Good News From Jayam May 15, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11th
Louis Page Wows the audience at the Lionel Wendt, Colombo
Louis Page of Encino, CA, returned to the country of his roots, Sri Lanka, to offer a unique and unforgettable experience in classical piano music. The concert, held on April 4th, 2025, was a resounding success with a full house in attendance. The audience was captivated by the performance, which was described as unlike any other. One attendee shared their thoughts, saying, “Although I am not a great fan of classical music, I have changed to like classical music after the concert. I stayed till the very end. Louis played the piano with so much passion, I felt that I was part of the experience.” Louis Page, a child prodigy in classical piano, delivered a performance that not only showcased his immense talent but also stirred deep emotions among listeners. His return to Sri Lanka and his musical gift made the nation proud.
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The SLAASC Inauguration of Aruna Krishantha as President
The Inauguration of President Aruna Krishantha took place on Sunset Avenue in West Covina, Ca. on May 3rd 2025.
Picture shows Past President Keith Ranga congratulating the new President. Special guests were Dr Walter and Ayesha Jayasinghe, Dr Lakshman and Thusitha Makandura,
Dilip Jayasekara, Acting Consul General, Dr Nandasiri Jasentuliyana, Past Presidents Keshini Wijegooneratna and Samantha Kurera, Achala Weerasinghe and Nandakumaran
The SLAASC new Committee for 2025-2026 with President Aruna Krishantha and Vice President Don Wijesinghe
Masters of ceremony (MC’s) Sithara, Sajee Pe and Janesh Ruwanpathirana are the best!
Words of encouragement by Founding President Jayam Rutnam.
Nandasiri Jasentuliyana presents his book to Prime Minister
Recently, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was presented with “Darkness at Daybreak” by its author,
Dr. Nandasiri Jasentuliyana. The book delves into Sri Lanka’s turbulent political history, highlighting conflict and democratic decline. Also in attendance were Nihal Seneviratne, who penned the Foreword, and activist Dhanushki Liyanapatabendi. Dr. Jasentuliyana hinted at a sequel, “Daylight at Daybreak,” which will reflect the nation’s current political transformation.
New Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia Yasoja Gunasekera assumes duties
High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to Canberra, Australia, Yasoja Gunasekera, has assumed duties. Addressing the staff, High Commissioner-designate Gunasekera outlined the priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka and noted the long-standing and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Australia, as well as the way forward to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
Ceylon Tea conquers Libya: Exports leap 416%
In a world where every strong cuppa tells a unique story, Sri Lanka’s famed Ceylon Tea continues to carve its legacy – one cup at a time. The latest tea export figures for March 2025 reveal a tale of resilience, with total shipments rising to 23.43 million kilograms, up from 21.25 million kgs the previous year. But the real headline is; Libya’s staggering 416% surge in Ceylon Tea imports – marking a bold new chapter in Sri Lanka’s tea trade. While traditional markets like Iraq and Russia held steady, Libya emerged as the ‘breakout star’, importing 5.31 million kgs in the first quarter of 2025 – a jaw-dropping leap from just 1.03 million kgs in 2024.
Sri Lanka and US hold high-level talks in Washington over reciprocal tariffs
A high-level Sri Lankan delegation held key discussions with the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) Office in Washington D.C., following Trump administration’s decision to impose a steep 44% tariff on Sri Lankan exports—marking a significant step forward in strengthening trade relations between the two countries. The Sri Lankan delegation, acting on the instructions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Finance Minister—met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer at the USTR headquarters.
Young lawyer advocates for women’s leadership in politics
Vishmi Jurangpathy, a 24-year-old final-year student at Sri Lanka Law College, is contesting for the Maharagama Urban Council from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), representing the Wattegedara division. Addressing a recent public meeting, she emphasized the urgent need for educated young women to step into leadership roles. “In the last presidential election, not even one female candidate contested,” she said. Jurangpathy, who holds a degree from the UK, believes that greater female representation is essential for inclusive and representative governance.
The Austin House opens in Colombo
l/r Suranganai Valentine, Anusha , Himali, Shirantha Peries. The Austin House Aesthetic Centre, brainchild of Shirantha Peries, founder of the Mega Pharma group of companies opened to a full house with the fashion conscious and discerning elite availing themselves of the extensive services provided. Peries who has over 250 employees within his group, has diversified his business into diverse areas and the opening of Austin House is a natural progression, keeping in mind his core business.
American Film Institute Tribute to Francis Coppola at the Dolby Theater
Francis Ford Coppola was honored by a star-studded group of friends and collaborators recently as he received this year’s AFI Life Achievement Award at the Dolby Theatre. Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Ron Howard, C. Thomas Howell, Diane Lane, Spike Lee, Ralph Macchio, son Roman and granddaughter Gia all took part in the American Film Institute event, this year celebrating its landmark 50th anniversary. George Rutnam of Los Angeles, Ca. (below) was an invitee.
A Sri Lankan Feast on a Tropical Modernist Estate
Padma Ranasinghe and grandson Jonathan de Silva of La Canada, Ca. Celebrated their birthdays together
Nice family picture, Padma Ranasinghe grandson Jonathan de Silva, Haritha and Darby, Sunil and Dr Janesri de Silva
Harith, Darby, Janesri, Sunil, Shirley, Jonathan, Padma, Leshanthi, Jeremy, Surangi and Zoe Frazier
Jayam Rutnam, Iswari Camou with Padma, Surangi, Zoe and Leshanthi
Exciting News! J Med is Open in Las Vegas NV.
J Med Las Vegas is now officially open for business in Las Vegas, Nevada! This marks a major step forward as we continue our expansion into Utah and Arizona.We celebrated this DC opening with a traditional candle lighting ceremony alongside Team Vegas and a few of our esteemed clients.
With this launch, J Med is one step closer to achieving our mission of becoming the #1 sourcing company in the DME and healthcare industry on the West Coast. Grateful for the support and looking forward to the journey ahead!
By Popular Request Jayam Rutnam of Los Angeles, Ca. Interviewed by Madhava Wijesinghe of Ada Derana Sri Lanka – Almost 10,000 people have watched this! (You must watch this to the end. In English and Sinhala) (Please click on arrow)
www.utravel.com
Colombo Port Welcomes Largest Container Vessel MSC Mariella
Marking a historic milestone for Sri Lanka’s maritime industry, the ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) MSC MARIELLA, one of the largest container vessels in the world and the largest in the MSC fleet, made its maiden call at the Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) at the Port of Colombo (POC). To mark the vessel’s maiden call at the Port of Colombo, plaques were exchanged between the Master of the vessel, Capt. Sanjeev Bhatti and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Admiral Sirimewan Ranasinghe.
Ranmal Rodrigo of the San Fernando Valley in California visits with Tharanga Rodrigo at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo recently
A Beautiful Aluth Avurudu Message from Dr Walter Jayasinghe – Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation
Celebrating the Birthday of the Queen of Sinhala Cinema Malini Fonseka (Please click on arrow)
Buddhika and Cassie Ekanayake and family of Lancaster, Ca. at SLAASC Aluth Avurudu Celebration
Buddhika and Cassie Ekanayake family celebrated the Sri Lanka Association’s Avurudhu celebrations in Torrance, Ca.
Cassie Ekanayake and her husband Buddhika own the Jewelry Store “Silver Depot” in Lancaster, Ca. The Silver Depot was awarded for the fourth year in a row by the Valley Press as being the BEST in the Antelope Valley.
Here Cassie proudly holds up her recent award.
At the Sri Lanka Association’s (SLAASC) Aluth Avurudu celebrations
Nedra and Jude Abeygunasekera, Mangala Jayakody and Ishani and Sanka Marcelline. The SLAASC put on the best celebrations in California with over 1,000 people in attendance. Most of the participants were in beautiful, colorful traditional Sri Lankan outfits
Alston Koch, Australian Singer and Movie Star, wished Englebert Humperdinck of Los Angeles, Ca. on his 89th Birthday May 2nd.
Sri Lankan Born Cassandra Fernando Retains her Seat as Minister for Holt in Australia
Labor’s Cassandra Fernando has won her second term as the Minister for Holt in Australia. Cassandra was born in Sri Lanka. Fernando addressed the crowd with excitement and tears and thanked her team members.
A Beautiful Poem “Spring is Here” by Charmaine Candappa of Duarte, Ca.
Once again it is the season of bloom
Where marigolds and daylilies
Blaze throughout the noon
Trees stretch forth its branches
Sprouting new leaves and flowers
Birds chirp away happily
Right throughout the hours
The showers of rain have freshened the air
Mother nature has brought forth fruits and flowers
The robin sings at the break of day
Warmed by the morning sun’s soft rays
The great symphony of life goes on and on
The beauty of nature is held spellbound.
“Massachusetts” Bee Gees Piano Cover by Thaminie Perera (Please click on arrow)
Obituaries – Sad News
- Rukman Joseph De Sayrah (64) passed away in Colombo. Husband of Leonie Jayasekera. Son of Royston Peter De Sayrah (Deceased) and Parnel de Sayrah (nee Talayratne). Brother of Sharmini, Nilanthi, Dilkushi and Lalith. Brother-in-Law of Sumith Wickremasekera and Shani Mendis. Uncle of Shehani, Shehara and Ameesha. Cremation was on May 2nd 2025 at Borella General Cemetery.
- Nalina Visvajit (Koiman) de Silva passed away in Sri Lanka. Husband of Champa, father of Garuka Colvin (USA), son of the late Dr Colvin R de Silva and Mrs de Silva, brother of the late Manouri and Shireen. Funeral was on April 30, 2025 at the new crematorium, 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.
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