By Zareena Jalill, SLAMA Cultural Chair person

The Sri Lankan Australian Malay Association held their annual SLAMA night on the 4 th August 2007 at the Don Moore Community Hall, North Rocks.

The evening commenced with a speech by the President Mr Izmir Dole, followed by the SLAMA theme song sung with great reverence and pride by a select group of dedicated SLAMA members.

The function was graced by the presence of the Malaysian Consular General, Honourable Mr Muosa Mansor and Mrs Mansor, along with the President of the Indonesian Association in Australia, Mr John Sumarijano and Mrs Sumarijoano.

The night's events started off with one of two scintillating dance performances rendered by 6 of our beautiful, budding young 10-14 year old girls. These dances were choreographed under expert precision by Chandini Cuttilan wife of the Vice President of SLAMA Robin Cuttilan. This was followed by a number of quality performances by talented SLAMA members, concluding with a timeless musical medley of the ever popular Sri Lankan Baila music with Zareena Jalill on the violin and Fayis Lye on the keyboards.

The grand finale was when all the cast assembled to sing the Malay thank you song 'Threema Kaasila' in unison voicing their appreciation of a successful SLAMA night, with the President swaying away to the catchy beat throwing away all his cares. The rest promptly joined him and had the time of their lives.

With the formal part of the evening over it was now time to relax and enjoy the rest of the night.

The food was a delicious array of Sri Lankan delicacies catered by Flavour of Ceylon, Parramatta followed by mouth-watering desserts, tea and coffee. The dance music was provided by the Raptures led by Randy Peiris. DJ Sherwyn Lye took care of the younger crowd by providing disco music for the evening. The dance floor was packed to capacity by young and old alike. The crowd kept asking for more.

All in all it was a night to remember. With the customary raffles, baila competition and door prize taken care of, people left reluctantly with one final question “ When is the next SLAMA Function?”

Photos below by the organisers in the size received.