SLAG Newsletter April 2004
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NEWS
The 19th AGM of the SLAG was held on 29th February, at the Quaker Hall in Petite Saconnex in the presence of a large number of members. A new Executive Committee was elected.
| Office Bearers | Committee Members: | |
| President: | Mr Chandika Indikadahena | Mr George Sebastian |
| Vice President: | Mr Lakshman Lokumarambage | Mr Aruna Tennekoon |
| Secretary: | Ms Farah Mihlar Ahamed* | Mr Jayantha Waduge |
| Treasurer: | Mr Wajira Ranasinghe | Mr Stanley Welikala |
| Hony Auditor: | Mr Simark Markar |
* Mr Ravi Wickremasinghe who was elected as the Secretary of the Committee at the AGM, stepped down for personal reasons. The Committee has elected Ms Farah Ahamed for the post.
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SINHALA & TAMIL NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
The dawn of another New Year!! Let us get together and celebrate our culture! Travel back in time with national games such as ‘Aliyata Esa thebeema’ (pinning the elephant’s eye), ‘Goni’ (Sack) race, ‘Banis kema’ (Bun eating), ‘Matching the pack’ with playing cards and finding the ‘Sagavunu Amutta’ (Unknown guest’). Savour the flavours of Sri Lanka at the dinner. Menu includes traditional Kiribath, Lunumiris and a buffet of rice and curry. Relish the sweetmeats specially flown in from Sri Lanka.
| Date: | 17th April 2004 |
| Venue: | Salle de Faubourg, 6-8, Rue des terreaux-temple,1201 Geneva. (Directions enclosed) |
| Entrance fees: | |
| Members: | SFr 10 for adults, SFr 5 for children between 12 & 18 years. Free for those below 12years |
| Guests: | SFr 25 for adults, SFr 12 for children between 12 & 18 years, Free for those below 12years |
The games will commence at 6.00pm. Please come early and participate and enjoy yourself.
We would like to invite members and their children to actively take part in the games and stage shows.
Please contact Shelomi (phone 022 7884971), Lalani (022-7880282) for more details.
| 5.45 pm | Gates open |
| 6.00 pm | Games |
| 7.00 pm | Formal opening of the celebrations |
(Lighting traditional oil lamp, National Anthem, Welcome speeches in Sinhala & Tamil, Ambassador’s speech, Vote of thanks)
| 7.30 pm | Stage performances |
| 8. 15 pm | Dinner |
| 10.00 pm | Dance to the music of Udaya and Rozaine |
| 12.30 am | End |
We would like to invite members and their children to actively take part in the games and stage shows.
Please contact Shelomi (022-7884971) for more details.
Preparation of food for the event will begin on Friday 16th and will continue the following morning, starting from 8.00am at Maison de quartier, Saint-Jean.
Volunteers who wish to help are requested to contact Jayantha ((022 7963028)) or Chandika (022 3403700) early.
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AUSPICIOUS TIMES FOR THE NEW YEAR
| 13 April 6.32 p.m. | Dawn of the New Year |
| 13 April 12.08 p.m. – 12.56 a.m. (night) | Transition Time (Stop work) |
| 13 April 7.49 p.m. | Lighting of the hearth, dressed in red, facing south |
| 13 April 9.47 p.m. | Dining for the New Year and beginning work, dressed in Red, facing south |
| 15 April 10.57a.m. | Anointing the head, dressed in Gold, facing North |
| 19 April 6.59 a.m. | Leaving for work for the New Year dressed in White, facing North |
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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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OBITUARIES
It is with deep regret that we wish to inform our members and the Sri Lankan community at large, the demise of Mr Siri Dalawella.
Mr Dalawella’s career spanned over 29 years with the United Nations. He was an active member of the SLAG for many years and also held the post of Secretary.
The association is hoping to hold a religious ceremony in his memory next month.
We send our condolences to his family in Sri Lanka.
May he attain Nibbana!
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