ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY – 29 FEBRUARY 2004

The Nineteenth Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Association that will be held on Sunday 29th February 2004 at the Quaker International Hall, 13 Avenue de Mervelet, Petit-Saconnex, commencing at 3 pm.

The AGA will review the 2003 Annual Report and the Audited Statement of Accounts, as well as elect a new Executive Committee. A revised draft constitution will also be presented for discussion and adoption. If anyone is interested in serving on the new Executive Committee, but is unable to be present at the AGA, please indicate your interest to the President/Secretary before the commencement of the meeting. If anyone requires additional copies of the 2004 AGA documents, please contact the Secretary/Treasurer.

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OTHER NEWS

New SLAG Membership benefits:

• Mt. Lavinia Hotel: Members are entitled, upon presentation of the SLAG membership card and picture ID to 30% discount on accommodation (rack rates) subject to availability of rooms. Prior reservations required; 10% discount on all food and beverage outlets (not valid for banquets) and; 25% discount on laundry (valid until 31.12.04);
• The Swiss Residence (Kandy): Members are entitled, upon presentation of the SLAG membership card and picture ID, to 15% discount on basis booked (valid until 31.12.04);
• Inflight: Members who purchase (cash basis) an ethnic fare air ticket on Sri Lankan Airlines for their next trip to Colombo are entitled to reimbursement of the membership fee – individual or family or payment of membership annual fee if becoming a member. All members will receive with each purchase a 5% discount voucher for their subsequent purchase of air travel or holiday arrangement to any destination.

Membership reminder: Members are kindly requested to renew their 2004 memberships prior to the AGA – and enjoy the accrued benefits. For the list of benefits available to members, please visit the web site www.slageneva.org for further information.

Sri Lankan Food Festival: March 1-5 2004 from 6:30 pm onwards. Parkview Restaurant – Zurich Marriot Hotel. CHF 60 per person, including welcome cocktail and live calypso music. Sri Lankan Night on Friday 5 March – Grand Ballroom with Sri Lankan Band “Freak Out” – CHF 80 per person including welcome cocktail.

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SLAG WEB SPOSNORSHIP

We welcome our new sponsors of our web site:

THE SWISS RESIDENCE – the green hills of Kandy are an appropriate place to find a touch of Switzerland – the grand chalet look of Swiss Residence is an intriguing and refreshing sight as seen from the town center.
Address: 23, Bahirawakanda, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 (0)81 4479055/6
Fax: +94 (0)81 4479058
Email: swissres@ispkandyan.lk

MOUNT LAVINIA HOTEL – one of Sri Lanka’s classic colonial hotels, with enough history and intrigue to fill a novel or two. A great place for families and for those just looking to relax and take it easy in some idyllic setting by the Indian Ocean.
Address: 100 Hotel Road, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Tel: + 94 11 2715221-7
Fax: + 94 11 2730726/2738228
Email: lavinia@sri.lanka.net
www.mountlaviniahotel.com

TASTE OF PARADISE RESTAURANT – in operation for over 5 years in the Zurich city centre – minutes from the main railway station. Hoppers night every Sunday, much appreciated by the Sri Lankan expatriates.
Address: im Migros-City 1. Stock, Lowenstrasse 35, CH 8001 Zurich
Tel: +41 1 210 4848
Fax: +41 1 210 4849
Email: info@tasteofparadise.ch
www.tasteofparadise.ch

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2003 YEAR END PARTY – REVIEW

Held on 6 December 2003 at the Salle Communale in Bellevue, the party was described by many as one-of-the best-attended event. It was also the occasion for SLAG to wish a fond farewell to our outgoing Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam. Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador spoke of his tenure during the time SLAG was formed and stated that he was pleased to see the Association’s evolution. He said that it is time to hand over reins to the next generation, and that for SLAG to develop; a formal structure must be in place. However, he stressed that SLAG maintain its informal, family-like, atmosphere.

The SLAG choir sang carols – and our members’ children performed a nativity play. Santa Claus made an appearance and a sumptuous buffet, prepared by a group of volunteers, was enjoyed by all. We could have danced all night, thanks to the live music provided by Udaya and sponsored by Trico International, but alas, Swiss regulations do not permit such…

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

– NEW YEAR PARTY – 17 APRIL 2004

– FETE DE LA MUSIQUE – 18-20 JUNE 2004

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SLAG Newsletter – February 2004