SINHALA AND TAMIL NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

The Sri Lankan Association in Geneva welcomed the Sinhala and Tamil New year with music, dance, culture and tradition in true Sri Lankan style. The event was held on April 17th at the Salle de Faubourg with the participation of a record number of Sri Lankan’s from all parts of Switzerland. The ceremony opened with the lighting of the oil lamp by distinguished guests and senior members of the association. The event was marked with a variety of customary games for children and adults and a beautiful performance of traditional Sinhala and Tamil dances by talented Sri Lankan children. Guests were treated to a host of delightful Sri Lankan specialities including all the delicious Avrudu sweetmeats. The celebrations went on through the night with entertainment provided by Udaya and Rozaine.

Await ! The photos of the New-year celebrations and more

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FETE DE LA MUSIQUE

The Sri Lankan Association has now gained a reputation for organising one of the most successful food stalls at the Fete de la Musique. You too can join in to make our stall enjoy another successful year.

The funds raised will all be sent for charity in Sri Lanka.

Date – 18th, 19th, 20th of June 2004.

Venue – Stall 19 (between Rue de la Vallée and Passage Cordier)
in the ‘old city’.
We are looking for caterers to provide a delicious meal of rice and curry at the event. We will be catering for about 3000 people for a total of three days.

If you can suggest someone or if you would like to make up a team that can cater for the event, please call – Chandika on 022 340 3700 before the 7th of June.

We are also inviting volunteers to help us serve our scrumptious food. If you are free on any one of the three days and would like to help us, please call – Chandika.
We are looking forward to seeing all Sri Lankans living in Geneva, visiting the stall.

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POSON BHAKTHI GEE

Date – 12th June, 2004

Venue – Salle des Coudriers, Avenue de Joli-Mont 15 A
off Avenue Louis-Casai (close to Balexert Shopping Complex)

Time – 5.00 p.m. onwards

Members who wish to join the singing group and/or who could offer a helping hand in making lanterns to decorate the hall are requested to call Jayantha (022 796 3028) before the 5th of June.

All members and non-members are cordially invited to this event.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Poson Bakhti Gee – 5 June 2004
Members are requested to come up with ideas to organize this event. Volunteers who wish to participate in the event, please contact Jayantha (022 796 3028) or Chandika (022 340 3700) for more details.

Fete De la Musique – 18 – 20 June 2004 (Subject to Approval by the Canton)
The SLAG has made an application and awaiting approval from the organisers.

Day outing for the Kids
A train-ride to Lausanne for the children of members, below 12 years. July (Date to be decided). We will need at least 3 parents to volunteer to support with this. Costs for the children will be borne by the SLAG. Interested parents are requested to contact Shelomi (022-7884971) to decide on a date.

Annual Picnic – 29 August 2004
At Parc de Jonc

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A DAY TO REMEMBER FOR THE KIDS…

SLAG is planning a fun filled day out with a train ride to Morges or Lausanne for the children of our members (below 12) on September 5th. We will need at least 3 parents to volunteer to support this event. Costs for the children and members will be borne by the SLAG. Interested parents are requested to contact Shelomi Abeysinghe (022-7884971) or Indunil Welikala (022 345 6656).

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OTHER NEWS

The Sri Lankan Association would like to make our newsletter interesting to all our members and are looking for new ideas and suggestions on improving it. We would also like to include special announcements, birthday’s, weddings, anniversaries and achievements of our members. If you have any such announcements to make about yourself, family or friends please contact Farah on 022 346 7625.

A religious ceremony to mark the death of Mr Siri Dalawella was held on May 23rd at Quaker hall in Petit Saconnex in the presence of a large gathering. Mr. Dalawella was a distinguished member of the Sri Lankan community in Geneva. He had served for many years in the UN and also held the post of Secretary of the SLAG and he took the initiative to introduce our newsletter SLAGINFO.

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Obituary: The SLAG announces with deep regret, the passing away of Mr. Shanthilal Fernando, younger brother of one of our members, Mrs. Nelum de Almeida. He passed away on the 17th of May in Sri Lanka. The funeral took place on 19th May in Moratuwa.
The SLAG expresses its condolences to Mrs. De Almeida and the family members
May he Rest in Peace!

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FOR YOUR DIARY

Poson Bhakthi Gee – 12th June 2004.

Fête de la Musique – 18 – 20 June 2004

SLAG Annual Picnic – 29th August 2004.

Kids Day Out – 5th September, 2004.

Year-End Party – 4th December, 2004.

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