At this stage of life, one often has senior moments, also frequent reminiscences on the past, taking one back on a long trek down memory lane. When I was young, I thought the cost of living in my parents’ home was too high. Looking back, I think how ridiculous it was for me to complain at that time. My parents never charged me a cent for living at home. I had to obey all the rules set for me. The only ’cost’ was obedience,  tidying  my bedroom,  speaking the truth at all times,  saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ ,  respecting elders, wanting to know where I was and who with and to go to church every Sunday. The rules weren’t difficult, but I still had trouble obeying them. My parents never kicked me out or punished me for disobedience. They just kept reminding me that the rules were set to protect me, not to harm me, and sometimes the rules were made even stricter to protect me from myself. Looking back at politics as a politician’s wife, I recall how one had to accept what the Leader of the party decided to give you. One didn’t demand particular ministries, but accepted what was given, even if dissatisfied. The entire scenario has changed today, and certainly not for the better! There is however a ray of hope in the resignation of a Minister which never happened during the previous regime.

Dinner at Royal Thai

Kshanika hosted Sandra and me to dinner at The Royal Thai which has maintained high standards in food and efficient service. Deen was on duty that night which was fortunate as he never fails to be obliging and attentive. Minister Rauff Hakeem had also decided to dine there and spent a few moments chatting to us, teasing me about my loyalty to Prime Minister Ranil when I congratulated him on his speech which was the best made in Parliament in the special session to felicitate the PM on his 40 years in politics.

Exhibition and Sale

Nihili Senanayake invited me to the exhibition and sale involving many young designers at Gandara. She participated with her jewellery labelled NIMANSE. Her father is a well-known jeweller, Mr. Premadasa who has his own store and Nihili has been fascinated with jewellery all her life and followed in her father’s footsteps. Both her parents were there that night as was her husband Chathuka to spur her on. The exhibits of all sorts were all of an incredibly high standard, unique in design. But it‘s a pity that there wasn’t better time management, as nothing was done at the time stated in the invitation. It was also far too crowded. Fortunately, I went early and managed to walk round looking at everything, but later there wasn’t room to move once all invitees arrived. It could have been better organized. Surani Senanayale and I stood back people watching and thanked our lucky stars that both our sons were safely married when we looked at the attire of some of the girls present. I met some fans of this column and some people I knew who I hadn’t met for ages, so there were some advantages in going there. Ramani Fernando, elegant as always, Nedra Wickremesinghe and Anitra were among others present.

Milestone birthday

I attended a milestone birthday of a young beautiful girl, also kind and thoughtful, who looked stunning that night in a long white dress, which suited her statuesque figure to perfection, reminding me of a Greek Goddess.  I have known her ever smiling husband since he was a baby and was glad to have had the privilege of attending this celebration at the Blue, at the Colombo Hilton. A presentation of the birthday girl from babyhood on, and a skit featuring Koluu and others about her was a fun feature of the entertainment. I sat with some of my favourite people, Mano Chanmugam, Neomal de Alwis, Ishan and Shanaz de Lanerolle, resulting in a most enjoyable evening.  We told Ishan that we are all looking forward to their next performance at the BMICH on the 6th September for which tickets are fast selling out. Among other guests were family and Lou Ching, Senaka de Silva and Koluu.

Reception

Brazilian Ambassador Elizabeth Balsa, always a hostess ‘par excellence’ hosted a reception for a rubber delegation from Brazil at her palatial residence. She had been busy all week with negotiations and was very happy with the outcome which means good news for Sri Lanka. I was happy to meet many young women from various Ministries and departments. As a woman, it always feels good to meet women achievers in one field or another who are forging ahead in their respective spheres of interest. Many businessmen involved in the rubber industry were also present. 

MANGOSPACHO SOUP

6 cups ripe mango
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsps sugar
1 cucumber peeled seeded chopped
Seasoning
1/ cup olive oil
1 cup water
1/4 cup red onion diced
1/4 cup coriander leaf chopped
2 tbsps spring onions chopped

Combine half mangoes, vinegar, olive oil, water, seasoning in a blender and puree. If the mangoes are sour, add sugar. If puree is too thick, add water. Transfer to bowl, add onion, coriander leaf, cucumber, remaining mango chopped. Serve chilled.