BAK MAHA ULELA 2015
For the first time in the history of our association, to commemorate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (the migration of the Meena Rashiya to Mesha Rashiya, which also marks the end of harvest and spring in Sri Lanka), we joined hands with the Sri Lanka Humanitarian Foundation of Canada (SLHFC) to hold Bak Maha Ulela 2015. The all-day event was held at the Sejong Multi Cultural Centre on May the 17th amidst a gathering of close to 300 adults and kids.
The function commenced with the lighting of the oil lamp by the presidents of the two associations and distinguished guests, and singing of the 2 National Anthems and brief addresses by the presidents of the 2 associations.
This was followed by a traditional New Year custom of ‘Hisa thel gama’, annoinment of oil for the New Year. Games such as the lime and spoon race, kamba adilla, aliyata as tabima, needle and thread game, musical chairs, for adults and children were interspersed with numerous cultural performances throughout the event. The day’s proceedings culminated in the selection of the Avrudhu Kumari/Kumaraya contest for both adults and kids.
Guests were also treated to a traditional breakfast of Kiribath, Lunumiris, Kavum and Kokis, followed by a sumptuous lunch of biriyani prepared by one of our local chefs.
Despite differing missions and visions, we put on a successful event and hope it serves as an auspicious beginning for furthering the relationship between the 2 associations. A big thank you to all who helped to make this day a success and especially to the subcommittees of the 2 associations whose tireless efforts made it a resounding success. Special credit should go to our Director of Social Activities Nelum Ranasinghe who was assisted by Viraj de Silva and Himani Ferdinandis on our side and Rushan Amarawickrama, Amith Nikapitiyawithana and Sumudu Jayawardena from the SLHFC. We are also grateful to everyone who helped in numerous ways, the performers, those who gave donations, plus all of you who attended without whom there would have been no function. Thank you Oshadhi Perera for giving up your valuable time to MC the event on behalf of the SLCFA.
In addition to furthering the camaraderie between members of the 2 associations we are happy and proud that a profit of $ 1500/= was raised which will be donated to the Stollery Children’s Foundation, a secondary objective of this function.
FIRST FRIDAY EVENT
We are pleased to see that 1st Friday nights have increased in popularity with greater numbers of participants, averaging from 35 - 45, and delicious potluck dinners as a result. Participants have been entertained by karaoke singing, dancing, games and even a live local band who played on one occasion.
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In April we also celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with Kiribath and sweet meats and a grand dinner. We hope these numbers will remain steady and the functions will continue to attract more. The next gathering will be on June 12th, so make a note of the date and come check it out for yourself.
ENSUING EVENTS
Annual picnic of the association will be held at the Hawrelak Park on Saturday August 15th . More info will be e-mailed closer to the date.
Movie night - usually held on the 3rd Friday of the month from 7:30 pm onwards organized by Lakshaman Samarasinghe. Mark the dates on your calendar and make sure you attend and bring your favourite dish for the potluck supper.
Seniors get together - held on the 2nd Saturday of the month from about 10:00 am to 4:00 pm if sponsors are available. Seniors are treated to a day of games, exercise, a good lunch and a chance to mingle. If there are people interested in sponsoring this worthy event please contact Dee Cooray the Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I believe a few more dates are available.
Cultural dance classes are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month starting at 12:30 p.m. For more details contact Maduni Maraweera the coordinator.
Casino - to be held on November 29th and 30th at the Casino Edmonton, Argyll Road. Following are the volunteer key personnel - General Manager Tony Joseph; Alternate GM Chris Senaratne; Banker Lakshaman Samarasinghe; Count Room Supervisor Celia Daniel. Many more dedicated volunteers are needed to make this venture viable, specifically since it will be on a Sunday and Monday. We appeal to you to make a dedicated commitment to volunteer even for one day if not for both.
Zumba classes are presently on hold and will recommence in the fall on Wednesday nights contingent on participant availability. Contact Sandamali Senaratne for more info.
Heritage Festival - as you are aware we will not be participating this year. If there are interested volunteers to take up the key positions of Pavilion Chair, Food Coordinator and Cultural tent coordinator as well as to complete the associated work, please let us know and we could reapply for 2016.
Edmonton Calgary Sports encounter - the Calgary Association has not been able to come up with a committee as yet and hence this event will not be held this year.