Good News From Jayam February 15, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Good News From Jayam February 15, 2025 Pls Scroll Down 35 items
Happy Valentine’s Day

A Standing Ovation to Sri Lanka Foundation’s Academy of Performing Arts Students and Parents
On December 15, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Auditorium came alive with the vibrant energy, creativity, and talents of the students from the SLF Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA). Photo shows SLF Director Achala Weerasinghe and SLF Chairman Dr. Walter Jayasinghe with one of the winners.
Dee Croos and Shyanna Stanislaus lit up the stage as the dynamic emcees of the evening, their enthusiasm and charm setting the tone for a memorable show. Enal and Aken’s exceptional sound design added an electrifying layer to the performances, while Methaya’s impeccable stage management ensured everything ran seamlessly. Backstage, Tharini and Inuli demonstrated exemplary coordination, proving that teamwork truly makes the dream work. Photo shows Aeshea Jayasinghe with one of the contestants.
The SLF APA Talent Show brought together a dazzling array of performances, each reflecting the diversity and creativity of the students. From the Semi-Classical Bollywood Dance by Siyansa and Senya Pilana Manage to Yasiri Samaraweera’s soulful rendition of Sarungale Waralsale, the show captured a wide spectrum of artistic expression. Vocal highlights included Inuki Nivenya’s powerful Girl on Fire and Anisha Tennakoon’s emotional My Heart Will Go On. Dance performances were equally captivating, with Senuki Kariyawasam’s vibrant Rangali and Umika Moses’s passionate Paso Doble.
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Dr. Chand J. Ariyasingha of Los Angeles Honored by California Hospital Medical Center
Dr. Chand Aryasingha was honored at the California Hospital Medical Center, by naming a Labour Room with a plaque with the following caption:
“Dr. Chand J. Ariyasingha,
M.D., FACOG.,FRCOG (Gt.Bt.)
Asst. Clinical Professor OB/GYN USC 1985-1991”
At the ceremony were his previous wife, Dr. Lakshmi de Silva, his daughter, Chanelle Aryasingha, her fiance,
Brent Campanula and Susan Shum CEO of the California Hospital Foundation. California Hospital is located at 1401, S. Grand , Ave., L.A.,91015. New Obstetric and Gynecological Unit just opened. Congratulations to Dr. Ariyasingha!

Abbas Esufally Receives Bhutan’s Highest National Honour
Abbas Esufally, Deputy Chairman of HEMAS PLC and Honorary Consul General of Bhutan in Sri Lanka, has been conferred with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s most prestigious national honour. This esteemed recognition, presented by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, celebrates Esufally’s decades of dedicated service to the kingdom and its people.
Laki and Chrisanthie Wickramasinghe of Palm Springs, Ca. Luncheon in Colombo
Among others, those attending were Chandran Rutnam and daughter Danara. “The crab curry was the best” said one of the guests who attended.
“Loon Tao” Restaurant Re-opens in Mount Lavinia
SDA Hospitality Group Chairman Dillan Ariyawansa, Loon Tao CEO Shani Perera, Loon Tao Executive Chef Dasu, SDA Hospitality Group Managing Director Anjalo Mendis After being closed for two and a half years, the popular Chinese seafood restaurant by the beach, Loon Tao, reopened its gates to the public recently under a new management with a fresh redesign.
Independence Day Celebrated at Sri Lanka Consulate General’s Office in Los Angeles
Independence Day Celebrated in Washington DC Ambassador Samarasinghe and Aruni Horanage
Invited to celebrate the 77th Independence Day of Republic of Sri Lanka, in Washington DC at Residence in of Ambassador to USA Mahinda Samarasinghe. Truly appreciate the invitation from our Ambassador and it is an honor to be a part of the celebration.
Lasith Malinga launches book titled “Killer” on the art of fast bowling
Sri Lanka’s legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga unveiled his maiden book, titled “Killer”, at a grand launch event held in Colombo. The book, authored by Malinga, delves into 21 fascinating facts about bowling, offering insights into the art of fast bowling which made him a cricketing icon.
The launch event was graced by several former cricketing legends, including Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardena, Chaminda Vaas, Ajantha Mendis, and Marvan Atapattu, along with many other former players.
Jayam’s Choice Ricky Martin “Living La Vida Loca”
IndiGo plans to add more flights to Jaffna
India’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC), IndiGo Airlines (6E), has unveiled plans to launch new Jaffna flights. The airline plans to strengthen its presence in Sri Lanka with non-stop flights from Bengaluru (BLR). Unlike its usual focus on Colombo, this move marks a strategic shift towards expanding operations at Sri Lanka’s secondary airport.
This expansion will enhance air connectivity between South India and Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. The non-stop flights will offer passengers a more convenient and time-saving travel option.
Mrs. World Pageant Runner-Up Lanka’s Mrs. Ishadi Amanda in Las Vegas, Nevada (Please click on arrow)

This is Ceylon in Ontario, Canada
A Beautiful Rendition of “IF” By BREAD Piano Cover By Thaminie Perera of Los Angeles, Ca. (Please click on arrow)
Kaleidoscope February 6, 2025 (Please click on arrow)
Happy Independence Day, Sri Lanka! Walk the Fallow fields, integrate persons with disabilities into the apparel industry, enjoy the vibe at Colombo’s newest piano bar, magical fashion, trouser-less travelers, the doomsday clock, the Beatles’ Grammy and more.
Obituaries – Sad News
Dayawathie Gnanaratna (86)
Passed away in Colombo on January 22nd, 2024. Wife of late W. Gnanaratna. Mother of Lalantha Watudura and Ganga Lenora. Mother in law of Manik Lenora and Erosha Watudura. Grandmother of Chadoo, Induni and Vidoo Watudura and Kenneth and Kevin Lenora. Cremation was on January 25th, 2024 at General Cemetery in Kanatte.
Harry Jayawardena (82)Prominent Sri Lankan industrialist and businessman passed away in Colombo. Don Harold Stassen Jayawardena popularly known as Harry Jayawardena was the chairman of Melstacorp PLC and served as the Honorary Consul General for Denmark in Sri Lanka. Forbes had listed Jayawardena as one of the richest people in Sri Lanka. Jayawardena had also served as the chairman of both Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka and Aitken Spence, the first Sri Lankan companies ever to be listed on the Forbes List of best managed companies outside the USA.
“Ken” Balendra (84) Sri Lankan corporate leader and executive Kandiah “Ken” Balendra has passed away in Colombo. Balendra has held many corporate positions in Sri Lanka and the region. He served as the first Sri Lankan chairman of John Keells Holdings Ltd., the largest conglomerate in the island. He was the chairman of Brandix Lanka Ltd. and the South Asia Regional Fund of the Commonwealth Development Corporation.
Bennet Savundranathan Chinniah (89) Passed away on December 9th, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. Husband of late Damayanti Rani (Anketell) father of David (wife Renuka), Tim (wife Sharla), grandfather of Analise and Joshua. He was the son of William Duncan Chinniah and Mary Nesam (Eliyathamby),brother of late Arulnathan, Nesamalar Selverajah, Navamalar Brainerd and Thiraviamalar Punniyamoorthy, Engineering Assistant, Water Supply Board, Sri Lanka. Private committal and cremation on Dec 11th.
Rohan R. Handy – Passed away on January 9th 2025. Husband of Nilanthy, father of Dilani, Richy, Dr. Sonali, father-in-law of Steve Satgunam, Meereen and Jonathan Celestine. Grandfather of Ezra, Aria and Zeke, son of late Sam and Jeevam Handy, son-in-law of Rev. Sam and Ps Antoniett Rajasuriyar, brother of late Suresh, late Priya, Glen and Rev. Dr. Chrisso. Burial was on the 13th at Borella Kanatte.
Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen
Pomegranate-Orange Chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 large orange,zest finely grated, juiced
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 11/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Freshly ground pepper
- 6 teaspoons Canola oil
- Kosher salt
- 3/4 cup lower-slat chicken broth
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into
- 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced
- on the diagonal 1/4 inch thick
- 1 red onion, peeled and cut into
- 3/4-inch thick wedges
- 1 4-lb.chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces,
- trimmed of extra skin and fat, patted
- dry
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Method
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400 *F.
In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice and pomegranate juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat and reduce to 1/4 cup, about 15 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon thyme, the cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Divide the mixture between two small bowls. To one bowl add 2 teaspoons of oil and 1/2 tspn.salt. To the other add the chicken broth, all but 1teaspoon of the orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Scatter the sweet potatoes, parsnips, and onion over the bottom of a metal, glass or ceramic baking dish that measures about 10x15x2inches. Toss with the remaining 4 teaspoons of oil and 1 teaspoon thyme Arrange the chicken skin side up, on top of the vegetables and brush with all of the juice-oil mixture. Roast for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from oven and reduce the temperature to 375*F. Pour the juice-broth mixture around the chicken pieces and scatter the walnuts around the chicken. Return the pan to the oven and roast till the vegetables are tenderand an instant-read thermometer registers 165*F 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 the remaining orange zest over all. Tilt the roasting pan so that the juices gather in one corner. With a large shallow spoon skim as much fat as possible from the pan sauce. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper and pour into a pitcher to pass at the table. Serves 4-6.
The Sri Lankan Smile