Good News From Jayam – By Jayam Rutnam
Good News From Jayam December 15, 2023 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
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| The SLAASC’s Christmas Wonderland and Carols on December 9th, was a big hit with hundreds of Sri Lankans who came to North Hollywood, Ca. Guest of Honor was Lal Perera and his wife Praxid. Los Angeles Consul General Dr. Lalith Chandradasa was there. SLAASC President Niroshan Kahawatte and his Committee went out of their way to decorate the venue with thousands of lights and Christmas trees. They even had fake snow which fell on the guests. The highlight of the show was Sri Lankan kids, who sang Christmas carols. They had practiced for this event and they did a great job! Well done SLAASC. The event was televised in Sri Lanka. The MC’s were Keith Ranga and Medini Ratnayaka. |
DO GHAZAL Tea About the brand: Do Ghazal Tea from Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd., Colombo, the world’s largest exporter of Sri Lanka tea is now available nationwide in all Persian/Arab/Middle Eastern grocery stores.
| The teas are marketed in 104 countries worldwide. Do Ghazal Tea is the company’s flagship brand, marketed worldwide in a wide range of variants, including many special and premium lines. In the past five years, sales have experienced unprecedented growth, at an average rate of over 30 percent per annum. Under the Do Ghazal brand umbrella, the company offers a comprehensive produce range: traditional black, green, silver and Darjeeling tea in loose packs and teabags, together with flavored and herbal teas and a variety of different packaging options. The company keeps pace with the market development by constantly innovating and updating its product range and packaging to stay abreast of global trends. The teas are priced at the best value to consumers while upholding the highest quality standards. The teas are packed at the company’s state-of-the-art production facilities in Colombo. |
Colombo Lotus Tower takes dining and banqueting to new heights The Blue Orbit Restaurant and Cosmic Banquet Room opens
President Ranil Wickremesinghe opened South Asia’s first revolving restaurant and banquet hall on December 8th.
The project is a joint venture between Colombo Lotus Tower management which will have an 80 percent stake and Citrus Leisure PLC. The ‘Blue Orbit’, South Asia’s tallest restaurant and Sri Lanka’s first-ever revolving restaurant will create a new icon for the country. With seating capacity for 225 guests at any given time, the Blue Orbit promises an extraordinary dining experience with culinary creations designed to tantalise true connoisseurs. This restaurant will feature an extensive international buffet for lunch and dinner, operating from 11.00 am to 11.00 pm.
Indulge in Luxury at Hilton Colombo
Bohra Business Expo attracts over 1,000 guests
One of the largest convention (MICE) events, the Bohra Business Expo will be held from December 8 to 10 at BMICH Hall B and the event has attracted over 1,000 guests.
The event is happening in partnership with the Home & You Lifestyle Exhibition organized by Aitken Spence Exhibitions and Conventions. Over 50 vendors, spanning from startups and home-based ventures to well-established businesses, united in the entrepreneurial spirit.
Nandasiri Jasentuliyana’s 85th Birthday in Diamond Bar, Ca.
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Nandi and wife Shanthi With Denzil and Aloma Ratnasoma |
Rukee, Vajira, Wathsala, Sajee, Erangi, Ayoma and Lalani
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Dr Nishani and Dr Richard Gunasekera, Shanthi and Nandi, Dr Lalani and Edward Thangaratnam |
Dr. Lalani, Dr. Nishani and Dr. Richard Gunasekara, Dilip and Wathsala Jayasekera
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Dr. Chandrika Seneviratna, Roshani Jayasekara, Dr. Nishani Gunasekera, Dr. Lalani Thangratanam and Shanthi |
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Dr. Lasika and Dr. Chandrika Seneviratne and Dr. Nishani and Dr. Richard Gunasekera |
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Dilip Jayasekera presenting a plaque as a memento from his Amigo Group with Niroshan Kahawatte MC. |
Dr. Lakshman and Thusitha Makandura, Dr. Sarath and Vajira Gunapala, Tissa and Sheila Atapattu and Dr. and Mrs. Lariff Idroos are seated.
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Celebrating 75 Years of People, Partnership & Progress between the U.S. & Sri Lanka (Please click on arrow)
| “As we celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations, this heart-warming video showcases the accomplishments of decades of partnership between the US and Sri Lanka. It highlights shared achievements that have impacted the lives of countless Sri Lankans through USAID’s partnerships in education, health, agriculture and economic development. As we step into the next chapter of our journey, the US-Sri Lanka friendship will continue to thrive, nurturing strong people-to-people ties, partnerships and progress for years to come.” – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung |
Kaleidoscope December 7th, 2023 (Please click on arrow)
Pahan Silu Dinner Dance at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Hollywood, Ca. by Visakha Vidyalaya Alumnae Association of Southern California (Photos by Moran Moran)
Goolbai Gunasekara’s Latest Book now available on Amazon.com
Witty, funny and eminently readable, these sketches were first published as a weekly column in the Daily News of Sri Lanka some years ago. The tales range from the author’s school and university days to stories of her ebullient granddaughter, Kitkat. Her own life as the daughter of two highly erudite parents – one from America and the other from India – is amusingly and light heartedly written, but always with deep affection. Goolbai Gunasekara has the rare ability to laugh at herself and to poke fun at the goings-on of a variety of situations, be they at her school, ballet class, under the Dentist’s drill or at a Do-You-Know- Contest. This book is the first of three others printed in Sri Lanka over the last twenty years. Now available on Amazon.com
Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka Aegle Creations(Please click on arrow)
Mount Lavinia Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Jayam2424@yahoo.com
Christmas Wonderland and Carols in North Hollywood. Ca. Saturday December 9th. 3 pm to 8 pm
Christmas Wonderland and Carols in North Hollywood. Ca. Saturday December 9th. 3 pm to 8 pm
Dear Californians
Mark your calendars for a delightful celebration of Christmas with the SLAASC on Saturday, December 9th, in North Hollywood, Ca. From 2 to 6 pm, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Experience the Magic:
Underneath the enchanting glow of Christmas lights, join us for heartwarming carol singing that will fill your spirit with joy. Watch as children delight in our Christmas playland, where they can let their imaginations run wild and have a jolly good time.
Santa’s Special Visit:
From 4 to 5 pm, Santa himself will grace us with his presence! He’ll arrive bearing a sack full of gifts for the little ones and will be more than happy to pose for memorable photographs. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Tasty Treats Await:
Indulge in delicious food and refreshing drinks available for purchase throughout the event. Savor the flavors of the season as you immerse yourself in the festive ambiance.
Join Us:
Make this Christmas truly special by joining us with your kids at SLAASC’s festive extravaganza at:
11455 Burbank Blvd,
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Niroshan Kahawatte
President
SLAASC
818-264-5933
Good News From Jayam – By Jayam Rutnam
Good News From Jayam December 1, 2023 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Miss Sri Lanka For Miss Universe 2023 Umanda Bamunuachchi
Umanda Bamunuachchi was Sri Lanka’s entry to the Miss Universe Pageant held in El Salvador. The title was won by Miss Nicaragua with Miss Thailand being the first runner up and Miss Australia being the second runner up. Umanda is 21 years old born in Sri Lanka and lives in Paris, France.
Chandler Moonesinghe Wins SLAM 2023, Golf in Palm Springs, Ca.
Dayan Jayasekara 2023 senior champion with Chandler Moonesinghe SLAM champion 2023.
Lalith Perera, low gross winner with SLAM champion Chandler. Chandler Moonesinghe won the SLAM Golf for 2023, with the lowest net score, at the annual two day tournament held November this year in Palm Springs, California. Lalith Perera of Sri Lanka Rugby fame, won the low Gross title. 48 Golfers of Sri Lankan origin and residents in California participated at this annual challenge. Chandler captained his high school golf team and is the youngest son of Naresh and Gloria Moonesinghe.
Godwin Van Rooyen’s 88th birthday at Castlemaine, Victoria
Grandson Oscar Ram, sister Faye de Kauwe, daughter Radhika, sisters Noeline Willenberg, Ursula Aruma, Godwin van Rooyen, and youngest grand son Huxley.
Godwin van Rooyen celebrated his 88th birthday at ARCARE in Castlemaine on November 9th. He was an old Peterite and hails from Dehiwala. Godwin worked at Baur & Company and migrated to UK/Australia in 1966. He lived and worked in Melbourne, till 2000 and then retired to Queensland and eventually became a resident of ARCARE in Castlemaine, to live close to his only daughter Radhika who lives in Castlemaine, Victoria.
Don’t Miss SLAASC’s Christmas Wonderland and Carols 11455 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood, Ca. 91601 Bring Your Kids!
Sri Lankans in California Air National Guard
Suranga Ganewatte , Naj Nagendran and Nipuna Vidanapathirana. Suranga is an administration officer at 146 Medical Group, Channel Islands, CA , previously commanded by Col.(retd) Naj Nagendran. Nipuna is in Intelligence at 163rd attack wing at March Air Force base, Riverside, Ca – home of the MQ1 Predator drone.
Bishops College Past Pupils Association of California Halloween Party
Bishop’s College Past Pupils Association held their first Public Fundraising soiree on October 28th, at the Elks Lodge in Playa Del Ray. The attendees came from far and wide; San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange Counties as well as from Sri Lanka. The PPA was Founded by Roma De Zoysa. The founding committee included Indrani Rutnam, Romany Sagadevan, Achala Weerasinghe, Gayoshi Rodrigo, and other Southern Californian Bishopians! Sonali Tucker is the current President of the organization. The event was enjoyed by one and all, who left wanting more! Please look forward to their future events.
Beira Lake area to be converted to a major entertainment destination- Tourism Minister
“The Beira Lake area would be converted to a major entertainment destination,” said Minister of Tourism and Lands, Harin Fernando. He said that this task was handed over to him personally by President Ranil Wickremesinghe who was keen to develop this area as a major entertainment destination similar to Clarke Quay River in Singapore which offers amusement, dining and entertainment.“We are also keen to have a few floating restaurants, entertainment options, street food corners and other amusement options. We will facilitate international entertainment and hotel companies to start operations here.”
Dr. Janesri de Silva of Pasadena, Ca. Celebrated Birthday
Birthday Girl Dr.Janesri with husband Sunil de Silva
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With children Jonathan and Darby |
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Janesri with parents Rane and Padma Ranasinghe |
Jayam’s Choice “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Andy Williams
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Visiting Jaffna to Experience the Longest Hindu Festival in Sri Lanka – Nallur (Please click on arrow)
Ananda College Old Boys Association of the West Coast Maroons’ Night 2023 at “Castaways” in Burbank, Ca. Photos by Moran Moran
Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages picks Sri Lanka for its maiden call to Asia
In a monumental stride for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, Aitken Spence Travels announces the arrival of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, the Resilient Lady, making her maiden call to Asia and to the Colombo Harbour on November 13, 2023. This historic event marks a significant contribution to the global recognition and confidence of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The Resilient Lady, a marvel of modern maritime engineering began her maiden voyage in May 2023, and boasts a passenger capacity of 2,770 passengers across 1,404 cabins & suites.
Chethi and Rocky’s Wedding in California
Foundation of Goodness Dr. Nage of Los Angeles donates GPS for diving
Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo November 16th, 2023 (Please click on arrow)
The 2024 budget is out, and we’re breaking it down! Plus, motosurfing, the simple joys of childhood with preschool art, a Titanic menu, monkey chimera, Dubai Design Week & a quick look at some economic snippets as we commemorate Remembrance Day, and much more
Obituaries – Sad News
Premaraj Appapillai (80)passed away In Sydney, Australia on November 8th, 2023.
He was the son of Professor Velupillai Appapillai, of the University of Ceylon, Colombo and Isabelle Thangam Appapillai née Joseph. Husband of the late Agnes. Father of Rapti. Brother of Mano, Daya and
Kumudhini.
Monica Doreen Corea (94) (Former Teacher of Uva College, Badulla). Wife of Vernon (Radio Ceylon / SLBC and BBC Broadcaster), mother of Ivan, Vernon Jr. and Ouida, mother-in-law of Fidelma and Praveen, passed away,on the 13th of November in New Malden, Surrey, UK. She was the sister-in-law of former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States and Daily News/Observer Editor Ernest Corea and Indra Corea. She was the daughter-in-law of Reverend Canon Ivan Corea and Ouida Corea.
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
Suan-la Tang (Hot and sour soup)
Ingredients
6 cloud ears and 12 golden needles or 4 chinese dried
mushrooms, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
- 1 cake fresh bean curd, neatly diced
- 2/3 cup pork fillet
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 5/8 cup water
- 1-2 tablespoons oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
- 61/4 cups home – made beef stock or consomme
- 4 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- freshly ground black pepper and salt
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2-3 scallions, shredded
Method
Drain the cloud ears and golden needles or the mushrooms, which should be nicely plump.
Cut into thin shreds and set aside with the bean curd.
Finely slice the pork into match stick size pieces and dust with cornstarch. Blend the remaining cornstarch with water and reserve. Heat the oil in a Chinese claypot or wok over a gentle heat and cook the onion till soft. Turn up the heat slightly and fry the pork slices until they change color.
Pour in the stock, cloud ears, needles or mushrooms, cook for 10 to 15 minutes, then thicken with the cornstarch paste. Add bean curd, vinegar, soy sauce and black pepper and salt to taste. Lower the heat and drizzle in the egg from a balloon whisk or your finger tips so that it forms threads of mixture.Add sesame oil just before serving. Garnish with the scallions if desired.
Serves 6.
Please email me for all your questions and requests.
