MELBOURNE  CALLING

                                                                            By Victor Melder

                                                                                        E. & O. E.

                                                                                  (February 2009)

Kelaniya University Alumni Association Australia Inc presents “Kelani Nite 09” – Get-Together and Diner Dance, on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 7.30pm at Oakleigh Mechanics Hall. For further details, contact: Ananda Nanayakkara (03) 9807 8608 or Jayanti Welikala (03) 9807 2034.

Lyndhurst & District Lions Club ‘Charter Night’ on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 7.00pm to 1.00am at the Springvale Town Hall. Music by ‘Midnight  Mist’, BYO Drinks. Tickets: $30.00 each. For further information, contact: Malik 0402 314 595

The unveiling of a Reclining  Buddha Statue will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 9.30am to 11.30am at The Nisala Arana Meditation Centre, 2A Clements Street, Dandenong. (Melway ref: 90 F7). For further information, contact: Bhadra de Silva 0403 786 498 or Nimal Guneratne (03) 9763 4781

Old Antonians Social Club (Australia Branch) Inc presents a ‘Hopper Night’ on Sunday, March 8, from 7.30pm, at Resurrection School Hall, 402 Corrigan Road, Keysborough (Melway ref: 89 C8). All proceeds to raise funds for rewiring the Rev. Fr D. A. Rosati Memorial Hall at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. Cost: Adults - $20.00 each, Children (6-12 years) - $10.00 each, Children under-6 years free entry. For further information and bookings, contact: Marlon 0411 446 811, Adrian 0400 589 234, Lester 0412 660 542, Chris 0411 737 303.

Trinity Vs St Anthony’s Cricket Match, on Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Wachter Reserve, Bloomfield Road, Keysborough (Melway ref: 89 E7), entry through Wahroonga Avenue, Keysborough, play commences at 10.00am.

Monthly Dhamma Sermon for Medin Full Moon Day by Ven. Akaravita Sangananda Thero (Chief Incumbent Dhamma Sarana), on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 8.00pm at the Dhamma Deepa Meditation Centre, 43 Hemming Street, Dandenong. For further information, contact the Temple (03) 9794 9492, Sadaham Handa (03) 9799 6308.

Restore Community Church presents their Bushfire Fund Raiser Dinner and Show, on Friday, March 13, 2009, from 7.00pm at Good Shepherd Church Hall, 34 Academy Avenue, Wheelers Hill. Featuring TV and Recording Artistes, including Derrick J, Eddie James, David & Tilani Senn and many others. Cost: $25.00 per person. For further information and bookings, contact: Jennifer 0402 118 884 or Wijay 0408 059 356

Australia Sri Lanka Council presents Gayathrie Patrick in Concert on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 7.30pm at the Renaissance Theatre. Kew High School, Burke Road, Kew East. App proceeds to raise funds for the ASLC. They need to sell 400 tickets to make he evening a success. Tickets: $20.00 each.  For further information and bookings, contact: Pushpa Hettiarachchi (03) 9853 2471 or (03) 9650 3371.

Romantic Opera Concert with Kasun Kalhara & Indrachapa Liyanage, live in concert, on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 6.00pm at the Besen Centre, 87 Station Street, Burwood (Melway ref 61C5). Musicians: Nadeeka Jayawardena on Bass, Rakitha Ruwan on Percussions and Romain Mendis on Piano, presented by Swan Entertainment. For further information and bookings, contact: Nadee Abeyratne (03) 9543 8596 or Ruwan Abeyratne 0430 397 233.

Mindfulness Counselling – Buddhist Traditions & Mental Health organised by the Centre for Studies in Religion & Theology, Monash University & Monash Asia Institute, at Monash Caulfield Campus, Room K 309, on Sunday, March 15, 2009, from 2.00 to 4.00pm. There will be three sessions presented by Ven. Naotune Vijitha Thero, Ven. Sucinta and Prof Padmasiri de Silva, all reputed scholars. Free entrance, bookings essential.  For further information, contact: Susan.Grist@arts.monash.edu.au or  Constant Mews@arts.monash.edu.au

‘Yawwana Rangana’ organised and presented by the Sri Lanka German Technical Training Institute Old Boys Association of Australia, Youth Group. Enjoy and view the talent of our youth, which include a captivating spectrum of items onstage and experience the backstage support which creates it, at the Besen Centre, 87-89 Station Street, Burwood (Melway ref: 61 C5), on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 5.00pm. Tickets: $15.00 each. For further information and bookings, contact: Shantha Nanayakkara 0401 714 189 or Hansani Thebuwana 0411 320 763.

Trinity College OBA, Melbourne presents ‘Dance of the Lions’ at Studio 3, The Crown Entertainment Complex, Southbank on Saturday, March 21, 2009, 8.00pm to 1.00am. (Pre dinner drinks 8.00-8.30pm) Music by ‘Midnight Mist’, 3-Course sit down meal, non alcoholic beverages, premium wines, selection of beer and premium brand spirits. Cost: $100.00 per person. For further information and bookings, contact: Mithra Samaranayake 0412 681 363 or Sanjivan Gnanaratnam 0412 035 541 

Australia Sri Lanka Catholic Association presents ‘Pasan Gee’ with Prayer and Meditation on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7.30pm at St Anthony’s Church, Cnr Riversdale & Power Roads, Hawthorn (Melway ref 45 B11), in the presence of Fr Christopher Kurera (from the Ratnapura Diocese, Sri Lanka). For further information, contact: Daisy 0433 141 743 or Susanga 0433 786 787.

The Eighty Club, Melbourne Inc presents a Hopper Luncheon on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at Good Shepherd Parish Hall, 34 Academy Avenue, Mulgrave. Cost: $20.00 per head, BYO drinks. For further information and bookings, contact: Larraine Muller (03) 9799 4662 or Noel Werkmeister (03) 9798 8170

The CCC Foundation in collaboration with other Sri Lankan Associations, Individuals & Sri Lankan Consulate presents ‘Victorian Bush Fire Appeal Concert’, on Sunday, March 22, 2009, from 10.00am to 7.00pm (all-day event) at Sandown Racecourse Grandstand (Melway ref 80 C10). Over 15 performances  to entertain you. Caterer in attendance. No alcohol or BYO food and drink. Entry: Adults - $10.00 each, children under ten - $5.00 each. For further information, contact: Jetha Devapura 0438 007 930 or Naresh Soysa 0412 126 176.

Free Information Seminars – ‘Creating Wealth – Getting Started’, conducted by Dallas Achilles & Tony Rotunno from Centrelink on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 6.15pm for 6.30pm start to end by 8.30pm. 

‘Understanding Retirement Streams’, conducted by Dallas Achilles & Tony Rotunno from Centrelink on Thursday, March 26, 2009, 6.15pm for 6.30pm start to end by 8.30pm. Both seminars at Chisholm Institute, Auditorium, Building A, Dandenong Campus, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong (Melway ref: 90 F4) – Free Parking via Gate 2. Bookings essential due to limited seating. Contact: 13 63 57 to reserve a seat.

Concert – “Some Enchanted Evening” with Gayathrie Patrick, mezzo soprano, accompanied by William Patrick on piano/keyboard, on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 7.00pm at the Beechworth Town Hall. This is a golden opportunity to experience the beauty of the voice of Gayathrie, internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan mezzo soprano. There will be an opportunity to chat to Gayathire & William over a glass of bubbly and a chicken sandwich following the concert. Proceeds from the evening to be donated to the Primary schools of Marysville and Kinglake. Tickets: $20.00 each. For further information and bookings, contact: Lesley (03) 5728 2997 or 0417 289 094  

SPUR – Annual Fund Raising Dinner Dance, on Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 7.30pm to 1.00am at the Springvale Town Hall. Music by ‘Inferno’ (former ‘Take Two’) and ‘Blossoms’. Sumptuous Eastern & Western Smorgasbord by Jolly J’s. Donation: $50.00 per head. For further information and bookings, contact: Malin (03) 9503 8718 or Sandy (03) 9749 0319.

Music Concert ‘Bonda Meedume’ featuring Sunimal Fernando on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 5.00pm at the Noble Park Public Hall, 18-38 Buckley Street, Noble Park (Melway ref 89 E2). For further information and bookings, contact: Sunimal 0412 771 479.

Free Information Seminars – ‘Understanding Superannuation’, conducted by Dallas Achilles & Tony Rotunno from Centrelink on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 6.15pm for 6.30pm start to end by 8.30pm. 

‘Age Pension & Your Choices’, conducted by Dallas Achilles & Tony Rotunno from Centrelink on Thursday, April 2, 2009, 6.15pm for 6.30pm start to end by 8.30pm. Both seminars at Chisholm Institute, Auditorium, Building A, Dandenong Campus, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong (Melway ref: 90 F4) – Free Parking via Gate 2. Bookings essential due to limited seating. Contact: 13 63 57 to reserve a seat

Ex-Sampath Nite 2009 – A re-union of ex-Sampath Bankers and their families only. Music by ‘Blossoms’, catering by ‘Zodiac’, at Springvale Town Hall Supper Room, Springvale Road, Springvale (Melway ref 80 A11), on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 7.00pm to 12.30am. For further information and bookings, contact: Sisira Herath 0433 693 900 or Amal Caldera 0425 743 028.

Super Set presents ‘Super Dinner Dance’ featuring the best Sri-Lankan musicians in Melbourne, on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 7.00pm to 1.00am at the Eastern Districts Polish Association Hall, 1325 Stud Road, Rowville (Melway ref 81 J6), catering by Tony Walles, BYO drinks. All profits to the T. B. Tennekoon Trust Fund in Sri Lanka. Tickets: Adults - $50.00 each, children (under 12) - $30.00 each. For further information and bookings, contact: Assunta (03) 9551 1465 / 0412 554 772, Kumara (03) 8774 2806 / 0433 484 035 or Stephny o425 357 675

Sri Lankan Elders’ Welfare Association – Tenth Anniversary celebrations (1999-2009) graced by the Governor of Victoria, Prof David de Kretser and Mrs Jan de Kretser on Sunday, April 5, 2009at 10.00am at John Pandazopolous Public Hall, Doveton (Melway ref 90 J8). Invitees only. Music by ‘Blossoms’. For further information, contact: Justin Weerasooriya (03) 9390 5799 or Tissa Amarasekera 0417 331 232.  

Sinhala New Year celebrations 2009 organised by the residents of Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee and the Weribee Sinhala Language School, on Sunday, April 5, 2009 from 9.00am at the Point Cook Coastal Park (Melway ref: 199 E3). Food and drinks available at reasonable prices. For further information, contact: Lalith 0408 324 091 or Kamal 0415 906 534.

Ama Narthanayathanaya presents ‘Ama Dhahara’ – a dance extravaganza on Sunday, April 5, 2009 at the Besen Centre, 87 Station Street, Burwood (Melway ref 61C5). For further information and bookings, contact: AMA 0424 321 656 or (03) 9706 0139.

Monthly Dhamma Sermon for Bak Full Moon Day by Ven. Akaravita Sangananda Thero (Chief Incumbent Dhamma Sarana), on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 8.00pm at the Dhamma Deepa Meditation Centre, 43 Hemming Street, Dandenong. For further information, contact the Temple (03) 9794 9492, Sadaham Handa (03) 9799 6308.

Ten Day Retreat (Seela Bhavana) program conducted by Ven. Bodhichiththa, resident therani (Meheniyo), Dandenong, from Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 19, 2009 at the Dandenong Nisala Arana Meditation Centre. For further information and registration, contact: Nisala Arana Meditation Centre (03) 9794 0579.

Australia Sri Lanka Catholic Association – Easter Camp at Halls Gap from Friday, April 10 to Monday, April 13, 2009, with celebrant His Lordship Valence Mendis, Bishop of Chilaw. Fr Carlton Silva (Ringwood Parish) will also be in attendance Spiritual activities, Masses etc. Bishop Mendis will be visiting Melbourne from April 8 to April 19, 2009. For any further information re the Bishop’s visit or to participate in the Easter Camp, contact” Shiroma (03) 8790 2158 or Callistus 0425 879 546     

Have you ever wanted to make Sri Lankan Hoppers at home, but were put off by the labour involved. Help is at hand. With the invention of a new device to assist in the making of Hoppers, the task looks much easier. It is a portable piece of machinery and not expensive either. For inquiries please contact Harry de Vos (03) 9795 2686, Email < harrydevos@optusnet.com.au >

On Tuesday, February 10, 2009 (Midnight) Des Kelly, introduced his new show – “Desmond Kelly Presents” on 3Ser (South Eastern Radio in Cranbourne, Victoria) on 97.7fm. This new feature now continues everyday Tuesday night from Midnight to 6.00am. The program consists of a variety, to suit every taste – Country, Dixieland Jazz, Light Classics, Music from the Shows and more. The program is a boon to all the night owls. Desmond also presents “The Desmond Kelly Show” every Sunday with 3Ser from 3.00 to 5.00pm.

Doyne Caspersz is searching for a photo of the Old Altar at St Mary’s Church, Bambalaptiya, Sri Lanka, on behalf of his cousin, who is the present Parish Priest of the Church. (That is the Altar before the change, when the Priest faced the Congregation at Mass). He states that even a Wedding Photo (with the Altar in the background) will satisfy the search. If you could help please Email Doyne < doymar@optusnet.com.au > or post at 4, Antigoni Court, Warrandyte, Vic 3113

Tony Christoffelsz now conducts a course (eBay syllabus) on the Basics of Selling and Buying on eBay, at the Kangan Batman TAFE at the Broadmeadows and Essendon Campuses and at the Tullamarine Community Centre. The same course and syllabus (2 x 3 hour sessions) is also now offered by Tony on a personal basis at his residence at Roxburgh Park. For further information, contact: Tony (03) 9308 9860 / 0411 868 491, eMail < info@dianton.net >, Web < www.dianton.net >

Sri Lankan born Dr John Carnie, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, said raw and inadequately cooked eggs had been associated with salmonella outbreaks. He states that eggs should be stored in their original package, discarded if they are cracked and cooked until they are hot all the way through. The simple message then, he states is “to buy clean, keep cool and cook well”.

Peiter Kriekenbeek, is keen to obtain the names of the Presidents; & Hony Secretaries of the Ceylon Sea Anglers Club (based in Trincomalee) for the years 1939-1974. The CASC records were lost in the 1977cyclone. The Ceylon Anglers Club (based in Colombo) produced a bulletin, “The Mackeral”, he is looking for copies of these too. He also wants any photographs of people fishing off the Colombo breakwater and also of fish caught on the breakwater, for a publication he is working on. He could be contacted on (03 8503 7568 / 419 117 625 or Email < peit_the_fish@optusnet.com.au >  

Tamara Anghie, daughter of Dr Trevor & Ruth Anghie of Melbourne was nominated for an Oscar for her short film ‘New Boy’, which is adapted from a Roddy Doyle short story. Tamara began her career in Melbourne, doing a degree in film and media studies at RMIT and working in new media before traveling overseas. She now resides in Dublin.

Sri Lankan born Marshie Perera Rajakumar, is one of Melbourne’s leading Bollywood dance instructress. Her Jhoom-Bollywood Dance Company has seen an increase in applicants to join the school, since the movie ‘Slum Dog Millionaire’ made the news headlines  

Controversial Sri Lanka born Christian leader Danny Nalliah says the Victorian bushfires are a punishment for decriminalizing abortion in the State. Nalliah, a senior pastor of Catch the Fire Ministries, a man who has enjoyed the support of former Prime Minister John Howard and Treasurer Peter Costello, is a Pentecostal from the apocalyptic and ecstatic end of Christianity who believes God still speaks in dreams and prophecies (as quoted by Barney Zwartz, ‘The Age’).

Accommodation Sought – for Sanath Wanigasooriya, 41, Agalya (his wife), 36 and their 2 month old baby. Sanath is on a 12-month Fellowship in Radiation oncology. He is a qualified oncologist in Sri Lanka and has been sponsored by the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka, where he is employed, to undertake this Fellowship. They had been living with his brother in Glen Waverley, however his brother is relocating to Geelong and the family need to find affordable accommodation in Melbourne. If you can help, please contact Dr Quintus de Zylva < qde@bigpond.net.au >.

Wanted Known:

(1)  Kirk Lawrence, is seeking to contact Wilhelm Franz Neil LOOS, Cedric van GEYZEL, Basil JANSZE and Bertram JONKLAAS, for a friend in Sri Lanka, who wishes to make contact with them.

(2)  Delreen Cramer, is seeking to contact Carmen MISSO, also for a friend in Sri Lanka.

(3)  Leon (Stanley) Kremer, is seeking to contact Randy de ZILWA, who lived in 37th Lane, Wellawatte, along with his brothers Freddie & Johan. He also had a sister, Claudette, (married name not known) and presumably living in Perth. All the boys attended St Peter’s College, Colombo

If you have any information on any of the above, please contact me on (03) 9309 4040 or email < tormel@aardvark.net.au >. Thank you.

New Publications:

1.  “That’s How it Goes” Autobiography of a Singapore Eurasian by F. A. C. (Jock) Oehlers, 2008, soft cover, 236 pp, with photographs. A very readable autobiography in which a common thread exists with the Burghers of Sri Lanka, In fact Jock married a Burgher – Ursula van Cuylenburg. Available from Select Books Pte Ltd, 19 Tanglin Road, #03-15, Tanglin Shopping Centre, Singapore 247909. Tel: +65-6732-1515, Fax: +65-6736-0855..

2.   “National Symbols of Sri Lanka” by Dr. K.D.G. Wimalaratne, 2006. Slim volume setting out Sri Lanka’s National symbols. Available at select  Sri Lankan Bookshops. Price Rs 125.00

3.   “Guantanamo Boy” by Anna Perera, 2009, Angus & Robertson, $19.99. British children’s author Anna Perera takes the reader into the Kafkaesque world of Guantanamo Bay,  where, without legal recourse, children along with adults can be deprived of their freedom and, for good measure tortured.