Association of Old Anandians in the UK
AOA(UK) News 2006
The 2006AGM was held on Sunday, 3rd December at the Parish Church of the Saint John Hall, Pinner, Middlesex. The main event was the election of a new committee for 2006/07
a`nNq ± Éy#ây Ananda Gee Meyasiya organised by our Cultural sub-committee held on 12th November at the Ealing Towwn Hall was a great success. The main artists Sunil Edirisinghe, Deepika Pieris and Jananath Warakagoda backed by Sapthaswara entertained an appreciative audience to a rare feast of Sinhala songs. H.E. Mrs. Shenuka Seneviratne, the Sri Lankan High Commisioner was the chief guest on the occasion.
Congratulations to the OBA Sri Lanka for the completion of the renovation of the Kularatne Hall.. Our Association has had a keen interest on the success of the project and was the biggest overseas donor. Haren was our representative at the opening ceremony held on the 26th August 06.
Congratulations to our Anandians X1, the winners at the Ananda V Nalanda encounter held at the Old Dunstonian CUACO CRICKET CLUB grounds on Sunday, 27th August. It was fitting weather for cricket and Nalandians batting first scored 227 for 7 in their allocated 40 overs. In reply the Anandians reached 229 for 8 with 3 overs to spare. Our thanks to the Nalandians for the entertaining game and organising the refreshments. Thanks to Jay Edirappuli for organising this event for two years running. Photos
An old Anandian wins USA National Target Archery Championship: Sri Lankan born Vidura Rajapaksa won the championship in the Under 12 age group at the 122nd USA National Target Archery Championship held last week in Colorado Springs, Colorado.In addition to the national championship, the former Anandian has dominated all archery tournaments in the East Coast States of USA including the Mid Atlantic Archery Championships, where he broke the tournament record in the 30 metre distance. Daily News Sport 11Aug06. More ..
AoA(UK) donated sportswear to the current Ananda Rugby Team in July this year. Harshaka was present at the function held at the College to thank the Association for the support for Rugby and sports in general.. Photos.
Our 2006 Annual Dinner Dance was held at the Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel on Saturday, 2nd July. Among the guests were H.E. Mrs.Shenuka Senewiratne, Sri Lakan High Commissioner, Hon.Mr.Arjuna Ranatunga MP, Deputy Minister for Tourism and a number of past and present presidents of Sri Lankan Associations in the UK. Arjuna was presented with a memento by the Association for his services to cricket and addressing the gathering Arjuna said that he is happy that he was at Ananda and it was also a pleasure to be with Anandians. The music was provided by Mile Cooke & the Islanders and all present enjoyed a wonderful and memorable evening.
Our members and supporters had the pleasure of meeting Hon.Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Minister for Science & Technology and an old Anandian, on a visit to UK in June. Photos.
A Bakhthi Gee (Buddhist Devotional Songs) recital by some of our members and their family members was one of the highlights at the ceremony to commemorate 2550 year Buddha Jayanthi organised by the London Buddhist Vihara. The recital was a great success due to the efforts of Bhuminda Karunatilake together with the Cultural sub-committee and the performance given by the singers.. A substantial donation collected from our members and well wishers was offered for the Jayanthi celebrations held on 11th June.Photos.
The Avurudu Uthsavay was held on Sunday, 9th April at the Feltham Assembly Hall. The day's programme began after observing Pansil and the chanting of Seth Pirith. The Avurudu festivities started with the sound of Magul Bera and the Lighting of the Oil Lamp by the past Presidents of our Association. The audience was treated to a variety of events including Raban playing, traditional songs, dances and much much more. Kavum, Kokis and Kiribath was served enhancing the prevalent Avurudu atmosphere.
The 2005 AGM was held on Sunday, 4th December at the Parish Church of the Saint John Hall, Pinner, Middlesex. The main event was the election of a new committee for 2005/06
2005 ...
Our Annual Dinner Dance was held at the Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel on Saturday, 5th November. Among the guests were a good number of past and present presidents of a number of Sri Lankan Associations in the UK. The music was provided by Mile Cooke & the Islanders and all present enjoyed a wonderful and memorable evening. Photos to follow.
Olcott Dana in memory of Col.Henry Steel Olcott and many others who helped to establish Ananda College and many other schools like Ananda in Sri Lanka was held at the Chiswick Vihara on Sunday, 30th October. The Dana ceremony was well attended by over 100 devotees. Dr.A.K.Gunasena, the guest speaker on the day, addressed the gathering on the topic of "Col Olcott's role in The Buddhist Revival" around the late 19th century when Ananda was started. Photos ,,,
The 4th Committee Meeting for 2005 was held on Sunday, 9th October at St. John's Church Hall, Pinner.
The President's Lunch was held on Sunday, 2nd October at Jerry & Anoma's residence in Orpington. The bright and sunny weather on the day provided a good opportunity for the guests to socialise and have a good day out. Photos.
Jay Edirappuli, our Sports Coordinator must be congratulated for arranging the 2005 Ananda V Nalanda match after an absence of such encounters for the last few years. Again, as for the FoC it was blue skies and warm weather at the start of the game. Nalanda fielded a strong side and they deservedly won the trophy. Unfortunately the cricket had to do without some of our regular players but all present had a very enjoyable time.. Photos. The Ananda team was represented by:
This year it was clear blue skies and hot like in Sri Lanka at the Festival of Cricket held on Sunday, the 19th of June 2005, at the Civil Service Sports Grounds. Although the cricket was not up to expectations, the traditional hospitality at the Ananda marquee was maintained. Many thanks to all who helped to organise and to those who contributed cakes, rolls, malu pan, cutlets, kadala, wade, sandwiches, drinks etc. etc. The Iced Coffee and the cool drinks helped to keep us cool on one of the hottest days so far this year. Our appreciation and thanks for all the cricketers who turned up to represent Ananda. Photos.
The 2005 Festival of Cricket will be held on Sunday, the 19th of June 2005, at the Civil Service Sports Ground, Riverside Drive, Dukes Meadows, Chiswick. The Ananda Team will be selected from the following players:
The 3rd Committee Meeting for 2005 was held on Sunday, 5th June in the Elders Room of the St.John's Reformed Church in Orpington. Laclan de Abrew, the Hon.Asst.Secretary stepped in to cover for Janka as he was away in Sri Lanka at short notice.
The Avurudu Uthsavaya which was dedicated to help Tsunami Relief work in Sri Lanka this year, was held on Sunday, 3rd April at the Feltham Assembly Hall. After observing Pansil and the chanting of Seth Pirith. A one minute silence was observed and a selected number of guests from the audience were invited carry lamps to the stage in memory of all those affected by the Tsunami disaster. The Avurudu Programme started with the sound of Magul Bera and the Lighting of the Oil Lamp by the past Presidents of our Association. The audience was treated to a variety of events including Raban playing, traditional songs, dances and much much more. Kavum, Kokis and Kiribath was served enhancing the prevalent Avurudu atmosphere.
The 2nd Committee Meeting was held on Sunday, 13th March at the Parish Church of the Saint John Hall, Pinner, Middlesex.
The first Committee Meeting for 2005 was held on Sunday, 30th January at Jerry's residence. We wish to extend our thanks to Anoma & Jerry for hosting the meeting and for their hospitality.
Tsunami Disaster Relief Work: Just after mid-day on Sunday, 26th Dec having heard the news of the destruction and loss of life caused by the disaster, our members were eager to help with the relief work in which ever way they can. In response to inquiries made in Sri Lanka, we received an action plan formulated by the OBA(SL) to undertake relief work in Walana-Panadura. The Committee supported by the membership took urgent action and approved £1000.00, the maximum amount allowed under the constitution, for the above relief work. Subsequently a cheque for the above amount was handed over to Mr.Abeyrathna, the Principal, on behalf of our Association by Suren, Dhane and Harshaka on the 7th January 2005. Most of our members in the UK were very active, supporting the great work done by the Temples, High Commission etc. and also individually while some of our members who were in Sri Lanka at the time, had the satisfaction of being able to participate in the relief work at the ground level. Our members are keen in following up with assisting in more disaster relief work and these possibilities are being investigated. Please note that the OBA(SL) and the College have expanded their relief work to cover more areas of the Southern and the Eastern Province.
The 2004 AGM was held on Sunday, 5th December at the Parish Church of the Saint John Hall, Pinner, Middlesex. The main event was the election of a new committee for 2005. Photos...