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
Good News From Jayam – January 1, 2023 Pls Scroll Down 35 items – By Jayam Rutnam
Good News From Jayam – January 1, 2023 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
SLAASC Christmas Party in Los Angeles, Ca.
Seen at the SLAASC Christmas Party were Past Presidents Kapila Wimalaratne, Dushantha Kurera. Committee Members Nalaka Kaluwahewa, Mangala Jayakody, Jude Abeyguneratne, Berty Trevine Fernando and many others, The SLAASC will celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2023. The 2022 SLAASC President is Sam Kurera.
Colombo Lights Up For Christmas !
On the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando is spearheading the lighting up and beautification of Colombo city to spread the cheer of Christmas and the New Year. Here the view of a lit-up Presidential Secretariat and Galle Face with a message to tourists to visit Sri Lanka.
Hayleys Wins Overall Excellence in Corporate Reporting at CA Sri Lanka’s TAGS Awards ’22
Hayleys Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage (fourth from right) with the overall excellence in Corporate Reporting Gold Award at the TAGS Awards organised by CA Sri Lanka. Top conglomerate Hayleys PLC triumphed with the coveted gold award for ‘Overall Excellence in Corporate Reporting’ at the TAGS Awards, while John Keells Holdings PLC and Softlogic Life Insurance PLC shared the silver award in the same category, and L B Finance PLC walked away with the bronze award.
US Provides 9,300 Tons of Fertiliser to Paddy Farmers in Sri Lanka
The US Embassy in Colombo in a statement noted that the handover ceremony was attended by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Asia Anjali Kaur, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Vimlendra Sharan and USAID Mission Director Sri Lanka and Maldives Gabriel Grau.
Human Rights Activist
Sandya Ekneligoda – Among World’s 100 Top Influential Women 2022
Sandya Ekneligoda, a human rights activist has made it to BBC’s 100 women of 2022. BBC 100 Women is an annual list that celebrates the achievements of women internationally, from grassroots volunteers to global leaders. Other notable names on the BBC 100 Women list include global music phenomenon Billie Eilish, actress and producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas, actress and disability activist Selma Blair and West Side Story Hollywood icon Rita Moreno.
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Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) will kick-off a tourism campaign to attract cruise liners to the port for 2023/24 in the coming year. Currently, the number of cruise ships scheduled to arrive at the port in 2023 is expected to triple from 2022 numbers. “The instant you land in HIP, you can see greenery and no built-up area, unlike most other ports. “We also intend to set up duty free shopping opportunities for tourists visiting the port.
Chinese Cruise Ships to Visit Sri Lanka after Travel Restrictions are Relaxed
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing, with a view to attracting more Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka, is also actively exploring the possibility of Chinese cruise ships and yachts visiting Sri Lanka. The Ambassador, Dr. Palitha Kohona had a very successful online meeting with the Vice President of the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA), Zheng Weihang. Vice President, Zheng said that Sri Lanka will be promoted as a new market for Chinese cruise ships. Dr. Kohona formally proposed that Sri Lanka be designated as a destination for cruise ships after the travel restrictions are relaxed.
Port City, Colombo in Progress
Sri Lankan workers are seen busy engaged in work in the port city project of Colombo which was constructed by a Chinese company. The project is said to have cost US$15 billion in total comprising of residential areas, hospital, a financial centre and an international school.
Colombo Port City Duty-Free Mall Due to Open in April 2023
Two international duty-free operators and an international food and beverage operator have confirmed their investment in the proposed duty-free shopping mall in the Colombo Port City. Operations will commence in April 2023. It will also be the first Downtown Duty-Free Mall in Sri Lanka and in the region. The interior fit-out will begin soon after the infrastructure work is completed.
Blue Planet Laureate Professor Mohan Munasinghe felicitated by Royalty in Japan
Professor Mohan Munasinghe and Sria Munasinghe (right) with Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan. Professor V. Ramakrishna (co-winner of Blue Planet Prize) and his spouse are also in the photo. Professor Mohan Munasinghe, 2021 Blue Planet Prize Laureate and co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for Peace, recently attended the ceremonies for the Blue Planet Prize, which is the top global award for environmental sustainability, and which is equivalent to a Nobel Prize for environment.
Suraj Fernando – Recovering From Open Heart Surgery in Los Angeles –
We Wish Him a Speedy Recovery!
(Here with wife Senani)
Jayam’s Choice “Silent Night” Kelly Clarkson
Yohani’s Magical Performance on the Kapil Sharma Show (Please click on arrow)
Visitors to Sri Lanka from California (at the Marriott Beach Resort in Weligama)
Heshawa and Rowena Wedding at the Fabulous Shangri-La in Colombo
John Amirthiah and two daughters, Sajee Perera and Rukee were there, so were many others from Southern California.
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Christmas Medley by Thaminie Perera
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Manilal and Sherene Fernando
50th Anniversary in Westminster, Ca.
Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin “Silent Night”
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J Med
“Always Working to Better Serve our Clients!”
“Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo
December 23rd. 2022
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Obituaries – Sad News
Clive Inman (86)
passed away in Leicester, UK. on December 7th, 2022. Clive represented Ceylon teams after captaining his alma mater St Peter’s College, (1954 and 1955). He carved his name in the annals of the Josephian-Peterite Battle of the Saints by scoring a record 204 runs in 1954 and then leading Peterites to victory in 1955. Clive was a prolific cricketer who excelled from his school days, later on, built a name for himself as an outstanding batsman for Ceylon and English Country Leicestershire during the 60’s.
Clive Inman’s funeral will be held at Loughborough Crematorium, Leicester Road, Loughborough, LE11 2AF, United Kingdom,on Tuesday, 24th January 2023 at 12.30pm.
Bernadette Aloma Alles (64) passed away in Los Angeles, Ca. on November 30, 2022. Wife of Andrew Winston Alles.
Mother of Christine and Antoinette. Daughter of the late Douglas and Auril Lodowyke. Funeral was on December 16, 2022. Burial was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, Ca.
Bernard Jayaratne – Husband of the late Sheila Jayaratne, father of Shiranthi and Janaka (USA), father-in-law of Srina de Alwis and Angela Jayaratne, grandfather of Shanuki, Shenoj and Anoma, great-grandfather of Jovann, passed away on December 2nd 2022. Cremation was on December 4th. at the General Cemetery, Borella.
Misriya Sufi-Ismail (née Mohideen), passed away on December 8, 2022, in Torrance, California. Wife of the late Mackie Sufi-Ismail, mother of Muzni (Garden Grove, CA), Minza, and Nuzkiya (Torrance, CA), mother-in-law of Shamila Sufi-Ismail, Ajwad Shariz, and Rahim Junaidean. She was a grandmother and great-grandmother to many.
The Janaza prayers and funeral were on December 9, 2022, after Jummah Prayers at the Melrose Abby Memorial Park in Anaheim, Ca. We humbly request your dua (prayers) for the deceased and for the strength, courage, and patience of the family during this time of difficulty. You may reach the family at: Muzni: (562) 754 7675, Minza: (310) 634 4600
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
Jaggery Souffle
Ingredients
2 cups thick coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
4 eggs
1/2 – 3/4 lb. grated jaggery
4 teaspoons gelatine soaked in
1/2 cup cold water
Method
Dissolve the soaked gelatine over boiling
water. Mix yolks, coconut milk and jaggery and
strain. Cook over a low flame till custard thickens
and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from fire
and allow to cool. Add dissolved gelatine and flavoring.
Lastly fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites. Rinse ring mold
in cold water and shake off the water but do not wipe. Pour
the custard into the mold and place in cold water (This will
make the souffle come out in layers of different shades of
brown when unmolded). Put the mold in the refrigerator
for 6- 8 hrs. to set. To unmold ease the sides of the souffle
with a knife, turn over and gently tap the mold or place your hands on the mold for a few minutes and for the warmth of your hands the souffle will unmold.
Decorate with roasted cadjunuts and cream.
Note: The souffle should be unmoulded just before serving and not too long ahead of time.
SERVES 4-6.
I hope this old Sri Lankan Recipe will be enjoyed and take pride of place on your NEW YEAR breakfast table with your family.Have a great New Year, email me should you have any questions or requests.
Season’s Greetings from SriLankan Airlines – USA
Jayam2424@yahoo.com
Good News FromJayam May 15, 2022 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Good News FromJayam May 15, 2022 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Please click on link below for website and past issues
goodnewsfromjayam.com
It’s Summer in Los Angeles
Buddhists, Christians and Muslims Celebrate Ramazan at Galle Face, Colombo
The Muslim community organized an alms-giving for the Maha Sangha at Galle Face to mark the end of Ramazan fasting season. A nun and a cleric serving meals to the Maha Sangha at the event. Ven.Omalpe Sobitha Thera and Ven. Rajawatte Vappa Thera were present along with the clergy.
Ambassador Dr Palitha Kohona Presents His Letter of Credence
to The President of Mongolia
Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona, who is concurrently accredited as the Ambassador to Mongolia, presented his Letter of Credence to the President of Mongolia, H.E. KhurelsukhUkhnaa on 27 April 2022. Arriving at the State House for the Credentials Ceremony, Ambassador Dr Palitha Kohona, inspected a ceremonial guard of honour and was accorded an extended meeting by the President, H.E. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. The Ambassador conveyed the warmest best wishes of the President of Sri Lanka, to the President of Mongolia and he proposed consolidating the bilateral relations further with a state visit once travel restrictions are more relaxed.
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to
Dr. Walter and Aeshea Jayasinghe
ComBank Digital wins AFTA award for
‘Best Frictionless Credit Evaluation Initiative’
Representatives of the Commercial Bank accept the AFTA award. From left: Commercial Bank Senior Manager – Digital Banking Unit Chamindaa Fernando, the Bank’s Manager – IT Nadika Nagahawatte, President of Fintech Association of Sri Lanka Rajkumar Kanagasingam, Association’s Senior Advisor Dr.Tissa Jayaweera, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dharmasri Kumaratunge and the bank’s Executive Officer – Integrated Risk Management Department Malinda Liyanage.
Shelanee Marcelline Graduates in Class of ’22
Loyola Marymount University
(Shelanee is the daughter of Sanka and Ishani Marcelline of Altadena, Ca.)
A Beautiful Boutique Hotel
in the Heart of Colombo
“Rosmead Place” by Thilanka
Vote For Shawn Thever – Sri Lankan for Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Office 118
Primary Election June 7, 2022
Sri Lankan Aranya Manchanayake
Shines in Australian Athletics
Aranya is the daughter of Anushani and Anuja Manchanayake of Melbourne, Australia. Her grand parents are Swarna Nagahawatte and late K Premaratne, formerly of People’s Bank and Sarath and Ranjini Manchanayake, living in SL. Aranya Manchanayake won bronze in the under 18 womens pole vault at the Australian track and field championships 2022 in Sydney. This is her 2nd National after winning bronze for 4×100 womens relay in 2018.
Amrit Sidhu Marries Indrajith Premachandra in Washington
(Photos by Sarah Falugo and Vogue)
Indrajith Premachandra of Brooklyn, New York were marriedf in a Sikh and Buddhist ceremony in Payallup, Washington. The wedding was officiated by Prasanna
Yamasinghe of Los Angeles as Ashtaka. Amrit is a Resident Physician in Brooklyn, New York. Indrajith is a SVP working in Risk Management. A three day affair, celebrating Amrit’s Punjabi Sikh culture along with Indrajith’s Sinhalese uddhist culture. Indrajith is the son of Rohan and Shanthi Premachandra.
Congratulations
to Shanthi and Nandasiri Jasentuliyana
40th Wedding Anniversary
in Diamond Bar, Ca.
Shehan and Riho Jayakody Wedding
Son of Mangala and late Mangala Jayakody
1 Hotel, West Hollywood, CA.
Minoli de Silva of Washington DC
Now Skates For Team USA
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Isipathana College OBA 1963/1973
After the inaugural ex-co meeting of Isipathana College OBA Yearly Group 1963/73. Pioneer Group. 27.04.2022.
L/r Naveen Gunawardena, Ivan Perera, Chandima Gunawardena, Laki Wickremasinghe, Ajantha Upali, Sanath Ketiparachi, Raja Sirisena, M. F. Jiffry, Anura Serasingha, Kusum de Zoysa, Mahendra Dharmadasa, Mervin Preena and Janak Muthucumarana.
Jayam’s Choice
“Speak Softly Love”
“The Godfather” theme by Andy Williams
(Please click on arrow)
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
by The Boy Choir
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Wedding of Casey Van Calbergh
Piet Van Calbergh Good Friends! (Circa 2002)
Jayam, Gina, Iswari, Rene, Judy and Piet on board the schooner at Piet and Mary Van Calbergh’s daughter Casey’s wedding.
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People Finding People
Still Looking for:
CHARMAINE VEMADEVAN
and MICHELLE HATCH
Pls contact jayam2424@yahoo.com
Ceylon Tamil Pop Songs Collection
(Please click on arrow)
“Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo
May 6th. 2022
(Please click on arrow)
Would the 19th or 20th Amendment work is our top topic this week on Prime Group Kaleidoscope plus glam galas, exquisite cane craft, printing in peril, feeding the 5,000, economic titbits, old nuns and even older goddesses.
Obituaries – Sad News
Wilson Karunaratne (79) passed away. Wilson established himself as the villain of Sinhala Cinema made his debut appearance in the Hadawath Neththo film directed by Subayar Makeem in 1974. He won a merit award for the Nicholas’s role in the film titled Sasara Chethana directed by veteran artiste Malani Fonseka. He had contributed a number of films including Yakadayaka, Jeewana Ganga, Saradiyelge Putha, Hithuwoth Hithuwamai, Hitha Mithura and Selinage Walawwa. Cremation was at Kirulapone crematorium.
Benjamin Gomez (Ben) – Son of late Chevalier Christian and Agatha Gomez, brother of late Mary, Delly, Jerome, Beta, Bridget, Catherine, Lazarus, Francis and Bertie. Funeral was on 4th May 2022 at the General Cemetery, Borella.
Rupert Rasanayagam (93) passed away in Colombo on April 28, 2022. He was the elder brother of the late Francis and Dr. Indran Selvaratnam.
JUST FOR A LAUGH
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
POMEGRANATE-ORANGE CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS
1 large orange, zest finely grated, juiced
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 1/2 dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Freshly ground black pepper
6 teaspoons Canola oil
Kosher salt
3/4 cup lower salt chicken broth
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1″ pieces
1 red onion, peeled and cut into 3/4″ thick wedges
14lb Chicken, cut into eight serving pieces,
trimmed of extra skin an fat patted dry
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Directions
Post a rack in the center of the oven and heat the
oven to 400F.
In a medium saucepan,combine the orange juice and
pomegranate juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat
and reduce to 14 cup about 15 minutes. Add thyme,
cinnamon and the pepper. Divide the mixture between
two small bowls to one bowl add two tspns. of oil and
1/2 tesapoon of salt to the other, add thechicken broth
all but 1 teaspoon of the orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon
of salt.
Scatter the sweet potatoes, and onion over the bottom of
a metal glass or ceramic baking dish that measures about
10x15x2 inches.toss with the remaining 4 tspns.of oil and
remaining thyme. Arrange the chicken pieces, skin side up,
on top of the vegetables and brush with all of the juice-oil
mixture. Roast for thirty minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and reduce the temperature
to 375F.Pour the juice broth mixture around the chicken
pieces and scatter the walnuts around the chicken. Return pan to the oven andand roast until vegetables are tender and an instant-read thermometer registers 165F in several pieces of chicken, 20 to 30 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a warmed platter. Use a slotted spoon to arrange the vegetables and walnuts around the chicken.
Sprinkle the vegetables with a little salt and sprinkle a little
orange zest over all. Season the sauce to taste with salt and
pepper and pour into a pitcher to pass around at the table.
Serves 4 to 6.
I hope you enjoy the dynamite Mediterranean flavor combinations
in this dish.
Questions and requests are always welcome.
The Beauty of Sri Lanka
(Preserve our Natural Sri Lankan Heritage)
