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Opening ceremony of newly completed first floor of the ASLGSC Head Quarters was held on Saturday the 30th January 2010 with the participation of around 150 members and well-wishers. The chief guest was Dr. Saman Weerasinghe and Mr. Ayrat Ahmathov, Director of Russian Centre also participated as a special guest. Dr Saman Weerasinghe declared open the new extension by cutting the ribbon at entrance to the first floor at 7:30 PM.
Entering the beautifully done main hall on the upper floor, the traditional oil lamp was lit by Dr. Saman Weerasinghe-the chief Guest, Mr. Ayrat Akhmetov-Director of Russian Centre in Colombo, Mr. Jaliya Dharmasena-President ASLGSC, Dr Hector Weerasinghe- Immediate Past President, Mr. Tilak Alahakoon- Secretary, Mr. V. U. Ratnayake-Vice President, Mr. J A J Perera-Vice President, Mr. Winston Rupasinghe-former President, Mr. W A Karunaratne-Former President, Mr. S Netthasinghe- Executive Committee Member and Mr. B. Rupasiri-Administrative Secretary.
Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, the national anthem was sung by all who were present. After that Mr. Jaliya Dharmasena welcomed the distinguished guests, members and the well-wishers who were present. In his welcome speech, he stated that the first presentation on this building extension project was done not very long ago. It was done at the Annual General Meeting held at Tangerine Beach Hotel in November 2008. He recalled with appreciation the first donation of Rs. 100,000 pledged by Mr. Sarath Wijesoma immediately after the presentation and explained how the momentum gathered little by little, with contributions coming from all over the world. He also talked about marketing efforts done for raising funds and ”Mahagedara” concept introduced by Dr. Gamini Padmaperuma to deliver the message to the members abroad, some of whom even have not visited the Association’s Head Quarters. He also mentioned that all were kept informed of the steady progress made, through the ASLGSC web site, with photographs taken at stages.
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