin Park, Ca. (Photos by Moran Moran)

T & S Producer Thusitha de Silva, Thusitha and Dr Lakshman Makandura, Dr Nandasiri Jasentuliyana and Buddhika Ekanayake

Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo June 25th. 2026 (Please click on arrow)

Today – Dr Asha de Vos | Prof. Dileni Gunewardena | Markets & Inflation | Female Labour Force | Whale Sharks | Ascot Hats & more!

Obituaries – Sad News

Vijaii Kanthi Edirisinghe (74) of Santa Clarita, Ca. passed away on June 13th.2026. Remembered by Gamini, Dulnari, Supun, Yanaal and Amaan. Joseph (late) and Winfred. Kalyani and Ananda. Kusum and Nelupa. Shiranthini and Tony. Lakmaal and Mereeka. Indu and Yasantha and family members. Burial was at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall California on July 1st, 2026.

Douglas Cyrus – It is with sadness we announce the peaceful passing of DOUGLAS CYRUS on June 16th. Husband of late Esther (nee Buultjens),​​ father of Sandra and Jacqueline. Brother of late Herbie and Allan. Funeral service was on June 21st 2026, followed by cremation at the Old Crematorium,​​ General Cemetery Borella.

In Memoriam: Professor Asgerally (Asgi) T. Fazleabas, PhD (1955–2026)

Professor Asgerally Fazleabas, Sri Lanka Foundation Lifetime Achievement Awardee in 2022, passed away peacefully with family at his bedside on Friday, May 28, 2026 after a long battle to defeat cancer.  

Asgi, as he liked to be called, had a charmed life. He was born in Colombo and educated at St. Thomas’ College. After moving to the US, he earned his B.S. at California State University, Fresno, and his Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign in 1980. Following postdoctoral training at the University of Florida, he joined the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1985, where he rose to full Professor in 1995. Asgi was recruited to Michigan State University in 2009. At the time of his passing, he was University Distinguished Professor, University Foundation Professor and Director, Center for Women’s Health Research at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.  

Asgi’s contributions to reproductive biology are monumental. The Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), the society most relevant to Asgi’s research, said that Asgi “was internationally recognized as a pioneer in uterine biology. His work has had a lasting impact on reproductive medicine, particularly in improving pregnancy outcomes for infertile women and deepening understanding of endometriosis, a condition affecting more than 200 million women worldwide. His extraordinary scientific accomplishments were recognized through numerous prestigious honors, including the National Institutes of Health Beacon Award, the Distinguished Research Award and Carl G. Hartman Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction, election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, designation as a World Class University Professor at Seoul National University, and Distinguished Service recognition from SSR. His contributions to science will be long remembered.” 

Another endearing characteristic was Asgi’s deep commitment to expanding educational and research opportunities in Sri Lanka. He played a pivotal role in supporting early-career Sri Lankan scientists through training opportunities in reproductive and stem cell biology in the United States and by organizing several workshops in Sri Lanka to foster scientific development and collaboration. 

On a personal note, Asgi was a gem of a human being. His friends and colleagues will long remember him for his warm smile and incredibly positive attitude. His smile drew everyone in, but he backed it up with kind words and a heart as big as the outdoors. His good cheer and positive attitude in his battle with cancer will long be an inspiration to all who knew Asgi. Asgi is survived by his wife, Sherebanu, son Adnan, daughter Insiyah, his brother and 2 sisters. As one of his friends said, to know Asgi was to love him. We, his friends, colleagues and family, are devastated by his loss.

Primal de Lanerolle, PhD

Professor Emeritus

Department of Physiology and Biophysics

College of Medicine

University of Illinois at Chicago

Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen

Tangy Crab Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 8oz (250g) cooked or canned crabmeat
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 4 fresh tofu buns or poppy seed bread
• or all grain bread rolls
• 1 teaspoon finely sliced Thai basil leaves,
•   to serve

Chilli Dressing

• 1 to 2 tablespoons minced red finger-length
• chilli
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 6 shallots or 1 small onion, minced
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) water
• 1 1/2tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce

1.Make the Chilli Dressing by combining all   the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over high heat for about 6 minutes,stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened. Remove and set aside to cool.

2.Peel the cucumbers, then slice very thinly. If using larger cucumbers, cut in half length- wise first, scrape out the the seeds with a spoon before slicing the cucumbers. Rub the salt into the cucumber slices and mix well, then strain or squeeze the cucumber to remove the liquid. Add all but 1 tablespoon of the Chilli Dressing, crabmeat, lemon or lime juice and pepper to the cucumber slices and toss to combine.

3.Make a slit in the bread rolls and stuff each roll with  the cucumber salad mixture and, top with the reserved Chilli Dressing basil leaves.

NOTE: Japanese cucumbers are very small and crunchy, and almost seed less. Baby cucumbers or fresh pickling  gherkins make a good substitute.

Makes 4 pieces. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 6 minutes.

Can Sri Lanka’s Leopards Survive? by Thivanka Perera – Aegle Creations (Please click on arrow)

Jayam2424@yahoo.com

Good News From Jayam June 1, 2026 Pls Scroll Down 35 items

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Sri Lankan Rupee becomes Asia’s best performing currency

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has surged against the US Dollar (USD), snapping a nine-day losing streak to become Asia’s best-performing currency on Friday, Bloomberg reported. The LKR strengthened as much as 2.7 percent, its biggest gain since March 2023, reversing losses from Thursday when it slid to a three-year of 342 against the USD. The strengthening of the LKR may have been due to some market players deciding to sell dollars before upcoming inflows from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando told reporters in Colombo. The IMF will decide on the seventh tranche of its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program possibly on May 27.

T & S Productions 46th Production “A Grand Musical Concert” Saturday, June 27th, 2026

“Feel the Magic” – A FINN TV Production (Please click on arrow)

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Honors Rupa Purasinghe of Los Angeles with a National Award

Rupa Purasinghe, Professor of Engineering at California State University, Los Angeles, is the recipient of the 2026 Jeffrey Ray Memorial Award, a national award presented by the American Society for Engineering Education. The award is presented annually to one of the nation’s most influential educators in applied engineering and engineering technology education. Purasinghe has worked with unwavering commitment to advance educational pathways that expand opportunities for economically disadvantaged students to achieve upward mobility through engineering and engineering technology education.

Ursula Aruma of Sri Lanka at Gift of Life Ceremony in Suva, Fiji

Ursula Aruma from Springvale South, Melbourne, Australia and a number of Australians, along with other dignitaries and supporters from several parts of the world, visited Fiji on 23rd April for a week. The occasion was to celebrate 4 years of the Gift of Life ceremony, and the opening of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Suva, Fiji. Lata Lodhiya, Margot Hudson and Ursula Aruma from Melbourne, Australia, arrive at Novatel, Suva.

As at 20th April 2026, 50,045 free heart screenings, 445 free heart surgeries, and 75,687 free specialist medical consultations have been performed. This hospital has no billing counters and all treatments and procedures are provided FREE of charge to children from Fiji and across the South Pacific. Formerly dedicated exclusively to children, this hospital has plans to now extend its free cardiac services to children, women and men across Fiji and the Pacific, offering free life – saving cardiac surgeries and interventions.

Tribute was also paid to the Foundation Director and Hospital Chairman Sumeet Tappoo, the Director

Dr Krupali Tapoo, and the trustees of the Sai Prema Foundation. The Paediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) project was made possible by the generous support of the Gift of Life USA Team from the United States of America and thru donations from the local supporters and Fijian families living in the USA, plus support from international partners who helped deliver and install the equipment, despite local shipping challenges. The Cath Lab will improve patient outcomes. 4th anniversary celebrations

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“Royal Charity Gala” Presented by Royal College Old Boys’ Association in North America Hilton Glendale California Saturday September 19th, 2026

Embassy in Colombo Operating Under Interim Leadership – Jayne Howell Charge d’ Affaires – Eric Meyer nominated as US Ambassador is awaiting confirmation

Jayam’s Choice Pat Boone – Love Letters In The Sand (Please click on arrow)

“Welcome to My World” – by Fahmy Nazick – (Fahmy will be singing at the ANCHORMAN Dinner Dance in Markham, Ont, Canada on June 12th) (Please click on arrow)

Pathma Ranasinghe’s 85th Birthday Party and Buddhist Blessing in La Canada, Ca.

(photos by the one and only Moran Moran)

Envoy to Vatican Dassanayake presents credentials to Pope Leo XIV

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva Sumith Dassanayake presented Credentials to Pope Leo XIV as Sri Lanka’s next Ambassador to the Holy See with Residence in Geneva at the Apostolic Palace, in Vatican City on May 21, 2026. Addressing the audience, Pope Leo said: “In a time when peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion, there is an urgent need for a return to a diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus on all levels: bilateral, regional, and multilateral”. 

Anjana Wijesena of West Hills, Ca. Celebrates his 40th Birthday

“Massachussets” Bee Gees Piano Cover By Thaminie Perera (Please click on arrow)

Kaleidoscope May 28th, 2026 (Please click on arrow)

Tasha Marikkar | Wasantha Namaskara | Oil & Gold | Vesak Lights| Exports | Policy Rates | Dialog@1 | Cannes | Alcohol Cloud and more

Obituaries – Sad News

Christine (de Souza) Wanigasekera (80) passed away in Las Vegas Nevada on May 21st, 2026. Wife of the late Oriel Wanigasekera of Kandy. Sister of Johnny de Souza of Canada, the late Norma, and sister-in-law of Azeema. Mother of Serena Bell, Oriel Junior, Dilki Toulette, and Ryan. Mother-in-law to the late Greg Bell, James Toulette (Jimbo), and Mendy Wanigasekera.

She leaves behind many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Christine was crowned Miss Ceylon in 1965 and later traveled to California to participate in the Miss Universe pageant. She was admired not only for her beauty, but also for her warmth, kindness, and grace. Truly, she was a beauty both inside and out.

 May God grant her eternal rest and may her soul rest in peace.

DBS Jeyaraj (72) Famous Sri Lankan journalist passed away on May 17th, 2026, in Toronto, Canada. Son of Ernest. E. J. Sabapathy (Attorney at law – Kurunegala) and Grace Packialuckumi Sabapathy (Teacher), and the beloved husband of Darshani Arumugarajah. He was the grandson of J. S. Arlvarpillai, Ellen Luckumi, Ramalingam (James) Sabapathy, and Lily Buell. He was eldest brother to Ellen (Jayagar), Sam (Deepthi), and Jemima (Ravindran), uncle of their children, Angelus, David, Jonathan, and Grace, who will forever remember his warmth, wisdom, humour, and affectionate guidance.

Dr. Douglas (SDG) Fernando – Passed away in Sri Lanka. Husband of Chitrangani,​ father of Vishani,​ Iloka and Rushika and father-in-law of Sumedha and Saliya, grandfather of Chethana and Anishaa. . Cremation was at Mt. Lavinia Cemetery on May 23rd, 2026.

Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen

Sweet and Spicy Mango Sauced Ribs with Smoked Slaw

Ingredients

• 2 racks pork pork loin ribs (2½ -3lbs each)
• 1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp sweet paprika
• 2 tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 ripe fresh mangoes
• 1 cup plus 3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
• 1 small fresh serrano pepper, halved, seeded and finely chopped
• ¼ tsp ground coriander
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• ½ cup loosely packed mint leaves coarsely chopped
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
• Lime wedges (optional)

Method

1. Slip the tip of a knife under the edge of each membrane covering rib backs to loosen it. Use a paper towel to prick and pull it away from bones; discard.

2.For rub: In a small bowl combine 1 Tbsp. of the brown sugar, the cumin, paprika, onion powder, 1 ½ tsp of the cinnamon, 1 tsp kosher salt and the cayenne. Set aside 1 Tbsp. of the rub. Sprinkle remaining rub over both sides of ribs; rub in.

3. Prepare grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill place ribs over drip pan. Grill, covered over medium low 2 hours. 

4. Meanwhile, for sauce chop 2 of the mangoes. In a medium saucepan combine chopped mangoes, 1 cup vinegar, serrano pepper, coriander, the remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar and ½ tsp cinnamon, and an additional ½ tsp kosher salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 30 minutes or until thickened and reduced to about 1 ½ cups stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly. Place in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Set half of the sauce aside for serving. Brush ribs with some of the remaining sauce. Grill 1-2 hours more or until tender, brushing occasionally with sauce.

5. Meanwhile, for slaw; In a medium bowl combine the remaining 3 Tbsp. vinegar, 2 Tbsp. olive oil and the reserve 1 Tbsp. rub. Add cabbage toss to coat. Set aside at least 20 mins or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Cut along side to remove flesh from remaining 2 mangoes (do not peel). Brush flesh with an additional 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Grill mango pieces flesh side down over direct heat 2-4 minutes or until charred. Using a paring knife to remove peel, then slice mango, add to cabbage mixture along with mint and red onions. Toss to combine.

7. Serve ribs with reserved sauce, the mango slaw and if desired, the lime wedges.

Serves 6 

*Tip: for quicker grilling, after rubbing the spice mixture on ribs, place ribs into a shallow baking pan. Bake in a 325°F oven for 1 ¾ hours. Grill ribs covered, directly over medium heat, about 8 minutes or until sauce is bubbling and ribs are slightly charred, turning once half way and brushing with half of the sauce.

Ruwan Wickremesinghe’s Humor !

Jayam2424@yahoo.com

Good News From Jayam May 15, 2026 Pls Scroll Down 35 items

The “state of the art” St Joseph Hospital – Negombo – now being built in Sri Lanka “Congratulations”

“Dance with Misty”

Presented by Los Angeles Premier Showman Thusitha de Silva (T & S Productions)

(Photos by Moran Moran)

Showman Thusitha de Silva with the two MC’s Medini and Sajee.

“Misty” The Group accept award from Thusitha

SLAASC President Aruna Kodagoda, his wife Vidhya, Thusitha and friends

One of the sponsors of the show J Med Supplies CEO John Amirthiah arrives

Another sponsor businessman Sanjiv Gunasekara with friends

Niloo Pieris, famous Sri Lankan singer Sohan Pieris, engineer/musician Terry Ponniah and wife

It was a memorable and fun evening. They put on a great show!

Thusitha with Prabha and Kumar Bamunuarachchi and family

Ven. Pannakara Thera meets President AKD following ‘Ehipassiko’ Peace Walk

“Appreciates presentation of a sacred sapling of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to ‘Dhammachetiya’ project in Texas”

Following the State closing ceremony of the seven-day ‘Ehipassiko’ Peace Walk held in Sri Lanka, during which a message of peace was shared with people across the world and the heritage of Buddhism was carried to the international community, Ven. Pannakara Thera met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat recently. Ven. Pannakara Thera expressed his gratitude for the State patronage extended towards organising the ‘Ehipassiko’ Peace Walk in Sri Lanka, noting that it had been a truly encouraging experience.

Nipuni strikes Gold in Asian Beach Games

Sri Lanka’s Nipuni Wasana won the gold medal in the women’s 50kg beach wrestling at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China yesterday. The 21-year-old, coached by Suranga Kumara, defeated Vietnam’s Doan Thi Kim Oanh 3-1 in the final to give Sri Lanka its first gold medal of the Games. Ranked 37th in the world, Nipuni from Sri Lanka Air Force, has competed in several international events. This is her first international gold medal. Sri Lanka has now won a total of seven medals at the 2026 Asian Beach Games.

A Standing Ovation for an Outstanding Toast by Royal OBA Past President Dr Gnana Sankaralingam

A speech was delivered off hand by Dr Gnana Sankaralingam, Past President of ORAUK, as toast for Royal College at the annual Blue and Gold ball of Royal OBA (ORAUK) held on April 25th in Hyatt Thames view, 5 star hotel in central London. He was given a standing ovation at the end of the toast. This Royal OBA event is a truly black tie function held annually in a five star hotel in central London. It is the only Sri Lankan event where a toast for the old school is delivered. After the three course meal, toasts are made followed by dance floor opened by president and partner. Dancing is strictly ball room unlike other dances.

It is the best Sri Lankan event in the UK.

Congratulations to Medini and Asela Ratnayake of Los Angeles on their 25th Wedding Anniversary onMay 9th, 2026

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America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society of Los Angeles Presented “Beauty of Sri Lanka” Sixth Annual Photo Exhibition 2026 (Photos by Moran Moran)

Prasanna Yamasinghe Dance Troupe

Dr Lakshman and Thusitha Makandura, Consul General Achini Perera, Dr Sarath and Vajira Gunapala cut the ribbon opening the exhibition.

President SLAASC Aruna Kodagoda, Consul General Achini Perera, SLAASC Vice President Don Wijesinghe,

Dr Lakshman and Thusitha Makandura

Andy and Shyama Samarasena with SLAASC Secretary Lakruwani Fernando

Venerable Piyananda , Venerable Kolitha, Venerable Siriniwasa and other monks

Guest of Honor Dr Sarath Gunapala and his wife Vajira. Dr Sarath is a famous Scientist with JPL in Pasadena

SLAASC Committee Member Aruni Boteju of Santa Barbara. Aruni is also the Chairman of Ceylon International Film Festival in Santa Barbara

Nelum Balasooriya walks into the exhibition with Dinithi

The best Kandyan drummer in Los Angeles with a Devil Dancer. This Kandyan drummer ha a lot of personality!

Leopards of Lenama An Aegle Creations Presentation by Thivanka Perera (Please click on arrow)

Thivanka Perera is a documentary filmmaker based in Sri Lanka where he spearheads his production company ‘Aegle Creations’. He has produced wildlife/nature documentaries for National Geographic (Nat Geo Wild), Discovery (Asia), Animal Planet, and various international broadcasters. His credits include “Wild Sri Lanka – Realm of the Leopard”, “Man-eaters – A Human Leopard Story”, “Sri Lanka – Leopard Dynasty” and “Sri Lanka – Leopards of Yala”.

“Kaleidoscope” with Savithri Rodrigo May 14th, 2026

(Please click on arrow)

Today – girls in space with ShakthiSAT, an empowered canvas, Easter bonnets and more!

Obituaries – Sad News

“Scotchie” Van Rooyen – passed away in Melbourne, Australia on April 26th, 2026. Beloved husband of Joy. Father of two daughters. “Scotchie” was a past pupil of St Joseph’s College, Colombo.

Raja Jayawardana – Son of late Cyril and Madeleine Jayawardana of Dehiwala, Husband of late Dawn,​ father of Anuradha and Piyumani,​ Suresh and Lucinda,​ grandfather of Dhanika,​ Aaron,​ Thavisha,​ Jason and Jonathan,​ brother of late Seetha Jayamanne,​ Neil and Lal Jayawardana,​ brother-in-law of late Vincent Jayamanne,​ Rohini and Kanthi,​ Lakshman and Mala Jayawardana,​ Ainsley and Shanthi Weerakoon,​ Asoka and late Nirmalee Jayawardana,​ Raja and Gena Jayawardana,​ Mervyn and Srikanthi Perera and Lal and late Shiromi Withanachchi. Burial was on May 9th 2026 at Borella Cemetery (RC Section)

Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen

Squid/Cuttle Fish or Dhallo Curry

(which ever name you call it)

Ingredients

• 1 lb.cuttle fish
• 2 tspns. salt
• 2 slices ground ginger
• 2 teaspoon fenugreek
• 1/2 tspn. sweet cummin powder
• 1 1/2 tspns corriander powder
• a sprig of curry leaves
• 2-3 tspns. lime juice
• 2 dessertspoons oil
• 4 oz. 1st extract of coconut milk
• 2 dessertspoons chilli powder
• 6-8 cloves garlic
• 1 tspn. pepper powder
• 1/2 tspn. cummin powder
• 3-4 green chillies chopped
• 1 oz. red onions,chopped
• 12oz. 2nd extract of coconut milk

Method

1.Clean cuttle fish. Cut into 1″ pieces

2.Mix together with all the powdered  ingredients and salt.

3.Heat oil. Add curry leaves onions and fry   for a few minutes.

4.Add cuttle fish and left over ingredients  and cook for 5-7 minutes.

5.Add second extract of coconut milk and cook until done.

6.Add 1st extract of coconut milk.Bring to   boil add lime juice and take off fire.

Ingredients for 8 portions.  

A Very Clever Cartoon by Sri Lankan Ruwan Wickremesinghe of Los Angeles, Ca.

Jayam2424@yahoo.com