SLAMAT TORONTO TALK OF THE TOWN & SOLD-OUT DINNER DANCE ROCKS TORONTO
Compiled by Zahran Ousmand
SRI LANKA MALAY ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO
By Noor Rahim
ANNUAL “MALAM RIA” DINNER-DANCE 2024.
SLAMAT proudly held its’ Annual Dinner Dance in Scarborough, Ontario, on Saturday, 16th November 2024. It was an amazing night of fun & frolic with the typical Sri Lankan traditions and friendly gusto.
A gala event for “meet, greet & enjoy” session to herald the much-awaited Festive Season. It was in the cool atmosphere of the evening that the guest arrived in their throes bringing along their ambient glow and camaraderie to joining in the toe-tapping musical extravaganza.
The “August Gathering” at this event is indeed one that we of the Sri Lanka diaspora should be proud of; as we amplified our Sri Lankan multi-cultural Society to its’ fullest when every race of the Sri Lankan race was present at this event; mixing & mingling in gay abandon. Thus, making it an event to be revered.
The Music provided at the Dance was continuous and delightful, catering to the myriad tastes of the attendees who slid along in synchronized movements or sat at their tables with their toes tapping to the rhythm of the music. Music provided by our very own troupe – The Skyliners’ with guest singers from Sri Lanka – Yasmin de Silva; Sandra Sourjah and our very own Emcee & Singer Hussein Jayah. Interspersed with the music prowess of “DJ Kush” for sheer continuity of musical flow.
Hussein Jayah did a poignant solo rendition of a Ray Charles/Elvis Presley’s touching & meaningful song “I can’t stop loving you” in tribute to the late Ackiel Ousmand, an iconic figure in the Sri Lankan Community.
Interspersed was the conduct of many draws for prizes; with the main draw being the Sri Lankan Airlines “Air Ticket”, to Sri Lanka & return.
The dinner served was the traditional Asian Cuisine with a Malay flavour and the array of desserts that would satisfy anybody’s sweet tooth. Catering was done by Chef Ansar Mohideen.
They say all good things must come to an end. Reluctantly we did so at around 2.00 am; in the wee hours of the morning.
In conclusion, the Organizers wish to say a big “Thank You” to the two main sponsors in Mr. Riyaz Rauf & Dr. Basel Bari; to Sri Lankan Airlines for their generous “Air Tickets”; and to the donors of the many door prizes that were given away at the dance. Our special thanks go out to all the attendees who supported the dance and made it a really wonderful “no punches pulled” togetherness event of unity & friendship. Hopefully we will meet again someday, sometime with our sincere thoughts of camaraderie and togetherness being in the forefront, as always.
Finally, a big word of thanks to the Committee of SLAMAT for their wonderful efforts in making this dance the success that it was.
God Bless you all.
November 19, 2024.
SLAMAT President Roshan Ousmand comforted by her daughter Dina and flanked by MC Hussain Jayah delivering her emotional speech remembering her Late husband and founding President of SLAMAT the Late Ackiel Ousmand
Hussain Jayah the MC of the night and former Sri Lankan Airlines Country Manager Muscat Oman pays tribute to his dear friend the Late Ackiel Ousmand dedicating his rendition of “I Can’t Stop Loving You”
The Former Sri Lankan Airlines Country Manager Muscat Oman Hussain Jayah with Yasmin & Perry
Sri Lankan Airlines Sales Manager Maria De Souza, Kay De Souza, Perry & Yasmin standing with the rest of the audience as a mark of respect during Hussain Jayah’s emotional rendition to his friend Ackiel Ousmand.
-MUSCATEERS WINNING DOOR & RAFFLE PRIZES –
Ralph Wasagam on behalf of his spouse Gillian & brother of Henry Wasagam formerly of Al Bustan Hotel receiving the coveted Ticket Prize from Maria De Souza The Sri Lankan Airlines Sales Manager Canada
Dirk Steinwall formerly of Coca Cola Oman receiving the Gift Voucher from Perry Tissavirasingham of Ceycan Transhipping Inc.
Tony Jayatilleke formerly of Oman Telecommunications receiving the Door Prize from Rameela Dole
Ellen Jayatilleke formerly of Ministry of Health Muscat receiving a Raffle Prize from SLAMAT President Roshan Ousmand
Rozanne Ragell daughter of Glen Ragell formerly of Royal Oman Police receiving a Raffle Prize
– MUSCATEERS WHO GRACED THE SLAMAT DANCE –
Perry & Yasmin Tissavirasingham of Oman telecommunications & Auscon Consultants
Glen & Daphne Ragell formerly of Royal Oman Police Muscat
Henry & Menaka Wasagam formerly of Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman
Reza & Rumaiza Marso formerly from Al Falaj Hotel Oman
Tony Jayatilleke formerly of Oman Telecommunications & Ellen Jayatilleke formerly of Ministry of Health Oman
Rohan & Indica Jainudeen formerly of Muscat Intercontinental
Ashraf & Teruni Noordeen formerly of Oman Air
Fuard & Rameela Dole formerly of Muscat Intercontinental
More Pix of Dylan Seeden’s captures: unscriptedphotographers.com/
NIGHT OF MUSIC FOR A CAUSE – MARIA SENIOR HOME NOV 22 2024
AN EVENING OF ELEGANCE
Yasmin de Silva and Hussain Jayah entertained a packed house with an evening of elegance at Yasmin’s fundraiser on November 22 at The Base + Kitchen and Bar in Scarborough.
The Seventh String band and a host of local Sri Lankan talent added to the atmosphere. A delicious spread of Sri Lankan cuisine capped a lovely night of camaraderie and fun.
Yasmin De Silva with Hussain Jayah & Seventh Strings
Dirk Tissera, Padma Leanage, Perry Maria De Souza, Yasmin & Michelle Tissera
Music For a Cause by Yasmin De Silva – Maria De Souza, Yasmin Tissavirasingham, Hussain Jayah, Perry Tisavirasingham & Padma Leanage former KLM Station Manger Muscat Oman
