The Festive Season was concluded and the year 2011 heralded on a joyous note at Victoria Range on 01, January with a dinner party. Thirty five residents and seven children participated at this event held at Club Victoria Resort in Victoria Range.
The Club was tastefully decorated with balloons and the centrepiece was the well-decked Christmas tree. The lights which reflected from the swimming pool provided a surreal background to the proceedings. Each guest, on arrival was welcomed in a traditional manner with a single piece of "kiribath" served on a banana leaf.
The evenings activities commenced in dramatic fashion with the arrival of Santa Claus amidst dimmed lights to the strains of "Santa Claus is coming to Town". Santa presented each child with a gift and livened up the evening by singing along with them and adults. Having interacted with everyone, Santa made his exit.
Joe Fernando, a permanent resident, the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, commenced the planned social games, where an enthusiastic participation was evident. Mr & Mrs. Upali Ratnayake were adjudged winners for the "Matching Couples" by the judges Asoka Pilapitiya and Ananda Paranthala.
After the completion of a game for the kids followed by another for the adults, it was Dinner time. A symbolic gesture preceded the dinner. Every participant stood in two rows on either side of the tables, placed in such a manner as to form a single table, extending from the top to the bottom of the dining area. Two lit candles were passed down the two rows enabling each person to light the "matti pahana" given to them, which they held in their hands when "We are the World" sung by Michael Jackson was played in the background. This gesture was to symbolise the bond of "togetherness" amongst those present and, foster the community spirit at Victoria Range.
A sumptuous Buffet Dinner was at hand prepared by the obliging Club Victoria staff. All enjoyed the delicious buffet dinner and was full of praise for the extremely pleasant evening.
Special mention has to be made of the untiring efforts of Aylanee Ameresekere who took the lead in organising this successful evening with the unstinting help of Pamela Wijesingha, Asoka Pilapitiya, Lumbini Ratnayake, Sriyani Badhuge and Kumari Ratnayake. Keith and Kavinga Ratnayake provided the evening's DJ music most enthusiastically. Joe Fernando was the Master of Ceremonies and Michael Suraj stood in as Santa Claus. The Community spirit shown by all who volunteered their services must be appreciated and applauded. The staff of Club Victoria headed by their Manager, Sheran gave an excellent service.
It is the wish, I hope of all that this Dinner will set the tone for similar fruitful and successful community/social events at Victoria Range where the ladies will provide the lead.
