Good News From Jayam – September 15, 2025
World Bank Says Sri Lanka Recovery Remarkable, Among Fastest Worldwide
The World Bank said Sri Lanka has made remarkable strides in stabilising its economy, undertaking one of the largest fiscal adjustments in its history, equal to nearly 8% of GDP over three years, and doing it faster than most countries. In a statement announcing the release of its latest diagnostic title ‘Sri Lanka Public Finance Review: Towards a Balanced Fiscal Adjustment’, the World Bank said that this adjustment was also sharper and faster by international standards when compared with more than 330 similar efforts in 123 countries worldwide since 1980.
Patriots Day – Never Forget – September 11, 2001
USA/Sri Lanka Pacific Angel Military Exercise
Sri Lanka will host Exercise Pacific Angel – 2025 will mark another milestone in regional defence cooperation. The exercise will bring together the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), United States Pacific Forces (USPF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF), Indian Air Force (IAF), Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) and Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) as participants. The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Army (SLA) will also play an active role. Three-hundred personnel of which 123 represent foreign contingents will participate. The scale and diversity of the participating forces reflect the growing importance of collaborative training in addressing Search and Rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
If you are visiting Sri Lanka for the New Year – Don’t Miss the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Dance at the Colombo Hilton
A Sri Lankan-American Dream:
J Med Supply Inc. Named to Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies
J Med Supply Inc., a dynamic force in the U.S. healthcare sector, has earned a coveted spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, a prestigious ranking of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. The recognition marks a proud milestone in the journey of John Amirthiah, the Sri Lankan born entrepreneur behind the company’s success.
Founded in 2016 from John’s garage, J Med Supply Inc. has grown into one of the largest distributors of durable medical equipment (DME) on the U.S. West Coast. Apart from J Med, John is the founder of J Med’s sister company Motion Complex Rehab (MCR) as well as JiVE Healthcare, JCare all under J Holding Inc supporting the healthcare industry.
Zahira College marks its 133rd Anniversary
The Zahira College, Colombo, celebrated its 133rd Anniversary at the College Ghafoor Hall recently. The event was organized by the Group of 2010s in collaboration with the Old Boys Association of the College. Chairman of the Board of Governors Fouzul Hameed, Secretary Nuzri Munsoor and Principal of the Zahira College Trizviiy Marikkar attended the ceremony.The President and Secretary of the OBA, along with OBA Executive Committee Members and Group of 2010s President Afzar Arham and Members and Chairman and Secretary, Sports Committee were also present.
All Lankan Basketball Tournament
at Stevenson Park in Carson, Ca.
Noah Fernando and Rosemary Perera.
Robert Rutnam – AYSO Soccer
Son of Dennis Andre and Lupe Rutnam
of Arleta, Ca.
Flashback With the Stars September Tour
in Los Angeles “POSTPONED”
“Flashback with the Stars September U.S. Tour” has been cancelled. We truly apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to those who were looking forward to the event as much as we were. This was a mutual decision reached after careful discussion among the tour’s organizers. Thusitha Sudarshani De Silva T & S Productions USA
President Aruna Dissanayake will be in New York to attend the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations on September 9th, 2025
According to informed sources, he will NOT
visit Los Angeles, this time around
St. Joseph Hospital – Negombo
“To Live is a privilege”
Angelenos Cruising on the Carnival Jubilee
Jayam’s Choice
“It’s Not Unusual”
by Tom Jones
Baritone Gehan Cooray
at the Green Room in New York
Famous Sri Lankan-born baritone Gehan Cooray recently performed at the Green Room in New York, much to the delight of New Yorkers who enjoyed his outstanding performance. Pictured here with him is renowned singer Eranga Pieris of the celebrated duo Eranga and Priyanga. Gehan first captivated audiences at the Sri Lanka Foundation Awards held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
The Jasmine Years
by Charmaine Schuilling (Author)
Book Launch in September 2025
Now available on amazon.com
In a quiet home in Galle, a woman reflects on the life she has lived the love she found, the grief she endured, and the scent of jasmine that never quite left her door. Spanning decades and continents-from rainy lanes in Sri Lanka to sun-bleached balconies in Jeddah-The Jasmine Years is the hauntingly beautiful story of Evangeline Grace: daughter, wife, mother, and survivor of life’s quiet undoings. With a voice as lyrical as it is unflinching, she invites us into the unspoken spaces of womanhood-the weight of silence, the ache of absence, and the miracle of rediscovery. Told with tenderness and literary grace, this unforgettable memoir weaves together memory and longing, faith and fracture, in a tapestry of a life not marked by grandeur, but by perseverance, dignity, and the quiet strength to begin again. For every woman who has loved deeply, lost quietly, and still found her way home.
Asian Aviation Centre Awards
Annual Academic Awards 2025
Celebrating AAC’s 40th Anniversary
“Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo
September 4th, 2025
Dr Anton James – Shehani Seneviratne – Inflation – Budget Deficit – Beethoven Haus – Lencois Maranhenses – Tiramisu Taster and more!
Obituaries – Sad News
Dr Mohamed Lareef Idroos (84)
of La Canada, Ca. passed away on September 1st, 2025.
Beloved husband of Nabila and father of Shireen, Sabrina and Samira
Funeral was on September 4th
at Rose Hills Memorial Park,
Whittier, Ca.
Dr Lareef Idroos, was a past pupil of St Thomas College. He headed the Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Hollywood, Ca. A highly respected and loved doctor to all his patients.
Lareef Idroos was a successful leg-spin and googly bowler for S. Thomas’ College in the late 1950s; entered the Medical Faculty circa 1960 and was a member of the University of Ceylon cricket team under Carlyle Perera which secured the Sara Trophy during a spectacular season 1962/63. After he migrated to USA in the 1970s, he played for USA in the ODI tournaments conducted by the ICC in the late 1970s.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi”
Ernest Christopher Arendtsz, beloved husband of Vilma Therese (nee Berenger) dec., loving father of Roger and his partner Michelle brother of Carmen and Richard (Dick)
Grandfather of Matthew and Hayley, great grandfather to Oliver and Evie and Lennie and Teddy. Chris passed away peacefully at Knox Private Hospital in Melbourne after a short illness during the early hours of Saturday morning 23/8/25 four weeks short of his 88th Birthday. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Stafford Tambimuttu (83) passed away in Melbourne, Australia on August 27, 2025. Husband of April Carol (née Vanderwall), father of Tammy, Tania and Shaun, grandfather of Aaron, Trent, Hayden and Jackson, great grandfather of Matthew, Zayn, Zoey, Heidi and Lucas. Son of Walter and Dulcie (née Scharenguivel), brother of Winston, Karina, and Nihal Gunewardene. The Funeral was on September 9th at St Joseph’s Church Springvale. Burial was at Springvale cemetery.
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
Fiery Citrus Salsa
INGREDIENTS
1green apple
2 fresh red chillies, halved and seeded
1garlic clove
8 fresh mint leaves
juice of 1 lemon
salt and ground black pepper
METHOD
1.Slice the bottom off the orange so that it stands
firmly on a chopping board. Using a large, sharp
knife, remove the peel slicing from the top of the
orange.
2.Fold the orange in one hand over the bowl.Slice
towards the middle of the fruit, to one side of a
segment, and then gently twist the knife to ease
the segment away from the membrane and out
of the orange. Remove to remove all of the segments
and squeeze any juice from the remaining membrane.
3.Peel the apple, slice it into wedges and remove
the core.
4.Place the chillies in a blender or food processor
with the orange segments and juice, apple wedges,
garlic and mint.
5.Process until smooth, with the motor running,
pour in the lemon juice.
6.Season, pour into a bowl or small pitcher and serve
immediately.
SERVES 4
This very unusual Salsa makes a fantastic marinade
for all kinds of shell fish, and it is deliciuos when drizzled
over freshly barbecued meat.
If you are feeling really fiery, don’t seed the chillies!
That will make the Salsa particularly hot and fierce!
House For Sale in Kurunegala
Living Legends – Tissa Atapattu – Planting
Memoirs of Tissa Atapattu
Not long after I left school (Royal College), in late February 1955, I was interviewed by the Managing Director of Bosanquet & Skrine Mr. Walter Berry and his assistant Alan Sharp Paul.
There were three other strong candidates interviewed that same afternoon, all from St. Thomas’ College, two from planting families and the other the swimming champion of St. Thomas’ – I was fortunate to get the job – obviously my brother’s good reputation as an established, efficient SD in the Agency of Whittals helped.
In early March, my parents equipped me with Planting gear – suitable field shoes, stockings, khaki shorts, short sleeved shirts, underwear, a field hat to shade me from the sun, and prepared me for my Planting career. The exercise was easy for them as my elder brother was one of the first recruits when the British decided to Ceylonise the industry, and he was already well-established as Assistant Superintendent on Gonapitiya Group, Kandapola, and so they were familiar with what was required to equip me for my new life.
One warm, dry afternoon in mid-March, my father drove me from Kandy to Kandaloya Estate, Dolosbage, my first appointment with the Ceylon & Indian Planters Association – a Sterling Company in the Agency of Bosanquet and Skrine.
Kandaloya Estate, that last name in the Red Book (Ferguson’s Directory) shown as YAKDESSA (Devils place) was located 16 miles off the main Nawalapitiya/Ginigathena road, a dirt road (cart road} as we called it.
We arrived at the Kandaloya Superintendent’s bungalow at 3pm as arranged. My father left after meeting the British Superintendent, a handsome man of 32 years (an ex Naval Officer) and his wife. They had two children, Angela aged 3 years and John aged 1½ years whom I got to know well, and they became very close to me.
My father said good bye and departed after tea, leaving me in the good hands of my new BOSS.
After tea, my boss (PD) showed me my room where I will stay with him during my ‘creeping” period of six months. I will be paid a salary of Rs.350 during my creeping period of which my PD would be paid Rs.300 for training and for board and lodging. I was shown around the bungalow, garden, tennis court etc., and we chatted for awhile. I distinctly recall him saying
” Tissa, this weather (meaning hot and arid and windy) is driving me to drink!”
I really did not understand what he meant until I was well into the start of my career. Obviously, the weather was most unsuitable, growth was low, crop was down.
The next morning, I was out with my PD early at about 7.30 after breakfast. He drove me around the estate in his Land Rover with his dog SHANDY a golden cocker spaniel drooling all over my shoulder. He showed me my future bungalow on Upper Division being restored. There had been no SD living there for many years. There was no electricity and a Harrison Lister Lighting set was being repaired to await the new SD’s occupation. There was also NO telephone and no refrigerator.
I was still a grown-up schoolboy, mostly nervous and clueless and 90% of what he told me did not mean much at that time. The next morning he introduced me to Ramiah Kangany of 90 acres division who also spoke Sinhalese. My PD was very thoughtful and Ramiah was certainly an asset to show me the “ropes” as I did not speak or understand any Tamil. I was given a copy of INGE WA ANGE PO a Tamil English plantation book which became my Bible during my creeping period.
I was out in the field thereafter for weeks with Ramiah Kangany until I got more confidence. Then I ventured on my own discovering how a Plantation operates from morning muster to evening final weighing of green leaf. Kandaloya also had a large acreage of cardamoms harvested every three weeks and dried in a cardamom drier located close to the tea factory.
Every evening after work and after my shower, my PD would come into my room and question me on what I had learned that day, including Tamil words I had learned. He also asked me general knowledge questions unrelated to Planting to find out what knowledge I had and in turn I too asked several that interested me e.g. why is one called a CREEPER? He replied that in planting jargon a creeper is the lowest form or life, lower than a cooly!
I must confess, he did take a great deal of trouble training me.
Well before the end of three months, my PD called me to his office and told me he was very happy with my progress and had recommended that my creeping be reduced to three months and that I should be confirmed in my appointment as Assistant Superintendent. I was delighted. He also got the Assistant’s bungalow completed, furnished it and got me to move in. I hired an Appu and a houseboy. As there was no refrigerator, I lived on eggs and once a week awaited a beef box from Nawalapitiya that also carried beef for my PD. My Appu roasted the beef as soon as it was received as there was no refrigerator. Occasionally, I got corned beef from Armistice Stores in Nawalapitiya with other provisions like sugar, onions potatoes etc. Fresh milk was supplied from the Lines from a labourer who owned a cow.
I was now 18 miles off the main Nawalapitiya/Ginigathena road in the middle of NOWHERE (Yakdessa).
Soon the Southwest Monsoon broke and I learned to my horror Kandaloya received a total of nearly 250 inches of rain per year, sometime15 inches in a single day! An umbrella was useless and I learned to get drenched each day. There were leeches as long as three inches everywhere and more in the cardamom fields.
Another feature of Kandaloya is that I believe it is located on LODESTONE as it attracted fearful lightning storms, so much so telephones to the office and Superintendent’s bungalow never worked and often during a storm, sparks flew out of the electric sockets (plugs). The Visiting Agent Mr. Murray Jackson refused to visit during the stormy weather as he was scared to death! No surprise it is called YAK DESSA!
My PD and his wife appeared very fond of me and so were their children, so much so that he invited me to stay in his bungalow, left his kids with the Nanny and the men servants and went on long holiday to Trincomalee for ten days. That was a HUGE compliment.
During my period as SD on Kandaloya, my PD encouraged me to play rugby when he learned I had played for Royal College, and he contacted the captain of the Dickoya team David Perkins who was Superintendent of Osborne Estate, Hatton. David included me in his team. I had no transport, I took the rice lorry that came each Saturday morning and returned to Nawalapitiya in the afternoon. From there I took the bus to Dickoya and often arrived at Darrawela Club after the game was over. This did not deter me, I was keen on rugby, having recently played school rugby and continued each Saturday traveling by rice lorry and bus. (See attached photo of the Dimbula-Dickoya 1955 team). Many of both teams have since passed on. Occasionally, my captain David Perkins and his wife Pene invited me to stay the Saturday night in their bungalow in Osborne. 1957 was a difficult year for Dimbula and Dickoya rugby and we jointly formed a Dim/Dicks team in 1958 and 1959.
After I finished about a year he went home on furlough and a person who used to be SD on Kandaloya acted for him for three months.
After my regular PD returned from furlough things were different and he began to turn nasty on me, picking faults whenever he could. I had done over a year’s Planting by that time. He abused me in Tamil in the presence of the pluckers and often called me “you inefficient Ceylonese”.
I used to walk the length and breadth of the estate as I had no motorcycle nor car. I asked him to write to the Company and request a loan to buy a motor bike and in a couple of weeks he told me that they had responded in the negative saying they did not trust Ceylonese SD’s! I then bought my father’s car and repaid him in installments.
I was getting disgusted with Planting being constantly abused by my PD. I became so angry, I wanted to beat him up and leave. However, before doing so, I wrote to my brother and he came within a few days to speak with me. He advised me to be patient and tolerate the abuse, not to retaliate in any form as I would not be able to find another Planting job.
I took his advice and had to ‘bite the bullet”. For my good fortune, the SD on Laxapana, another estate in the company was going on furlough and I transferred temporally to St. Andrews Division as Acting SD. After about six months on Laxapana I was transferred by Bosanquet’s to Kandenuwara Estate, Elkaduwa to act for the European Superintendent who was going on furlough.
I was still young and comparatively inexperienced, I was therefore, overseen by the Superintendent of the adjoining Hunugalla Estate, also a European. I was told that at the end of six months on Kandenuwara, I would be transferred to act on Hunugalla Estate when the superintendent goes on furlough again, to be overseen now by the Superintendent of Kandenuwara when he returned from the U.K.
I continued to be interested in rugby and turned up for practice with the hope of playing for Kandy. Unfortunately for me, the PD from Hunugalla who was overlooking me was also a rugby player, and played winger, the same position as me. He too turned up for practice and the next day he told me that I cannot play as he was interested in playing the position. I did not argue.
The Visiting Agent was very pleased with my work on Kandanuwara and as my future was unsure after Hunugalla, he informed me that he knew a permanent position as Assistant Superintendent falling vacant in the prestigious Nuwara Eliya Tea Estates Company, a Sterling company for which he was the VA. I applied for the position recommended by him and was appointed Assistant on Concordia Group, Kandapola, St. Johns Division in October 1958.
I played rugby for Dimbula in 1960 and 1961 and gave up playing from 1962 onwards when I was promoted to Superintendent. (See attached photo).
I played rugby for Dimbulla (DACC) captained by Mike Waring and the next year by T.B. Pilapitiya both of whom represented Up Country and Ceylon. In our teams were exceptional and talented players both Ceylonese and European.
I also played cricket for Dickoya (DMCC) with some greats of that time – Douglas Ironside and Tommy Le Mercier to name a few. In Dimbulla, I had the pleasure and privilege playing under the captaincy of Gamini Salgado, my brother Saliya, Vernon and Ralston Tissera and Gamini Tennekoon. We had many reputable players in our side like R.L. (Robert) de Kretser who represented Ceylon. The legendary M. Sathasivam also honored us by playing in a friendly game when he was visiting the district on business.
I was happy on Concordia, did well, for nearly four years. My bungalow was close to the main Kandapola-Nuwara Eliya Road and only 15 minutes to Nuwara Eliya. I had many visitors and many friends, loved the climate and everything about Nuwara Eliya and the Uda Pussellawa district. I fortunately had the nicest PD, a real gentleman, who was a third generation English Tea Planter in Ceylon.
I was given the position of Acting Manager Concordia Group from June 1962. I married Sheila Dharmasiriwardhane in June 1962 and took over as acting Manager when my PD went on furlough. A Group photo of the Concordia Group Staff welcoming my wife and I is attached.
In September, when the permanent Manager returned, I was asked to act for the Superintendent Hethersett Estate, Kandapola (the factory is now The TEA FACTORY converted into a hotel by Aitken Spense.)
I was the FIRST non-BRITISH Superintendent on Hethersett. As Superintendent Hethersett, I also had to overlook Goatfell Estate next door and St. Margaret’s Estate, Uda Pussellawa belonging to Mackwoods Ltd., again, the first non-European to be in charge.
My wife and I proceeded to the U.K on furlough in December 1962 to return to a permanent billet – Parragalla Estate, Nawalapitiya belonging to Gibson Tea Estates, the company recently purchased by The Nuwara Eliya Tea Estates Co.
Gibson’s also owned Kahagalla Estate Haputale, Meriabedde Group, Koslanda and the senior billet Needwood Group, Haldummulla which included Idalgashena Estate.
When I took over Parragalla Estate, I was told that the company had decided to sell the property as it was in neglect and that I would be moved elsewhere when sold.
In six months, the Visiting Agent reported a huge improvement in appearance and profit and they decided not to sell. The Chairman from London who was originally a Planter in the Nuwara Eliya Co., visited Parragalla and stayed three days with us and was most impressed with the improvements.
Our first child was born at the Hatton Nursing Home when we were on Parragalla.
Several months later, I had a telephone call from the Chairman in London and he asked me if I could take over Needwood in a few days to relieve the Acting Manager who was being charged with fraud. I agreed and moved within days to relieve the Acting Manager. The Auditors from Colombo were present on the estate inquiring into the fraud when I took over. Most embarrassing as the accused was a close friend.
When the permanent Manager of Needwood, a Scotsman returned from furlough, I handed over Needwood to him and transferred to Kahagalla Estate in Haputale as Superintendent. Kahagalla was a well-managed high yielding property that had a quaint Bungalow that resembled a Cottage in England.
In 1964 again, I was asked to take over Needwood from the Scotsman, a senior Planter as the staff had gone on strike as the Manager had taken the Tea Maker by his ear and rubbed his nose on the fermenting table! There were several other complaints against the Manager, and the strike spread throughout the industry! The Scotsman was dismissed, and I took over Needwood with the staff and labour on strike.
I spent the next few months in and out of labour tribunals and court attending to matters following the staff and labour disputes.
I had two SD’s on Needwood, the senior SD on Idalgashena Div. and the other on Haldummulla Div.
Our second child was born in 1965 at the Kandy Nursing Home when we were on Needwood. We enjoyed our life on Needwood. After the strikes I concentrated on the plantation and two factories. The labour force was troublesome, and I had to be very firm and did not tolerate indiscipline and inefficiency. The Trade Unions were very supportive and considered my handling of labour very fair. I dismissed 150 workers and several members of staff for indiscipline and delighted that I won all the cases without any issues. Fortunately, we had a great LRO (Labour Relations Officer) Mr. Fred de Vos and retained an excellent attorney, Mr. Jack Kotelawala from Badulla.
The Needwood bungalow was beautiful, located in a spot overlooking the Hambegamuwa plains looking on to Hambantota.
The Visiting Agent was very pleased with the appearance of the estate, reduced costs and manufacture and wrote two excellent reports commending my work. Co-incidentally, again, the newly appointed Chairman from the U.K. visited and was overjoyed with the V.A.’s reports and appearance of Needwood.
However, apart from verbal compliments, he nor the company did nothing to show their appreciation except verbal praise. My pay was still thousands of rupees lower than what they paid the previous manager and my annual bonus a pittance compared with what others received!
Our elder son was now over two years and before long we had to consider sending him to school in Colombo. We were wondering how we would manage schooling. For our good fortune, totally unexpected, one of my previous VA’s called and asked if I would be interested in joining him to run the Estate Department at Shaw Wallace & Hedges. The terms they offered were excellent and in August 1966, I tendered my resignation to Leechman & Co. who were now Agents & Secretaries for Gibson Estates and the Nuwara Eliya Tea Estates Co., and moved to Colombo. During my happy Planting days, I made close and lifelong friends among the European SD’s who were about my age and commenced Planting in the mid 1950’s – the late Peter Albright, Douglas Stewart Richard Bolster, Tony Payne, George Gillespie, Hans Von Mossenbach and Robin Parker, and I continue to keep in touch with some of them and visit them whenever we visit the U.K.
I worked ten years in Colombo at Shaw Wallace & Hedges who were in addition to being Estate and Plantation Managers, were also manufacturers of fertilizers, agro chemicals, blenders and exporters of tea, agents for shipping companies, Pan American Airways, insurance and much more. I was given the opportunity as a Senior Executive of Shaw Wallace & Hedges Ltd., to oversee and supervise many of the company’s businesses whenever needed and learned a great deal about how businesses and corporations are managed efficiently.
I decided to emigrate to the U.S.A. in 1975.
The training experience and discipline I acquired during my Planting career and as a Senior Executive of Shaw Wallace & Hedges cannot be replicated. Again, in Colombo, as an AGENCY WALLAH, I made lifelong friends.
Using my training, discipline and experience in Sri Lanka, I developed a very successful manufacturing and export business in Food & Ingredients in the U.S.
I educated myself, became a member of The Institute of Food Technology and did several courses related to Food ingredients and beverages that helped me develop unique products which I exported worldwide, having also developed international marketing skills in the days before the internet. Some of my suppliers and partners were Cargill Inc. (the largest privately-owned company in the world), Archer Daniel Midland (AM) Kraft Food Ingredients, Dean Foods and Anheuser Busch.
Single-handed with no employees I exported several million U.S. Dollars per annum before I retired and sold my business.
Tissa Atapattu
Dr Lareef Idroos (84) of La Canada, Ca. Passed Away on September 1st, 2025
Dr Lareef Idroos (84) of La Canada, Ca. Passed Away on September 1st, 2025
It was a full house at the SLMANA dance held at the fabulous Millenium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Dr. Lareef Idroos of Kaiser Permanente Hollywood and President of Sri Lanka Medical Association N.A.West., presented Dr. Walter Jayasinghe with the “Philanthropy Award” to a standing ovation of appreciative, fellow Sri Lankans.
Dr Mohamed Lareef Idroos of La Canada, Ca. passed away on September 1st, 2025.
Beloved husband of Nabila and father of Shireen, Sabrina and Samira
Funeral will be on Thursday, September 4th at Rose Hills Memorial Park 3900 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, Ca. at 10 am
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Dr Lareef Idroos, was a past pupil of St Thomas College. He headed the Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Hollywood, Ca.
A highly respected and loved doctor to all his patients.
Lareef Idroos was a successful leg-spin and googly bowler for S. Thomas’ College in the late 1950s; entered the Medical Faculty circa 1960 and was a member of the University of Ceylon cricket team under Carlyle Perera which secured the Sara Trophy during a spectacular season 1962/63. After he migrated to USA in the 1970s, he played for USA in the ODI tournaments conducted by the ICC in the late 1970s.
——————————
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un”
Good News From Jayam September 1, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Good News From Jayam September 1, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Sri Lanka’s President Anura Dissanayake to visit Los Angeles in September 2025
Andrew Johns Celebrated his 40th Birthday. Andrew is son of Padmini and John Johns of La Jolla, Ca.
Jayam and Gina Rutnam will be celebrating the New Year 2026 at the Colombo Hilton Why don’t you join us? It is presented by “Upul Dharmadasa Productions”
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Elephant Free Elephant Walk: A Cultural Revolution for Climate Justice and Wildlife Protection
It was a perahara like no other. Instead of majestic elephants adorned with glittering decorations, giant puppets crafted from discarded plastic bottles glided down the streets. School children marched proudly, their faces painted with elephant masks, their voices raised in songs and chants not just celebratory but also hopeful. This was the ‘Elephant Free Elephant Walk’, a powerful blend of tradition and transformation, where culture met an urgent call to protect our planet. This concept was concieved and implemented at the Sri Lanka Day Perahera by the Sri Lanka Foundation, Los Angeles.
Skies of Colombo burst with colour at International Kite Festival
More than 55 international kite flyers
from 25 countries joined local enthusiasts
The skies above Sri Lanka’s capital came alive in a dazzling display of colour as the Colombo International Kite Festival took flight over the weekend. Held at the iconic Galle Face Green park. More than 55 international kite flyers from 25 countries joined local enthusiasts, transforming the skyline into a moving canvas of shapes and shades. From traditional diamond-shaped designs to massive, intricate creations resembling animals and mythical figures, the festival highlighted both cultural diversity and shared joy.
Sri Lanka’s Nisa Madumali won a Bronze medal in the Swimsuit model Physique event at WBPF/ABBF Asian Bodybuilding and Physique sport championship 2025 Bangkok, Thailand.
‘The Muslim Heritage of Sri Lanka’
A ground-breaking study on Sri Lankan Muslims, life and times by Abdul Raheem Jesmil
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The Award Winning “T & S Productions” Brings the best shows to Los Angeles Flashback with the Stars! Sunday, September 14th, 2025
Jayam’s Choice “Love me tender” by Elvis Presley (Please click on arrow)
www.utravel.com
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To help introduce U.S.-based travel advisors to Sri Lanka, Ceylon Express of Huntington Beach, Ca. is hosting an educational fam trip to Sri Lanka, from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6.
On the small island packed with cultural heritage, natural beauty and warm hospitality, that momentum is being shaped by longtime advocates such as Varini De Silva, president of California-based tour operator Ceylon Express, who has spent decades introducing travelers to Southeast Asia. “Tourism is thriving again, and that’s exactly what the country needs. U.S. dollars directly help revive the economy.” Founded by her father in Sri Lanka nearly six decades ago, Ceylon Express was built on a simple philosophy: people-to-people travel. To De Silva, Sri Lanka is a prime destination for these more intimate, off-the-beaten path experiences that leave travelers feeling truly connected to the place, its people and its traditions.
Scarlett London – TravelAge West.
St. Joseph Hospital in Negombo “The” Perfect Hospital Room
Dr Walter Jayasinghe of San Marino, Ca. Honored on his 88th Birthday. Receives the “Lankaputra Bhimani Award” at the beautiful Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara in West Covina, Ca.
Video produced by FINN TV USA, about Dr WalterJayasinghe was shown. Famous Sri Lankan Television presonality, Saritha, was the Master of Ceremonies at the event.
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A good looking young couple
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“Malbara Himidiriye” Rukmani Devi and Neville Fernando Piano Cover by Thaminie Perera (Please click on arrow)
Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo August 14th. 2025 (Please click on arrow)
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Obituaries – Sad News
Lalini Fernando – Wife of Laurentius Nonis, mother of Prashan,daughter of late Earnst and late Ruby Fernando, sister of Ranjith, Vinitha, Priyani, late Vijitha, Shanthakumar and Sarath, passed away on 22nd August 2025. Cortege leaves residence on 26 August at 3.45 p.m. 26/9B, Peiris Avenue, Moratuwa. Final rites at Methodist Church, Suduwella. Burial at Methodist Church Cemetery, Moratumulla.
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
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Tea Pluckers of Sri Lanka (The smile adds to the flavor!)
Jayam2424@yahoo.com
My Relationship with My Amazing Sister, Indrani Wye By Jayam Rutnam (Excerpt from My Book)
“Amazing” is truly the best way to describe Indrani. The word was first used by her daughter, Paddy Anne, after Indrani’s recent passing . No description could be more fitting.
My journey with Indrani began when I was a baby and she was just five years old. As the youngest in the family, I was no doubt often cuddled and cared for by my big sister. I still have photographs of her taking me for walks down the lane when I was three.
As the second child and a girl, Indrani received special attention from my father’s sister, Mary Aunty, who considered her a favorite niece.
When we were both at Bishop’s College, Colombo, I was eight and Indrani was thirteen. We shared simple but precious moments. One of our favorite songs was Would You Rather Swing on a Star, Carry Moonbeams Home in a Jar! Indrani was always protective of me, a quality that stayed with her all her life. She was protective not only of her brothers and sisters, but also of her own children. A fact proven time and again.
Later, when I was sent to St. Joseph’s College boarding school, Indrani often accompanied my mother on visits to see me.
Indrani was a beautiful girl who grew into a beautiful woman. It wasn’t long before Jayanta Padmanabha, who was visiting his aunt Mrs. Ramanathan next door, noticed my sister and asked my father for her hand in marriage. They had one daughter, Kshirabdhi. I often kept my sister company at her home in Barnes Place when she was alone. Eventually, Kshirabdhi went to school in Oxford, England, and Indrani later divorced Jayanta.
Years later, when Indrani was living with our parents on Guildford Crescent in Colombo, a chance encounter changed her life. A car broke down in front of our house, and the driver, an English gentleman named Patrick J. Wye, came to our door asking to use the phone. He noticed Indrani immediately. Patrick soon asked my father if he could take her to a party. My father hesitated and sent me to “check him out.” Patrick lived nearby, and that meeting was the beginning of their relationship.
Patrick eventually married Indrani, but as a result, was dismissed from his position as manager of the British Bank, due to a rule forbidding him from marrying someone from the country in which he was stationed. The couple left for England.
Around the same time, I was traveling by ship to England to attend school. Indrani and Patrick met me at the pier in Southampton. Before school began, I stayed with them in Gerrards Cross and later in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. Those were happy days. Patrick had many warm and lively English friends, and they introduced me to the British pub life.
Though I lost regular contact with Indrani once Patrick joined American Express and they lived in various countries, Assam, Malaysia, Jakarta, Hong Kong etc., she never failed to write to me.
When Patrick owned property in Beverly Hills, I became his contact in Los Angeles and managed the houses, one of which was rented by the famous singer Dusty Springfield. I handled rent collections and deposits.
Many years later, when Indrani and Patrick visited Los Angeles, I mentioned to Indrani that I was dating a young girl and that we were thinking of getting engaged. Indrani immediately insisted on hosting our engagement party, and what a celebration it was! One hundred and twenty-five guests, a three-tiered cake, music, dancing, all at the Cap ’n Quill in downtown Los Angeles, fully paid for by Indrani and Patrick. She even gave me an expensive genuine, alexandrite ring to present to Gina.
Eventually, Indrani and Patrick moved to Westlake Village, California, and we saw them more often. She hosted wonderful gatherings, was always the life of the party, and had an impeccable sense of style. Her home was beautifully furnished, and her best friend and neighbor, Melanie, was a constant presence. On her 70th birthday, Indrani surprised Patrick with a tap dance performance. She had been secretly taking lessons.
Her pride and joy were her children. Kshirabdhi, Paddy Anne, and Maria, and her beloved grandchildren Rachel, Louis, Tara, Devon Liam, Brixton, and Gracie. She loved them fiercely, was always protective, and took immense pride in their achievements.
Indrani’s life was defined by beauty, generosity, and boundless love for her family. To me, she will always be, in every sense of the word — amazing!
Good News From Jayam August 15, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Good News From Jayam August 15, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
City of Dreams – Colombo Grand Opening
Sri Lanka marked a historic milestone on August 2, 2025 as the doors of City of Dreams Sri Lanka (COD SL) – the nation’s largest private investment and South Asia’s first integrated resort swung open, ushering in a new era of economic resurgence and global prestige. Nestled at the heart of Colombo’s evolving skyline, this architectural marvel is more than a luxury destination; it is a testament to Sri Lanka’s resilience, ambition, and creative spirit.
A collaboration between John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, COD SL stands as a beacon of innovation, blending world-class hospitality with the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Grand Opening Ceremony City of Dreams – Colombo (Please click on arrow)
New Consul General Appointed for Los Angeles. He will soon be arriving to take up duties!
More countries seek free visa entry into Sri Lanka No more Visa Fees into Sri Lanka for US Nationals
In the wake of Sri Lanka waiving visa fees for nationals from 40 more countries, many other countries have sought the same facility for their nationals coming here as tourists.
Previously, Sri Lanka had granted the facility to seven countries. The government has now taken a policy decision to add 40 countries to the list. The decision is currently pending with the Attorney General for clearance. The new visa regulation, upon approval by the Attorney General, will be endorsed by Parliament, giving legal effect to the decision. It is expected to be effective by the end of this month. Once it is in effect, people from these countries can apply online for a free visa to travel to Sri Lanka as tourists.
Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Dr Walter Jayasinghe Celebrates his 88th Birthday on August 17th 2025
“We wish this wonderful human being, who has done so much for the Sri Lankan community in Southern California, many more years!”
Niran and Achala Weerasinghe of Los Angeles, Ca. What a Lovely Couple! Niran Celebrated his 60th Birthday (Sorry we missed a great party!) (Photos by Moran Moran)
Birthday boy Niran and wife Achala at their high rise apartment in downtown Los Angeles. You were greeted by a saxophone player, dancing girls, cocktails and cuisine by Kurrypinch of Hollywood.
Yevan David set to become first Sri Lankan driver in Formula 3
Eighteen-year-old Yevan David has created another bit of history by becoming the first-ever Sri Lankan driver to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. He signed with AIX Racing for the 2026 season, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s motorsport journey. The 18-year-old Sri Lankan is currently fighting for the Euroformula title, and has four victories, five other podiums and a pole so far this season in the F3-level series while driving for the dominant Motopark team. He took two wins and a third place from his debut in the final round of 2024. Speaking about his signing with AIX, the 18-year-old said he was proud to become the first driver from his country to compete in the Championship and was grateful for the opportunity.
Beyond Trump Tariffs, Sri Lanka should strive to climb up export ladder (excerpt from Ranga Jayasuriya of Daily Mirror)
Sri Lanka secured a major reduction of Trump’s import tax on goods, placing it on par with its regional competitors. Sri Lanka’s revised tariff rate of 20% would put it on par with Cambodia 19%, Bangladesh 20%, Vietnam 20%, Philippines 19%, Thailand 19% and Pakistan 19%. India, which is still negotiating, is slapped with a 25% plus penalty over energy exports from Russia. While reduced Trump’s import tariffs on goods would not make Sri Lankan exports magically competitive, the steep decrease from an earlier 44% to the current 20% has provided them with a level playing field. The Trump administration in what it called reciprocal tariff was not particularly gung-ho against the smaller nations with a smaller trade volume in its trade with the US — its main gripe was with some of its largest trading partners, which maintain a whopping trade surplus — China US$ 270billion, Mexico US$157 billion, Vietnam US$ 113 billion, Ireland US$ 80 billion etc.
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MasterChef Sri Lanka fires up island’s culinary scene
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Nice Photo of Four Past Presidents of the SLAASC – Kapila Wimalaratna, Udaya Ranaraja, Sarath Goonetilleke and Dushantha Kurera (Circa 2016)
SLAASC Production of “Neka Maatra” was a Fabulous (Sold Out) Show In North Hollywood, Ca. (A Good Cause – Raising Funds for Cataract Operations in Sri Lanka)
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“Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo August 7th, 2025 (Please click on arrow)
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Obituaries – Sad News
Jim Lovell (97) passed away in Lake Forest, Illinois. The commander of the three-man Apollo 13 spacecraft that survived a near catastrophic explosion as it approached the moon in April 1970, before safely returning to Earth in an extraordinary rescue operation. His family confirmed his death in a statement to NASA. Captain Lovell, a former Navy test pilot, flew for some 715 hours in space, the most of any astronaut in the pioneering Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs forged by the United States as it vied with the Soviet Union to put a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s.
Indrani Fernando – Wife of late Dr. Norman Fernando, mother of Dilrukshi,Nishana, Darshika, Rupika and Rukshan, mother-in-law of Preminda, Lakshaman and Rehan and grandmother of Randima, Gihani and Shalini. Funeral was on August 9th 2025. Cremation was at the General Cemetery, Borella.
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
CHILLI CRABS
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Cooked crabs, about 1/2 lbs
- 1/2″ cube shrimp paste
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 fresh red chillies, seeded or
- 1 teaspoon chopped chili from a jar
- 1/2 ” fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
- 4 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 1/4 cups tomato ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 4 scallions, chopped to garnish cucumber
- chunks and hot toast, to serve (optional)
Method
1.Remove the claws of one crab and turn it onto its back with the head facing away from you. Use use your thumbs to push the body up from the main shell. Discard the stomach sac and “dead men’s fingers,” i.e. lungs and any green matter. Leave the creamy brown meat in the shell and cut the shell in half with a cleaver or very sharp knife. Cut the body section in half and crack the claws with a hard blow from a hammer or cleaver. Avoid splintering the claws. Repeat with the other crab.
2. Grind the shrimp paste, garlic, chillies and ginger to a paste with a pestle and mortar.*(I have an extra coffee grinder that is great for these small jobs)
3. Heat a wok and add the oil. fry the spice paste, stirring constantly, without browning. Stir in the tomato ketchup, sugar and water and mix the sauce well. When just boiling, add all the crab pieces and toss in the sauce until well coated and hot. Serve in a large bowl, sprinkle with the spring onions. Place in the center of the table for every one to help themselves. Accompany this finger-licking dish with cool cucumber chunks and hot toast for mopping up the sauce, if you like.
Jayam2424@yahoo.com
Marriage of My Parents, Evelyn and James Excerpt from My Book (not finished) by Jayam Rutnam
Marriage of My Parents, Evelyn and James by Jayam Rutnam
My father James was a Tamil in Ceylon, and my mother Evelyn, a Sinhalese. “Ceylon” was what the country was known as at that time in the 1930s. A marriage between the two ethnic groups, Tamil and Sinhalese, was not only frowned upon but also forbidden by the parents of both families. Their homes were next to each other, and they met as neighbors, fell in love, and, to avoid any obstacles, eloped.
James’ father was vehemently opposed to the marriage and went to great lengths to banish his son. He also resorted to extreme measures by displaying black flags of mourning and plastering the walls on the streets with posters indicating that his son was “dead.” However, after the birth of the first child, Rajah, the families reconciled and expressed their love for the couple, showering them with more affection than expected. My paternal grandfather spent his last days with my parents.
I was the fourth of eight children. When I was eleven, I was sent to boarding school at St. Joseph’s College. In 1952, my eldest brother Rajah migrated to the United States, a country and lifestyle he found fascinating. Rajah was the first immigrant from Ceylon to the United States. After working on the movie “Bridge on the River Kwai,” which was filmed in Ceylon, my brother Chandran went to Hollywood, California, to pursue his dreams of working in the movie industry. My sister Indrani married Jayanta Padmanabha, who was the Editor of the Ceylon Daily News. They had a daughter, Kshirabdhi.
My father was a successful businessman, historian, and scholar. My mother, besides being a loving and caring mother to all her children, was the charming hostess at the many parties we had at our family home. These gatherings honored politicians, dignitaries, business people, and leaders from many countries. She also held the position of Social Secretary of the United Nations Association of Ceylon for many terms until her untimely passing at the age of 52e.
Good News From Jayam August 1, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Good News From Jayam August 1, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Beautiful Tea Estate in Bandarawela for Sale Only US$500K – 34.5 acres – Available Now Ideal for retiree couple – Make your dream come true! This Estate has a beautiful owner’s bungalow! You can give it your own name!
Have you ever wanted to own your own tea estate in the luscious hills of Bandarawela vicinity? The estate is currently fully functional. Consisting of all amenities including, 4 bedroom bungalow, office room, 2 living quarters for the staff, 5-6 living line quarters, and a weighing shed etc. Serious buyers only. At $500K its a steal. Priced to sell! Contact Jayam at jayam2424@yahoo.com
Visiting Glacier Park, Montana recently were Gina, Fay Herft and Anne Schumacher of California – Almost Heaven!
Gina made friends with the neighbor’s horses in beautiful Kalispell, Montana
Anne, Fay, Gina and Paddy Johns in Kalispell, Montana
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams – Hotel Review (Please click on arrow)
All Lankan BasketBall 2025 Tournament Saturday, August 9th, 2025 at Stevenson Park in Carson, Ca. Don’t miss it!
Sri Lanka Pushes for Better US Trade Terms
The Sri Lankan government was focused last week on efforts to further negotiate with the United States (US) for better tariff rates as the August 1 date for these rates looms ahead. The US had decided on a 30 per cent tariff rate for Sri Lanka. This is after a series of discussions between that country and a team of Sri Lankan officials. The previous rate the US assigned to Sri Lanka was 44 per cent. This 14 per cent reduction was welcomed by Colombo as a positive step.
However, after the announcement of the 30 per cent rate, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is also Minister of Finance met with officials from the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank as well his economic advisors, directing them to try and negotiate with the US for a further tariff reduction. One avenue that is being explored is exporting oil from the US. Sri Lanka imports over $4 billion worth of oil annually. If some oil exports are sourced from the US, this would go a long way in addressing the trade disparity which resulted in tariffs, officials say.
Get a loan to buy a home, Now! Specialiizing in Southern California We have many satisfied Sri Lankan clients! (All transactions “Highly” Confidential)
Call Jayam or Gina: 626-824-7892
2025 Geoffrey Bawa Memorial Lecture on July 24th by Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena
The 22nd edition of the annual Geoffrey Bawa Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Los Angeles-based architects Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6.30 p.m. at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI). The speakers’ architecture firm, Escher GuneWardena Architecture, established in 2015, includes projects ranging from custom homes and housing, preservation of work of iconic buildings and collaborations with artists, art galleries, and exhibitions around the world.
In addition to preservation work, Escher and GuneWardena regularly design new houses and commercial projects in the Los Angeles area, including a 100-acre meditation center campus for California’s Sri Lankan community in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Parallel to the memorial lecture, Escher and GuneWardena will also host a workshop for architecture students and young architects titled Historic Preservation/A Role for Contemporary Architects on July 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the De Saram House in Colombo 7. Admission to both events is free on pre-registration. For registration and more information, visit: geoffreybawa.com/events.
Childhood Sweethearts found each other in Sri Lanka Charmaine Schuilling and Lorensz Misso (here with family) They now live in Sydney, Australia
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Jayam’s Choice “Where the Boys Are” by Connie Francis (Please click on arrow)
Bishop’s College Past Pupils’ Association USA Celebrated 150 Year Anniversary of their Alma Mater in Orange County, Ca (Photos by Moran Moran)
Chandani Wanniarachchi (President) Aroshi de Silva (Vice President) Achala Weerasinghe (Patron Bishop’s College PPA) Bishop’s College Principal Chemali Goonetilleke Herath, Shiran Salgado
Shiran Salgado and Chemali
Migari Marasinghe (right) hosted the event at her beautiful home in Orange County., Ca. Here with friends.
Bishop’s College Colombo, Principal Chemali Goonetilleke Herath, flew to Los Angeles for the occasion. Here she is on the left with two past pupils.
Sonali Jinadasa
New Governing Body Elected at Sri Lanka – USA Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – The Sri Lanka–USA Chamber of Commerce (SLUCC) in Los Angeles convened an annual general meeting via Zoom on July 16, 2025, to elect a new governing body. The virtual meeting, which was organized by Don Wijesinghe, followed an open invitation extended to the Sri Lankan business community via email at the instruction of former President Manickrajah Jayakumar.
The following individuals were elected to serve as officers of the Chamber: President: Don Susil Wijesinghe,
Secretary: Jack Knight, Treasurer: Aruni Boteju.
The Sri Lanka–USA Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, non-political organization committed to fostering stronger trade relations and business partnerships between Sri Lanka and the United States. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 8:00 PM (via Zoom). This session will include the continued expansion of our governing body, with the election of board members.
To participate, please reach out to me to ensure your email is added to our invitation list. We will send you the Zoom link prior to the meeting. Jack Knight – Secretary
Sri Lanka–America Business Chamber of Commerce,
Los Angeles. Email: jackknight44@yahoo.com
Los Angeles Businessman George Rutnam and Famous Sri Lankan Danu Innasithamby met at Danu’s book signing event at the now famous Sri Lankan Restaurant in Hollywood, “The Kurrypinch”
Happy Birthday Anusha of Los Angeles
Happy 3rd Birthday to Princess Sienna of Los Angeles, Ca.
SLAASC Fundraiser “Neka Maatra” Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
Besame Mucho! Dedicated to my dear friend Indrani Wye by Thaminie Perera (Please click on arow)
“Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo July 17th, 2025 (Please click on arrow)
On the show today – Savin Edirisinghe – Kata Katha – The Gratiaen Prize – Murtaza Jafferjee – Vehicle Imports – Denary Odyssey- Tom & Jerry – Bastille Day – Dogs in Sunglasses and More
Obituaries – Sad News
Merlin Kasthuriarachchi passed away in SriLanka. Wife of late Danasekara Kasthuriarachchi, mother of Palitha, Anura, Saman and Nilmini. A service was held in Los Angeles at the Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Temple on Crenshaw Boulevard on July 11, 2025
Victor Felsinger passed away in Colombo recently. Husband of Bernie, father of Sean and Cathy, father-in-law of Ameera and Thaweesha, grandfather of Caliandra, Adelina, Bhasha and Dulkith, son of late Luke and Jenny Felsinger, brother of late Lincolin, Anton, Milton,Melitia, Winston and of Shiela Muller and Zenobia Fernando, brother-in-law of late Mignone, Granville, Nicholas, Ivan, Aelian, Lloyd and of Shelton, Milroy, Loretta, Melvon, Emil and Romesh. Funeral service took place on July 19th. with burial at General Cemetery, Kanatte.
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
Warm Chickpea Salad with Chili and Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 yellow(brown onion), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/3 cups (14 oz/440g) drained, canned chickpeas
- juice of two limes
- 1/4 cup (2 fl oz/160ml) chili oil
- 1/2 cup (3/4 oz/20g) fresh cilantro (fresh coriander
- leaves
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- crusty bread, warmed, for serving
METHOD.
Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft,3-5 minutes. Add chickpeas and stir until heated through,about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low,add lime juice and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add chilli oil and cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with bread. Serves 4.
Jayam2424@yahoo.com
My Father, Dr. James T. Rutnam by Jayam Rutnam (Excerpt from My Book) Not yet published!
James T. Rutnam was born in Jaffna, Ceylon, into a family rooted in enterprise and determination. His father, Dennis Seeva Rutnam, was in the transportation business, hauling goods from the Colombo Port to inland destinations using a fleet of over 100 bullock carts—at a time when motor vehicles were not yet in use.
James had two brothers, Sam and Willie, and a sister, Mary, who married Reggie Singham. He was educated at St. Thomas’ College and St. Joseph’s College, and later attended Law College, where he was a contemporary of J.R. Jayewardene, and a close friend of SWRD Bandaranaike—both of whom would become lifelong friends and eventually a President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
Early in his career, James became a teacher and, at the remarkably young age of 23, was appointed Principal of St. Xavier’s College in Nuwara Eliya. While there, he became an outspoken advocate for the indentured tea estate laborers, demanding better wages and living conditions from the British plantation owners. He often mobilized and inspired workers to strike, championing their rights in an era when doing so could carry great personal risk.
He was also deeply involved in the island’s independence movement. A nationalist at heart, he joined forces with figures like A.E. Goonesinghe and participated in the organizing of the “Suriya Mal Day” campaign, which sought to replace the British tradition of “Poppy Day” with the local suriya mal flower—an assertion of cultural pride and resistance.
Eventually, my father transitioned from education to commerce, joining the British firm Cumberbatch & Company as Chief Chartered rice broker. He was instrumental in negotiating large-scale rice imports from Burma. Later, he struck out on his own, dealing in sugar from Cuba and Eastern Europe, and flour from Australia. His business, which involved importing shipments of up to 10,000 tons at a time, also led him to become a ship’s agent, a venture that proved to be quite successful.
Outside of business and politics, my father was a passionate historian and avid reader. He had a particular interest in the contributions of Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan and
Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam, two brothers who played pivotal roles in Sri Lanka’s path to independence. He also published works on historical figures such as Sir Alexander Johnston, the third Chief Justice of Ceylon; the mystery of Count de Hérlève’s lock of hair; and the legend of Elara’s tomb, among others.
His personal library was widely and arguably regarded as one of the finest private collections in South Asia. It became a valuable resource for university professors and researchers, and was eventually donated to Jaffna College, where it continues to serve as a scholarly treasure trove.
James married my mother, Evelyn, and together they raised eight children—five sons and three daughters. All of them eventually migrated to the United States, except for Chandran, who returned to Sri Lanka and became a noted film producer and director.
Among his many public endeavors, he also ran for office in both Nuwara Eliya and Colombo. In one notable campaign, he contested the Cinnamon Gardens municipal seat against Ranasinghe Premadasa—who would later become President. He lost to Premadasa, who eventually
befriended him. James was asked by Premadasa, what can I do for you in Sri Lanka? The answer was that he would like a memorial built for A. E. Goonesinghe in his home town.
As a genealogist, my father wielded history as a political tool. During elections, when Bandaranaike and Jayewardene sought to emphasize their “pure” Sinhalese lineage to appeal to the majority, my father published well-researched articles exposing their Tamil ancestry, something they found deeply inconvenient. Two of his most well-known pieces were “The House of Nilaperumal”, detailing Bandaranaike’s lineage, and “Tambi Mudaliyar’s Legacy”, which explored Jayewardene’s ancestry.
Dr. James T. Rutnam received his honorary PHD from the Jaffna College. He presented a building in Thirunelveli to the Jaffna College. This building was named after my mother Evelyn Wijayaratna Rutnam, who passed away at the young age of 52. The Evelyn Rutnam Institute for Intercultural Studies was declared open in her memory on her birthday on May 10, 1981 by then Ambassador to Sri Lanka from the United States of America, His Excellency Donald Toussaint.
Hiran Kuruppu (66) of Kern County, Ca. Passed Away on July 10th, 2025
Hiran Kuruppu (66) of Kern County, Ca. Passed Away on July 10th, 2025
In Loving Memory of Hiran Sathindra Kuruppu
Hiran Kuruppu (66) of Kern County, Ca. , a long-time member of the Southern California Sri Lankan community and alumni of Ananda College, passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2025.
Hiran is the beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. Neil and Sriya Kuruppu of Kuruppu Road, Borella,
Sri Lanka, the loving husband of Harshi Gunasekera Kuruppu, the brother of Hasanthi Kuruppu, Ramani Kuruppu (brother-in-law Milton Kuruppu), Chandani Ramya Black (brother-in-law Geoffrey Black), Maya Jayawardena (brother-in-law Manik Jayawardena) and Ajith Kuruppu (sister-in-law Mithila Kuruppu). He is also the uncle of Manthika and Danuka Kuruppu, Matthew Jayawardena and Nayanthi and Hesara Kuruppu.
He was the long time Account Manager and Controller for OAV Ophthalmology in Encino, California.
The family will be having a private cremation and ceremony.
Good News From Jayam July 15, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Good News From Jayam July 15, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Thusitha and Sudarshani de Silva Presented their 43rd Production “Serving the Sri Lankan Community in California with Pride and Purpose”
On the evening of June 21st, 2025, the elegant ballroom of the Glendale Hilton came alive as T & S Productions USA hosted their 43rd spectacular event. The night featured the sensational Sarith Surith & The News, with special guests Centigradz, delivering a high-energy musical experience that had the entire Sri Lankan community singing, dancing, and celebrating in unison.
The show was a resounding success—yet another feather in the cap for T & S Productions, known for consistently bringing world-class Sri Lankan entertainment to the United States. From timeless hits to electrifying modern beats, the performers captivated the audience with talent, charisma, and powerful stage presence.
St. Joseph Hospital – Negombo “To Live is a Privilege” Proudly Managed by Kids & Teens Medical Group
Dirk Tissera, Editor, Anchorman, Toronto with Miss America Contestant from Wisconsin and George Rutnam from Los Angeles, at the Westgate Hotel (Formerly the Las Vegas Hilton)
Roger Weerasinghe of Thousand Oaks, Ca. played St Andrews in Scotland with his three Golfing Buddies, according to Roger, it was a blast!
Conversation on Travel with Zahirah Marty
Dubai-based presenter and travel journalist Zahirah Marty, visiting Sri Lanka to film an episode of her show My Travel Diary. When asked about her experience in Sri Lanka so far, Marty said, “Incredible. When you travel a lot, there are small things that make a difference. It’s that first impression of how easily I can get off the plane and into my hotel. Sri Lanka’s one of those that’s super easy. They were super friendly. It was quick. There were no major long transfers between airport and hotel.” She praised how easy and accessible Colombo was, highlighting how straight forward it was to explore the city.
25 Wins, 503 Lessons: What Losing Taught Me About Greatness – Yevan David – TEDxColombo (Please click on arrow)
Yevan shares his journey of winning 25 of the 528 races he has taken part in his career, emphasizing that the true lessons came not from victory, but from setbacks. By embracing failure, studying competitors, and cultivating mental clarity through meditation. Yevan transforms adversity of setbacks into awareness and growth. Racing became not just a sport, but a practice in presence, resilience, and inner strength. Yevan “being at the back isn’t defeat, it’s preparation for greatness” Yevan David is a rising star in international motorsport and Sri Lanka’s most promising Formula racing talent. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Fifty years of faith, forgiveness, and fearless advocacy – Cardinal Ranjith
On 29 June 2025, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith celebrated 50 years in the priesthood—a significant milestone in a life dedicated to faith, service, justice, and the pursuit of peace. During a special sermon marking this anniversary, Rev. Fr. Ivan Perera, former Director of Catholic Education, described him as “a principled advocate of justice and reconciliation.” In a world often fractured by religious intolerance and violent extremism, genuine peace-builders emerge as beacons of hope.
utravel.com
“The Little Hut” in Mount Lavinia is back Sri Lanka’s first nightclub reopens with a bang
The Little Hut, the country’s first-ever nightclub originally launched in 1957 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, officially reopened its doors last Friday, 27 June, with a spectacular retro night that brought back the magic of a golden era. The event featured a live performance by Inner Vision, led by the legendary Benjy Ranabahu, delivering a nostalgic tribute to The Beatles and an unforgettable line-up of early rock ’n’ roll, pop classics. The night drew an enthusiastic crowd of long-time patrons who once danced the nights away at The Little Hut, as well as a new generation of music lovers eager to experience the charm of the iconic club.
Jayam’s Choice Dean Martin and the Mills Brothers “Paper Doll” (Please click on arrow)
“BORN FREE” John Barry Piano Cover By Thaminie Perera (Please click on arrow)
Sri Lanka America Association (SLAASC) Presents ” Neka Maatra”Fundraising Dinner Night Saturday August 2nd, 2025
Kaleidoscope July 3rd, 2025 (Please click on arrow)
On the show today – Jeremy Irons – Green Reporting – Medhini Igoor – Le Jardin du Fort – Rizana – A Caged Bird – Hungary’s Pride – Shark Day – Zombie Fly – Stocks – Oil and Gold prices – Economy and more
Top banker Delvin Pereira – new Rotary Governor Sri Lanka and Maldives
One of Sri Lanka’s top banking personalities Delvin Pereira has been appointed as the Governor of Rotary Sri Lanka and Maldives for the year 2025/26. An outstanding corporate professional with 37 years of excellence in the banking and financial services sector he was appointed to lead Rotary uncontested. His depth of service, vision, and character were the key characteristics that led to the Rotary community selecting Delvin Pereira to the top position of the most admired service organisation globally. Starting his banking career at Commercial Bank, he went to become the Deputy General Manager of Seylan Bank and now serves as a Director at Amana Bank. His leadership span has been across functional areas such as trade finance, SME lending, retail banking and risk management.
Obituaries – Sad News
Ananda Niyerapola (88) of Montrose, Ca. passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025.
Husband of Ranjini, father of Nirosha, Ranesha, and Harshini; sons-in-law Thom Noble, Allen Pierson, and William Kirk; niece and nephew-in-law Manomi and Rohan Hatharasinghe; and grandchildren Nicole Peltier, Daisy Maddox, Isabella Piersol, and Noah Maddox. Ananda was a long-time and respected member of the Sri Lankan American community in Los Angeles. He was a President of the SLAASC.
Celebration of Life
Thursday, July 10, 2025
at 3 p.m.
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills,
6300 Forest Lawn Drive,
Maureen Hingert (88) Of La Canada, Ca. Passed away on June 30th, 2025. Daughter of Lionel Hingert and Lorna Mabel de Run. Wife of William J. Ballard and Mario Zamparelli. Mother of Regina Gina Zamperelli, Marisa and Andrea.
In 1955, Hingert was crowned Miss Ceylon and subsequently selected as a contestant in the 1955 Miss Universe pageant. She remains the only Ceylonese representative to win an award at a Miss Universe pageant, after finishing as the second runner-up at the 1955 event.
Bradman Weerakoon (94), passed away in Sri Lanka on July 7, 2025. Husband of the late Damayanthi, father of Asela. Distinguished Sri Lankan civil servant who served nine presidents and prime ministers. He was a revered figure in Sri Lankan governance, held numerous senior positions during his decades-long career, earning widespread respect for his dedication to public service.
The Beautiful 2026 Ferrari Concept Supercar (Place your order now!)
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
Moussaka
FOR THE MEAT SAUCE:
- 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped (about 2 ½ cups)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb 80% lean ground beef
- ½ cup dry red wine
- ½ cup canned crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 Tbs. tomato paste
- ¼ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- FOR THE EGGPLANT:
- 3 lb. eggplant (about two medium or 5 to 6 baby eggplant), trimmed and sliced crosswise about ¼ inch thick
- Kosher salt
- 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper
- FOR THE POTATOES:
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 medium russet potatoes (about two and a half pounds), rinsed and dried
- Kosher salt
FOR THE BÉCHAMEL:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 oz. (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 2 ¼ oz. (½ cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ oz. finely grated Grana Padano, Parmigiana- Reggiano, or Pecorino Romano (½ cup)
- ⅛ tsp. Freshly grated nutmeg; more to taste
- Kosher salt
MAKING THE MEAT SAUCE
Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until translucent-5 to 8 minutes.
Turn the heat up to medium high. Add the beef, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat until browned-7 to 10 minutes. Add the wine; turn the heat down to medium and cook, stirring occasionally until absorbed-about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, parsley, tomato paste and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Turn the heat down to low and gently simmer to meld the flavors, stirring once or twice- about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside. (The meat sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months).
SALT THE EGGPLANT
Cover the bottom and sides of a large colander with a single layer of the eggplant slices and sprinkle generously with salt. Top with more layers of eggplant, salting each layer until all the slices have been used. Let sit in the sink or over a large bowl for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
PAN-FRY THE POTATOES
Heat the oil in a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat until shimmering hot (about 375°F).
Meanwhile, slice the potatoes crosswise into ¼-inch rounds, discarding the end slices. Working in batches, fry 10-15 slices in a single layer, flipping once until the potatoes are tender-about 4 minutes.
Blot excess oil with paper towels and lightly season with salt.
ROAST THE EGGPLANT
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat oven to about 350°F.
Rinse the eggplant in cold water to remove excess salt. Press the slices between paper towels or clean kitchen towels to dry, then arrange them in a single layer on two large rimmed baking sheets. Lightly brush both sides off each slice with the olive oil and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Roast, flipping once, until tender and lightly browned- 30 to 35 minutes total.
MAKE THE BÉCHAMEL
Heat the milk in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until steaming; set aside.Melt the butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium low heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until golden-about 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the hot milk and then simmer gently, whisking until the raw flour taste is gone and the sauce thickens- about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to low and gradually whisk in the eggs; whisk vigorously to combine. Remove from the heat. Set aside one Tbs. of the cheese for assembly and add the remaining cheese to the sauce along with the nutmeg and one tsp. salt; Whisk until smooth. Season to taste with more salt and nutmeg.
ASSEMBLE AND BAKE
Position a rack in center of oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a 9×13 -inch baking dish.
Arrange potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish, overlapping the slices like shingles. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tsp. of the reserved cheese.
Arrange the eggplant slices as you did the potatoes and evenly sprinkle with 1 tsp. of the remaining cheese. Spread the meat sauce in an even layer on top of the eggplant. Pour the béchamel over the meat sauce and spread in an even layer. Evenly sprinkle with the remaining 1 tsp. cheese. Bake until the top is golden brown-50 to 60 minutes. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving
This favorite casserole of Greeks and non-Greeks alike takes some time to prepare, but it is oh so worth the effort.
2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California
Jayam2424@yahoo.com
George Rutnam wiith his wife Sonya and children Patrick and Gavin
LOS ANGELES – George Rutnam is a talented Sri Lankan-born businessman. Blessed with an infectious sense of humour and wit, this charmer has done it all in the USA having met the King of Rock, Elvis Presley to boxing legend the great Muhammad Ali and other famous Hollywood celebrities. The Rutnams were one of the first Sri Lankan families to arrive in the US, and have stamped their sheer class in the community.
George Rurnam and Sonya Tucker-Rutnam, the former Miss Sri Lanka (1981) and Miss World 1981 contestant, at the 31st edition of pageant, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK), are proud parents to their two sons, Patrick and Gavin.
In an exclusive in-person interview with The Sri Lankan ANCHORMAN, George shares with me an insight on his life and times both at home in Sri Lanka and his successful onward journey as a teenager to the US.
Q: Give us a small background of your life in Sri Lanka before leaving for the USA? Family, school attended, town you were brought up in and any other interesting tid-bits.
A: I was born on March 4, 1952, in Colombo, Sri Lanka to James and Evelyn Rutnam. Although living at Guildford Crescent opposite the police station did not give me enough time to get into too much trouble, I attended St. Thomas’ Boarding school, Gurutalawa for two years. I was only 12 years old when a surgery mishap claimed the life of my beloved mother at 52 years. Being the youngest of nine children, I was the apple of her eyes and the bond that we shared was an extremely close one. I grappled with this devastating loss and the sudden shock of losing her at such a tender age was extremely traumatic to me. She had visited the US the previous year and nurtured a dream and a vision of sending my siblings and me there for a great education and fulfillment in life in that country.
Q: Was settling down into the USA an easy one?
A: I was only 14 years old when I arrived in Los Angeles, California in April 1966. Still coping with the devastating loss of my mother, I had to deal with the cultural shock of adapting to a completely different country and way of life. We had to settle on the fly and blend into the system, including schooling. Those early years bring back many memories, mostly happy ones, having successfully navigated psychological changes and insecurities that comes with being a teenager. I lived with my brother Chandran, his wife Judy and their young children for four years before I took the plunge and moved out on my own at 18 years.
Times that followed weren’t easy and I had limited experience. Sheer determination, hard work and perseverance paid off as I worked my way up learning the hard way to never take anything for granted. Special mention goes to Judy, my late sister-in- law, who made me feel like I was one of her own children. At 18 years and alone in the US with my future at stake, it was up to me to succeed in life. Thankfully, the good values that my parents instilled in us, coupled with my own wisdom won over and chartered my path to success.
Q: When did you start your freight-forwarding business and who gave you the idea? Tell us something about your business and clientele?
A: I fell into it quite accidentally. I was actually very interested in film and music, while I was in Junior College. After the first year, I got a summer job as a messenger for one of the largest freight forwarding companies thanks to my brother, Jayam, who made an introduction. During that time, I began to acquire the thirst for money and a career. At the end of that summer, management asked me if I would like to stay on as there was a vacancy in the air logistics operations division. I accepted that offer and my career took off.
From there on and within less than a year, I was managing a team in that division. It was 1972 and from there, I worked for a couple more companies finally heading Sales and Operations. I subsequently decided to start my own company as I already had a book of loyal clients who would only work with me, wherever I went. My sister Padmini and brother-in-law, John, helped me with the start-up funding, for which I am ever so thankful. I launched my company Master Forwarding Network Inc. in 1980, handling Forbes 100 Global Brands like Nestle, Lipton, Yum Foods, Haagen Daz and Dreyers, amongst other companies. We also had the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan owned freight forwarder in the US, having secured the Federal Maritime License in 1980. We were also the first freight forwarder handling shipments for the EX PAT Sri Lankan community in the Westcoast, starting in 1990.
Q: When and where did you tie the knot to your wife Sonya Tucker? Would you like to touch on her beauty pageants?
A: Yes, I met her in 1980. While on a holiday, a mutual friend, Carl Fernando, introduced us. For me, it was love at first sight! Sonya was one of five daughters born to Fortune and Edward Tucker (a former Trinity Lion). A good person inside and out, she was a reluctant contestant but her parents and sisters convinced her to participate and she represented Sri Lanka in the prestigious Miss World Pageant in 1981.
After three years of courting, we got engaged in 1984 and were married at St Mary’s Church in Dehiwela with the former minister Mr. Nissanka Wijeratne presiding as our witness. Racial tensions were at an all-time high, but our wedding reception went off very well at the Capri, with a diverse crowd of Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Muslims, and various dignitaries in attendance. At least peace was restored for that night, as we also had a DIG Colombo friend at our reception.
Q: Tell me about how you feel as a dad regards your two son’s Patrick and Gavin’s accomplishments in their respective fields?
A: I am so proud of them both. They achieved their goals and have become exemplary young men, who are respectful, courteous and knowledgeable. The best thing I did was to invest in their education and everything I did with them was first class, with no short cuts. They attended private Catholic schools and private universities and did it pay off! It was not all about money, it was an investment in shaping and building caring men with good character, conscience, and respect! Aside from being a father, I will always live up to my promise to Gavin and Patrick that I will also be their forever friend! Anyone who tells you fatherhood is the greatest thing that can happen to you understand it. Patrick, is an actor, having graduated from New York University Tisch School of Arts and Gavin has his Masters as a licensed (Family Marriage Therapist LFMT). It is always good to have one of those in the family!
Q: I know you are a big time Elvis Presley fan … Have you met Elvis in person and watched him perform live? Also tell us about your meeting with Muhammad Ali and if you ever watched him live in the ring? Any other celebrities you have met?
A: I think that Elvis and Ali, are easily two of the most iconic figures. There have been others but too many. Let’s start with Elvis. I met him in Vegas in 1969, with my sister Padmini. We were at the International Hotel in Vegas, and this was his first engagement. It was awesome, and we were fortunate to go backstage through connections with the famous Don Mills of The Mills Brothers, who were also promoted by the same promoter, Bill Miller. I saw him live in concert between Vegas and Los Angeles about 25 times from 1969 to 1976. These are very poignant and sweet memories. As for Ali, I met him on three different occasions, once at his house in Hancock Park where we spent a couple of hours by the fireplace chatting about Sri Lanka, religion, and life. His wife Veronica was there at the time, and we had her dressed in a sari!
On another occasion, we were in Vegas at a big party attended by lots of celebrities after the Spinks-Holmes fight. Ali was at the next table, and we had a another long chat. I also met Colonel Tom Parker at the same event and told him how huge Elvis was in Sri Lanka.
Q: What made you settle down in Los Angeles?
A: Los Angeles has got the works! It has everything – the weather, mountains, snow, and great diversity. I can’t see myself living in any other place than Los Angeles. It’s the entertainment capital of the world, lots of red carpet events, and great sports teams, like the Dodgers, Lakers and the Kings.
Q: You said you were present with your brother Chandran Rutnam when Robert Kennedy was assassinated. Tell us what that fateful day was like?
A: It was June 5, 1968, a sad day for America and the world. It was also a very sad day on a personal level for my brother Chandran and me. RFK Senior was campaigning for the Presidential Primaries in California. Chandran was a campaign supporter, and he was privy to his schedule. We were distributing campaign advertising in the two months preceding all over Los Angeles, pushing voters to vote for RFK. Three days before the assassination, we greeted him at the Orange County Airport, now called John Wayne Airport. Back then it was a small airport and there was no security with mostly smaller aircraft landing there. Knowing RFK’s schedule, we went to greet him as he landed. There wasn’t a big crowd. My cousin, Roger, and I were 15 and 12 respectively at the time and we were the first to reach him as he got off the twin engine aircraft. He lifted us in his arms one on each side, regrettably, there were no cameras, as that picture would speak volumes today. Chandran, of course, was with us, and met him.
A few days later, he was winning the primary and on June 5, 1968, there was a celebration planned at the former Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles, mainly for his campaign workers and supporters. We were in the back of the room when we heard like balloons popping off. It turned out to be gun shots and RFK was gravely wounded fighting for his life. Most of the others shot were taken past us, but RFK was whisked away through the kitchen into the ambulance and to the Good Samaritan Hospital where he died the following day. It was a traumatic experience and I wondered what the hell life was about, when the good were taken away from us. It was inconceivable for a 15-year-old and very hard to comprehend. Hard lessons that only God can answer!
Q: I know you cook a mean crab curry … how did you learn how to cook it? What’s your favorite food?
A: Alone in this big country at 18 years and with no Indian or Sri Lankan restaurants, there was no choice but for me to learn on the fly. However, the crab specialty came in years later. The key is the ingredients, and a special touch of the Chef’s key cooking secrets combined with the timing of the cooking procedure.
Q: How well do you get along with the Sri Lankan community in Los Angeles? And how often do you travel to Sri Lanka?
A: I get along very well with the Sri Lankan community. We were one of the first early families in the Los Angeles community with about six families who would get together often and that was it. Slowly, the numbers started growing and now it is a totally different animal, so to speak developing into a very big community here in LA. I have been involved in the Sri Lanka American Association of Southern California, as a founder member in 1972 and we keep involved in the community’s affairs and events.
I travel to Sri Lanka, once a year during Christmas when it’s decorated beautifully to visit family and friends and the house is filled with lots of expats and lots of events, too. Those are great times!
Q: What is your ultimate dream in life? And who has been your inspiration in life?
A: My inspiration, I would say would be three of my biggest influencers, Presley, Ali and Lennon, in that order. God knows how I survived when I lost my mother at age 12. Losing her at that age was very traumatic, but listening to Elvis’s music particularly his gospel songs, gave me hope and inspiration.
My dream in life would be to see both my sons get married and making me a grandfather! What better dream than that! Hint for my sons: ‘Guys get going, I ain’t getting younger!’
Q: What are your interests in life and hobbies if any?
A: Anything to do with music and movies interests me. Cooking is a hobby and I love estate sales, influenced by my mother and the hunt to find unique items at a bargain. I also collect rare vinyl records, coins and art.
Q: In a nutshell … tell us a little about your daily routine and what makes you tick?
A: I work hard, and I play hard. But this past year I have slowed down the “play hard part”. Daily routine is work, exercise, and relax by watching my favorite television shows. On the weekends, I love to go out to concerts, movies, and fine dining. And oh yes, anything that has humor in it. Because without humor, life would be boring.
Ananda Niyarepola Celebration of Life Thursday July 10th, 2025 Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills, Ca.
Ananda Niyarepola Celebration of Life Thursday July 10th, 2025 Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills, Ca.
Ananda Niyarepola (88) of Montrose, Ca. Passed Away on June 26th, 2025
Ananda Niyarepola (88) of Montrose, Ca. Passed Away on June 26th, 2025
In Loving Memory of Ananda Niyarepola
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, and husband, Ananda Niyarepola on June 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his devoted wife Ranjini, and cherished daughters Nirosha, Ranesha, and Harshini; sons-in-law Thom Noble, Allen Pierson, and William Kirk; niece and nephew-in-law Manomi and Rohan Hatharasinghe; and loving grandchildren Nicole Peltier, Daisy Maddox, Isabella Piersol, and Noah Maddox.
A long-time and respected member of the Sri Lankan American community in Los Angeles, he will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and unwavering commitment to family and community. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit.
We invite all who knew and loved him to join us in honoring a great man whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Further details regarding memorial services will be shared soon.
With love and gratitude,
The Niyarepola Family
Good News From Jayam – July 1, 2025
Good News From Jayam – July 1, 2025
Award Winning Hollywood Actor
Jeremy Irons Arrives in Sri Lanka
to star in Movie “Rizana – A Caged Bird”
Oscar and Emmy Award-winning British actor Jeremy Irons arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport on the night of June 17 to star in the internationally-backed film
“A Caged Bird”, directed by veteran Sri Lankan filmmaker Chandran Rutnam. According to a spokesperson from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, this marks the first time in over 12 years that a Hollywood A-lister of such acclaim has visited Sri Lanka for a film production. Upon arrival, Irons was welcomed by Harendra Wijewardene, Deputy Director of the Tourism Promotion Bureau, and Chaminda Munasinghe, Assistant Director of the International Filmmaking and Promotion Division.
“Rizana – A Caged Bird”
Director Chandran Rutnam Unveils
Name of His New Cinematic Masterpiece
Stars of the Silver Screen Shine
The 2025 Silver Screen Awards Ceremony
was held on June 13 at the (BMICH)
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was the chief guest. The aim of this year’s awards ceremony was appreciating artistes who enriched Sri Lanka’s cinema industry from 1970–1975. Renowned actress Iranganie Serasinghe, 98, was presented the Sumith Bibile Memorial Gold Award by the Prime Minister. Minister of Culture and Buddhist Affairs Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Chairman, National Film Corporation Sudath Mahadivulwewa, renowned actors Ravindra Randeniya and Jeevan Kumaratunga were also present. Iranganie acted in the blockbuster Steven Spielberg film “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” which was made partly in Sri Lanka and released in 1984.
‘Sri Siddhartha Gautama’ star Gagan Malik returns to Sri Lanka
Gagan Malik ‘s most recent visit to Sri Lanka earlier this month wasn’t simply another appearance. It was a return to the island that offered him more than fame or artistic success. It was here that he first connected deeply with the Dhamma. This homecoming was rooted in a film that forever linked Malik to Sri Lanka: ‘Sri Siddhartha Gautama’, a cinematic portrayal of the life of the Buddha that became a cultural milestone in the country’s film history. Behind its production was Light of Asia Foundation Chair Navin Gooneratne, whose vision/commitment guided the project to success. This movie was directed by Chandran Rutnam.
“Danu on Fire” Visits Hollywood for Book Signing of “JaffnaBoy” at the Kurrypinch Restaurant
Danu Innasithamby , famous television personality in Sri Lanka, visited Hollywood recently, for a book signing of his book “Jaffna Boy”.Here with famous Los Angeles compere Sajee Pe. Danu Innasithamby, is a Sri Lankan media personality, talk show host and Actor. Innasithamby is best known for his talk show program on Hi TV, Date with Danu and Danu on Fire for HI!! Online, as well as Danuta Kiyanna for Lankadeepa, where he conducts interviews with celebrities from or relevant to Sri Lanka.
Old Josephian Association of California (OJAC) AGM and Committee
Meeting in Corona, Ca.
The Annual General Meeting of the Old Josephians’ Association of California (OJAC) was held on June 22, 2025, at the elegant “Seneviratne Walauwa” residence of Rohith and Lilamani Seneviratne in Corona, California. Longtime member and former Committee stalwart Lalith Perera of Palm Springs, Ca. was elected President, with Samantha Kurera as Vice President and Suranjan Karunanayake as President-Elect. OJAC Founder Manilal Fernando, in his trademark passionate style, declared, “If I cut my wrist, I will bleed Josephian blue blood!”
Golden Nostalgia: “Ron Soya” Shines at Cinnamon Grand
On June 14, 2025, the Cinnamon Grand Colombo courtyard was filled with timeless melodies as Chaminda and Preetysha Walpola—the youngest son and daughter-in-law of music legends Dharmadasa and Latha Walpola—took the stage for their sold-out concert, “Ron Soya.”
Presented by Upul Dharmadasa Productions and UD Productions, the event blended Sinhala and Bollywood classics, backed by the popular Peshkara Band.
Preetysha’s soulful tributes to Lata Mangeshkar and Kalasuri Latha Walpola, sung in both Hindi and Sinhala, and Chaminda’s renditions of Dharmadasa Walpola’s hits captivated the audience. With flawless duets and Chaminda’s dynamic guitar solos, the evening offered elegant entertainment under the stars—music, wine, dining, and dance. Ron Soya marks UD Productions’ 8th milestone event, reaffirming its role as a leader in premium musical experiences in Sri Lanka.
Barbara Dharmadasa, Himali and Raja Nanayakkara
Anjani Perera and Omesh Wijeratne
Nalin Welgama and Mrs. Welgama
Mr and Mrs R. K. Lionel
First Burgher Woman elected
Mayor of Colombo
Vraie Cally Balthazaar
Vraie Cally Balthazaar of the National People’s Power (NPP) has been elected as the new Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council following a secret ballot. She secured 61 votes, while the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) mayoral candidate Riza Zarook received 54 votes. The newly elected Colombo Municipal Council convened for its inaugural session this morning following the Local Government (LG) elections held on May 6.
Happy Birthday Dr. Lilamani Wijayaratna
(here with sisters Rohini, Chandra and Manel in Colombo )
Jayam’s Choice
“All of Me”
Frank Sinatra
Happy Birthday Jayam
(Here with Gina Rutnam in Los Angeles)
“Wine Dine and Dance – Peterite Style” California Peterite Alumni Association Special thanks to Jude Abeyguneratne.
At the Beautiful home of
Dr Janesri and Sunil de Silva in Pasadena, Ca.
The Old Boys of St Peter’s College sing their Colege Anthem
Jude and Nedra Abeyguneratne
Sunil and Dr Janesri de Silva and family
The Band was excellent
Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo June 19th, 2025
(Please click on arrow)
Rose Month – Professor Gregory Pardlo – Manaram Gamage Dilshan Wirasekara – Earth Photo 2025 – GDP and more
Obituaries – Sad News
Gabriel Rockwood (38) passed away in ACT Australia. Beloved son of late Mohan Rockwood and Rohini (Singham) Rockwood. Devoted husband of Shavi. Father of Sebastian and Tessa. Brother of Shahnaz. Saturday June 28, 2025
12:00 13:00
The Chapel of Norwood Park Crematorium, Sandford Street Mitchell, ACT, 2911 Australia
Premini Gnanapragasam nee Mather. Daughter of the late William and Rosemalar, wife of Lakshman, mother of Roshan and Alicia, sister of Shanthi and Upali, Selvan and Nithya Ruki and late Viji, Renuka and late Rajan, sister-in-law of Nalini and Rohini. Passed away peacefully at home. Cremation was on June 22nd, 2025 at General Cemetery,Borella
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.
Eddie Gray – Making Dreams Come True By Jayam Rutnam (Excerpt from my book – in the works)
Eddie Gray – Making Dreams Come True! (Excerpt from book in the works by Jayam Rutnam)
It was 1969. I was in my early twenties when I arrived in California, managing the only Ceylonese/Indian restaurant in the area, which I named The Taj Mahal. I was both the cook and the manager. The restaurant was owned by my brother Chandran.
One day, my good friend and former schoolmate Randy Gray, who lived in San Diego, dropped by to introduce his uncle, Eddie Gray. Eddie had made a name for himself in Ceylon as a boxer and had even competed as an Olympic athlete. He was a senior officer in the Ceylon Police Force and an accomplished horseman, often seen riding on Galle Face Green alongside Ceylon’s first Prime Minister, D. S. Senanayake. Eddie was handsome in a rugged kind of way.
Eddie was visiting California and staying with Randy. But Randy, busy with his business and family, asked if I could take care of his uncle for a couple of days. I was happy to oblige.
Eddie had a wonderful, outgoing personality, and we quickly hit it off. Though I was juggling responsibilities at the restaurant, I managed to take him on a drive through Hollywood to see the homes of the stars. It was during this drive that Eddie told me there was one person he’d always dreamed of meeting, actress Kim Novak.
At the time, I didn’t have any Hollywood connections, and Universal Studios hadn’t yet started their studio tours. Kim Novak was a major star, so I couldn’t imagine any way I could make that happen. Still, I told him I might be able to arrange a private tour of Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank. He was happy to go along.
I called Carl Schaefer, a close friend of my mother’s and an important figure at Warner Brothers. I introduced myself and asked if I could bring a friend by. Carl was gracious and said we were welcome, though he warned us not to expect much, as only one film was in production at the time: The Great Bank Robbery. The cast included Clint Walker, Zero Mostel, Larry Storch, and, incredibly, Kim Novak.
I didn’t tell Eddie. I wanted to surprise him.
We arrived at Carl’s office, and he assigned a young intern to escort us to the set. We quietly observed the filming from a distance. When Eddie spotted Kim Novak, he turned to me, wide-eyed, and whispered, “Pinch me. Is this real? That’s Kim Novak!”
After about half an hour, the intern let us wander on our own, with strict instructions not to interfere with filming. We nodded obediently. Soon, the director called “Cut!” for a fifteen-minute break, and the actors dispersed to their dressing rooms. That’s when Eddie turned to me and said, “Let’s go meet her.”
Before I could think twice, we were at her dressing room door. We knocked. A voice inside said, “Come in!”
I introduced myself, explained we were from Ceylon, and asked if she might say hello to my friend Eddie Gray, a lifelong admirer. She took Eddie’s hand, looked into his eyes, and for a moment, time stood still. I stepped back and watched in awe. They seemed utterly absorbed in each other.
I heard Eddie inviting her to visit Ceylon. She smiled and said she’d love to. But before long, someone knocked on the door: “Miss Novak, we need you back on set.” After a couple more prompts, she finally said her goodbyes to Eddie and left. Mission accomplished. Eddie was absolutely flying high.
We returned to Carl’s office to thank him. As we approached, we saw him standing dramatically at the top of the stairs, one hand at his side like Yul Brynner in The King and I. Before we reached him, he shouted:
“You cost us thousands of dollars!”
Apparently, filming had been delayed while Kim Novak lingered in conversation with Eddie. We apologized and left, knowing we probably wouldn’t be welcome on the Warner Brothers lot again.
But I didn’t mind. Eddie’s dream had come true, and that, to me, was worth far more than any studio pass.