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.
www.utravel.com
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
Good News From Jayam January 15, 2022
Good News From Jayam January 15, 2022
Pls Scroll Down 35 items
President to Roll Out 1,000 New
National Schools Establishment Program
Bringing ‘Vistas of Prosperity’ to the forefront, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will ceremoniously launch the 1,000 new national schools establishment program, covering all nine provinces. The inaugural ceremony of the 1,000 new national schools establishment program will be held at the Siyambalanduwa Maha Vidyalaya in Monaragala today at 10:30 a.m. auspicious time with the blessings of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and by the invitation of the Leader of the House of Parliament and Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, President’s Media Division said.
Alliance Finance Secures USD 10 mn
From Netherlands’ FMO
Sri Lanka’s oldest finance company, Alliance Finance Company PLC (AFC), has received the second tranche of USD 5 million from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) as part of a long-term financing facility of USD 10 million to expand its growing portfolio of MSME business. AFC secured this USD 10 million facility from the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO in mid-2021 and received the first tranche of USD 5 million on July 1, 2021 With an investment portfolio of EUR 6.3 billion, FMO is one of the largest European bilateral private sector development banks with investments in 85 countries. This financing series is also a significant development for the country’s MSME sector, which is considered as the backbone of the economy. Romani de Silva, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of AFC said.
Shanghai Cooperation Council Awards Twentieth Anniversary Medal to Ambassador Dr Palitha Kohona
Ambassador Dr Palitha Kohona was among the selected ambassadors to be awarded the Shanghai Cooperation Council’s twentieth anniversary medal for contributing to the Organization’s development and progress. The award ceremony was attended by all the member states of the SCO and other invited guests.
Some Great Things Sri Lankans
Achieved in 2021
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Christmas in Colombo 2021
Students of Sunflower Montessori School, Van Nuys, Ca. visit Owner Iswari Camou in Glendora, Ca.
Laju and Anurag Choudhry attended Iswari Camou’s Sunflower Montessori School when they were three and four years old. One of their favorite teachers was Jeanne Page Mather. They visited Iswari and Rene’s home in Glendora, Ca. with their Mom Rajashree during the Christmas season. Now Laju has a clothing line called “lacedbylaju” and Anurag is an executive in the movie industry.
Cruisin’ to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
For The New Year on the ‘Grand Princess’
The Grand Princess arriving at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Ringing in the New Year on the deck of the ship.
Champagne, Music and Dancing.
Eight people took the five day cruise to celebrate 2022.
From left are Sandra, Taz, Gina, Sanka, Errol, Jilska, Ishani and Jayam.
‘A kiss is just a kiss!’ Sanka wishes Ishani on their 28th wedding Anniversary. The waiters, maitr’d, head waiters and crew sang the Anniversary Song. A special singer from the crew serenaded them by singing “My Way.” (That’s Camelia at the back. She was a riot)
Our fantastic waiter Daniel from Serbia and his able assistant Camelia, from the Phillipines, kept us laughing and took good care of us. They asked the cook to prepare special Indian food. Buriyani, chicken curry, pappadams and chutney. We also had lobster, prime rib and creme brulee.
Arriving at Cabo!
Brave enough to eat Mexico’s famous “street tacos.” They wouldn’t give us a table for eight! The food was great! Service was horrible! But we enjoyed.
Jayam’s Choice
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
we celebrated his 84th Birthday on January 8th
(Please click on arrow)
Rhythm of Beauty – Anna-Marie Ondaatje
We have known her for her flair for rhythmic gymnastics. However Anna-Marie Ondaatje was recently back in the spotlight for another reason. She made her debut into the world of beauty pageants, an ambition she had been cherishing all these years, to follow the footsteps of her paternal great aunt Maureen Hingert who was runner-up Miss Universe 1955.
Street Food in Sri Lanka
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Prithi Fernando’s Cocktail Party
in her Luxurious Penthouse
at Colombo City Center Residences
www.utravel.com (C)
People Finding People
Still Looking for:
Mercy Fonseka
(used to live in New York)
Pls contact jayam2424@yahoo.com
World’s tallest Netball lady 6’10” is from little town Jaffna(right). From left Olympian sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe, Cricket Captains kUmar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena.
Two Legends Singing Together
Alas! They are no more!
David Weinman Celebrated his 50th
Wedding Anniversary with wife Doreen-Ann and Family in Australia
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Happy New Year From
Agnes and Michael Thambinayagam
They Passed Away in 2021
Never to be Forgotten
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“Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo
January 7th. 2022
(Please click on arrow)
Wishing you the very best in 2022, here’s what unfolds on Prime Group Kaleidoscope this week – the wheels turn in the EQXX and the Orient Express plus a turbo stove, a book man adds to feel good stories and a candid young politician plus much more.
Obituaries – Sad News
Desmond de Silva (77) The veteran Sri Lankan singer passed away in Melbourne, Australia of a heart attack. Regarded as the ‘King of Baila’, the legendary singer was born in Matara. He launched his career in popular music in 1963 as the lead vocalist of the Fire-Flies. He also performed with leading Sri Lankan pop groups – ‘Spitfires,’ ‘Gabo and the Breakaways,’ and the ‘Jetliners.’In 1976, he decided to form his own band, “Desmond and the Clan”, which performed in various countries in Southeast Asia.
Sir Sidney Poitier (94) has died. The actor, activist, director and ambassador became the first black man to be awarded Best Actor at the Academy Awards in 1964 for Lillies of the Field.
Over the course of his illustrious film career, Poitier was nominated for a further two Oscars, 10 Golden Globes and six BAFTAs, as well as receiving eight Laurel nominations.
Dinesh de Soyza passed away recently in Sri Lanka under tragic circumstances. Son of Sumana and the late Dr Tony de Soyza. Brother of Ishani (Australia) and Rajith (Arizona).
Jeya Ratnanather – Passed away on December 17, 2021. Wife of Leslie, mother of Chanath (USA), Shamindra (USA) and Iyendra (Canada), daughter of the late R.I. and Vaida Fernandopulle, sister of Deva, Neil, Renuka (all predeceased) and Ermina, passed away on 17th December 2021. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a private funeral was held on the same day.
Lucky de Chickera’s Book About the
Tsunami that hit Sri Lanka
This book is fiction based on fact; on the Dec 26th 2004 Tsunami that ravaged Countries in S. ASIA. The story is about a fisher family living in Hikkaduwa and the travails that they were faced with on account of this catastrophe. He has authored five books since 2010 and sold in many Countries. Lucky was shortlisted for the Gratiaen and also nominated for the State Literary Award.
The author’s contact details are 011 2715343 TP, and lucky.eldece.dechickera@gmail.com on email.
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
Stir-fried shrimp with Tamarind
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons tamarind Paste
2/3 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons palm sugar
2 tablespoons chicken stock or water
1 tablespoon fish sauce
6 dried red chillies, fried
1 pound uncooked shelled shrimp (leave the tails on)
1tablespoon finely chopped garlic
2tablespoons fried sliced shallots
2 scallions, chopped to garnish
a handful of cadjunuts to garnish
METHOD
1.Put the tamarind paste in a small bowl, pour over the boiling water and stir well to break up any lumps. set aside for thirty minutes. Strain, pushing as much of the juice through as possible. Measure 6 tablespoons of the juice,
which is the amount needed, and store the rest in the fridge. Heat the oil in a wok. Add the chopped onion and fry till golden brown.
- Add the sugar, stock, fish sauce, dried chillies and the tamarind juice, stirring well until all the sugar dissolves, Bring to a boil.
3.Add the shrimp, garlic and shallots. Stir-fry for about 3 -4 minutes until the shrimp are cooked.Garnish with the chopped scallion and sprinkle the cadju on top (if desired).
4.Serve with a bowl of steamed Rice .
Serves 4-6.
I hope all of you stayed safe,followed the rules and had as happy a holiday Season as you could and are safe.
Aunty Roma.
Please email me for all your questions and requests.
A Wild Leopard in the Jungles of Sri Lanka
(Preserve our Beautiful Natural Sri Lankan Heritage)
Jayam2424@yahoo.com