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.