Good News From Jayam May 15, 2023 Pls Scroll Down 35 items

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Swearing-In Ceremony

of SLAASC President Niroshan Kahawatte

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SLASC President Michael Kurera and President Elect Niroshan Kahawatte before the ceremony

SLAASC President Michael Kurera swears in New President Niroshan Kahawatte, while Founder President Jayam Rutnam looks on. The event was held in a beautiful Hall in West Covina, Ca.

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Part of the elegant crowd of 128 people watch the proceedings. Some of those present were Dr Lakshman Makandura, Dilip Niranjana, Nandasiri Jasentuliyana, the Consul General, Past President Kapila Wimalaratna,

George Silva, Dr Amila Silva, Prabha Bamunuarachchi, Thusitha de Silva, Nandakumaran and many others including past and incoming committee members. The event was televised on Rupavahini Television in Sri Lanka.

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Founder President said the SLAASC is the first incorporated association of its kind in the US. Founded and Incorporated in 1973. He stated many firsts. It was the SLAASC that approached the Sri Lankan Government to establish a Consulate General in Los Angeles. The SLAASC had the first

Perehera in 1974 with a live elephant. The SLAASC had the first Sri Lanka Day. Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley held a reception and the Sri Lankan flag was hoisted to fly outside City Hall for the first time…….. and many more!

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The newly sworn in President speaks to the audience, outlining the committees plans for the future.

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The audience pays attention to the new SLAASC President Niroshan Kahawatte

SLAASC President presents a copy of the SLAASC 50th Anniversary logo to the Founder President

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The new SLAASC Executive Committee and Committee.

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Some of the distinguished guests

Incoming Executive Committee Member Aruni Boteju with SLAASC President and Founding President

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SLAASC Swearing-in Ceremony in West Covina, Ca. (Please click on arrow)

 

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Sampath Bank Partners Hotel Developers For Refurbishment of Colombo Hilton

Sampath Bank PLC and Hotel Developers (Lanka) Limited (owner of Hilton Colombo) recently signed a facility agreement to finance the ongoing guest room Refurbishment Project of the landmark ‘Hilton Colombo’ Hotel located in the heart of Colombo. This is the first major revamp of the Hotel property since its inception in 1987.

Representing Hotel Developers (Lanka) Ltd was Upul Dharmadasa – Chairman and Shamahil Mohideen – COO and Sampath Bank was Managing Director – Nanda Fernando and Ayodhya Iddawela Perera – Managing Director Designate, as well as senior staff of the two institutions.

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While thanking and appreciating the cooperation extended by Sampath Bank, Mr. Dharmadasa, Chairman of Hotel Developers (Lanka) Ltd stated that, Sampath Bank partnering in the financing is an important milestone to complete the renovation of the iconic Hilton Colombo Hotel which will no doubt boost the quality of service and revenue potential of the property. He also stated that it was a bold decision that the company had taken, keeping immense confidence on the government initiatives for the economic recovery. The company was also one of the few to have initiated such an upgrade during the most challenging period of the economy, with a forward-thinking mindset that the property should be well prepared to take on the challenges and market demand with the much-expected industry revival. He also stated the important role the tourism industry would play in the economy which is now in recovery mode. The upgrade will no doubt provide a boost to the industry with preparation to serve better in the future.

President Leaves to England for the Coronation of King Charles III

President Ranil Wickramasinghe left the Katunayake Airport on May 4th for England to attend the coronation ceremony of King Charles III. Delegation of eight is to accompany the President on the visit. The coronation of King Charles III is scheduled took place on May 6, 2023 at Westminster Abbey. King Charles III was crowned as the King of England six months after the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who was the longest reigning monarch.

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King Charles III

“God Save the King”

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“Leading Sri Lankan Monks Bring the Message of Vesak, Peace and Harmony, to Beijing” 

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing hosted a grand Vesak celebration on May 5th with around 500 Chinese and Sri Lankans participating. Reverend Uduwe Dharmaloka Thero led the assembly in reciting gaathas. Deputy Chief Thero of the Lanka Amarapura Mulawansha  Maha Nikaya, the Venerable Yogiyane Sobhitha Thero, spoke of Buddhism being more a way of life and of the long standing religious ties between China and Sri Lanka. Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona, who presided over the event, spoke of the Buddha’s message of non-violence and of metta, mudita, karuna and upekha and their relevance in today’s strife torn world.

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Future Lankan Solicitor in Dubai

Jude R Senanayake recently graduated from Middlesex University Dubai and completed LLB Honours Law Degree with a First Class. He is currently working for Dubai’s prestigious law firm Hamdam Al Shamsi as a paralegal and continues his studies further expecting to become one of the few Lankan solicitors in Dubai. He is the son of Rukashan and Sanjika, the grandson of late Don Ariya Senanayake, a politician and cousin of the late Dudley Senanayake.

 

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New Coffee shop at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo

The recently launched Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, opened its coffee shop Tito’s at the lower level of the hotel where it offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the friendly baristas create delicious teas, coffees and fresh juices, while the culinary team at Tito’s works behind the scenes to create freshly baked bread, scrumptious cakes, and savoury treats.

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Soul Sounds Academy adds Lankan Voices to King’s Coronation Concert

Sri Lankans too have something to look forward to as the Soul Sounds Academy has been invited to partake in a virtual choral item for the special coronation concert that was livestreamed on May 7 from Windsor Castle. The Soul Sound’s Academy is the only Lankan choir amongst many from Commonwealth countries invited to participate in the event which was broadcast by BBC London. Among the stars performing at the live concert before the newly crowned King and Queen Consort, are Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and the British pop group Take That. Also taking top billing are the Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli and Welsh singer Sir Bryn Terfel who performed as a duo.

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Jayam’s Choice Banana Boat Song “Day-O!” by Harry Belafonte

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City Cinema Mt Lavinia which was closed for a month re-opened on April 28 with a new management as ‘City Lite Cinema’ by Anura Jasenthuliyana of Movie Works (pvt) ltd.

The refurbished theatre was opened with the newest ‘PS 2’ (Ponni Selvam) Tamil Film. The cinema with a capacity of 100 seats (AC) and Dolby Digital 3D technology has car park and a canteen. Owned by Jasenthuliyana who is also the Secretary of Film Exhibitors Association runs the Lite cinema chain which includes Amity Maharagama, Vista Jaela, Sky Matara, Max Katubedda, Wox Avissawella, Nikad0 Kadawatha and Sarasavi Alawwa.

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Photography Exhibition at UCLA

“Sri Lanka In Focus 2023” Art and Culture Exhibition was held at the University of California in Los Angeles – UCLA on April 22-23 to mark the Earth Day. This photographic exhibition not only focused on just art and culture but also tourist attractions, wildlife, and the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. It was organized by the America Sri Lanka Photographic and Art Society- Los Angeles and supported by the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Los Angeles. Chief Guest was Consul General Dr Lalith Chandradasa and Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker was Prof. Glen MacDonald of UCLA.

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“The Last Waltz” in Honor of Englebert Humperdink by Thaminie Perera

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This beautiful and popular Ballad was made famous by Englebert Humperdink back in 1967 and still loved by many of us today. I was honored & grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him in person and play the piano for him and to be mentored by him at his Bel Air Mansion. I loved and enjoyed playing his beautiful, vintage, and customized concert grand STEINWAY which once belonged to gorgeous and famous actress JAYNE MANSFIELD.

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Kaleidoscope May 4th, 2023

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Happy Vesak – may yours be peaceful and tranquil!

And this week – there’s lots packed in on Kaleidoscope.

It’s a riveting tale – Prisoner #1056 Roy Ratnavel shares his story exclusively in Sri Lanka with us; we stop by at the Met Gala, visit a green office, watch banana art go awry, take a train on the tallest bridge & chat about INR transactions & a food for funding entrepreneur.  We have vignettes of the economy and stock, oil and gold market, while celebrating Vesak at the Gangaramaya temple.

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Jayantha Somaratne – Ambassador For Peace

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Obituaries – Sad News

Sam Samaradivakara, Passed way in Franfurt,

Germany on April 20th, 2023. Former Director Europe of Ceylon Tourist Board, Frankfurt/M, Germany. Husband to the late Wendy and father to Lalanthi (Germany) and Maithri (UK). He was also a father-in law to Fiona (UK), grandfather to Benjamin and Emily (Germany) , and brother of Seela Tennakoon (Rambukkana) and Dharmalatha Herath (Badulla), uncle of Lakshika (USA), and of Priyanthi and Christo (Australia). Funeral was on May 8, 2023. in Hauptfriedhof, Frankfurt am Main.

 

Desmond Kelly (87)

It is with deep sadness that we inform you, our beautiful dad, Desmond Kelly, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his children on April 29th 2023.

A kind and caring father, grandfather and great grandfather who was totally devoted to his family. To our extended family, his friends and fans, thank you for the love and happiness you gave to him and for the treasure of memories you gifted. Dad, our family gatherings won’t be the same without you. The music you played, the stories you told, your knowledge and wisdom, your jokes and that laugh. We will miss you very much. Put the amp up loud in your heavenly abode, sing and strum that guitar to your heart’s content. You are free. Forever in our hearts. Rest in peace. We love you.

Mike, Doug, Michelle and Warren

Funeral Arrangements: Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 at the Boyd Chapel, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Vic. at 10.15am. Start 10.30.

 

Anoma Rasaputra (64) of Tustin, Ca. passed away at UCLA on April 28, 2023. Wife of Chandima Munindradasa, former SLAASC Committee Member. Mother of Prasangi. There was an immediate cremation according to her wishes.

Anoma was a famous classical Sinhalese singer.

While living in Tustin, Ca. she helped many Sri Lankan immigrants by keeping them in her home when they first arrived.

May she rest in peace.

 

 

 

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Recipes From Roma’s Kitchen

Panna Cota

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Whole Milk
• 1 pkt (2 ½ tsps) unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup + 1 Tbsp. sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

 

Berry Sauce:

• 2 cups berries divided into 1 cup portions
• 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• ½ Tbsp. lemon juice

 

Method:

 1.Off the heat, place 1 cup milk in a medium pan. Sprinkle the top with the gelatin. Let stand 3-5 minutes or until gelatin is softened. Place pan over medium/low heat and stir until gelatin dissolved and mixture is steaming about

4-5 minutes (DO NOT BOIL)

2. Add 2 cups heavy cream, ½ cup and 1 Tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring for 5 minutes until sugar is fully dissolved and mixture is steaming, about 4-5 minutes (DO NOT BOIL) remove from heat.

3.Place sour cream in a medium bowl with a pouring lip. Whisking constantly, gradually add warm cream. Once the mixture is completely smooth, divide into 6 or 8 ramekins. Refrigerate until fully set 4-6 hours.

 

• How to make Berry Sauce

 1.In a small pan combine 1 cup berries, ½ Tbsp. lemon juice and 3 Tbsp. sugar. Bring to a low boil and cook 4-5 minutes or until syrupy.

2.Stir in remaining 1 cup of fresh berries and remove from heat. When syrup is at room temperature  or just barely warm, spoon it over the top of chilled panna cotta

Please email me for all your questions and requests. romadezoysa1@gmail.com

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Vijay Amritraj is one of India’s most successful tennis players. He’s also the only person in history to play a match at Wimbledon in the morning, and end up in a James Bond movie in the afternoon.mDuring his extensive career as a top-20 player, Vijay broke barriers and popularized tennis across more than half the world’s population throughout the Asian continent. Following his fruitful tennis career, he became an actor, commentator, and most notably, humanitarian, through his role as United Nations Messenger of Peace (2001-06) and through The Vijay Amritraj Foundation. Vijay is married to a Sri Lankan, Shymala.

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A Beautiful Wild Leopard in Yala Photo by Award Winning Photographer Andy Samarasena

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Jayam2424@yahoo.com