Ladies’ group celebrates milestone

Some members of the International Ladies’ Potluck Group at the ninth anniversary celebrations.The International Ladies’ Potluck Group (ILPG) yesterday celebrated its ninth anniversary at the Al Jazi Gardens Club House amid pomp and pageantry.The event was hosted by  Sri Lankan members of the group and graced by the Sri Lankan embassy’s deputy chief of mission, S Khan, as the guest of honour. Khan led the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, which was followed by a showcase of colourful cultural and traditional performances.The event featured a number of special guests, including Qatari Women Association president and founder Shaikha al-Ansari and her sister Fatma, as well as the wives of the ambassadors of Belgium, China, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Peru, South Africa, South Korea and Poland.Present at the event were ILPG founder Hasnah Jumat McCauley, president Ruth Serene Sabry, chief organiser Shriani Burley and SriLankan Airlines country manager Fawzan Fareid. At the event, Tamara Simmons from the Sri Lankan team gave a talk on  the significance of the Sri Lankan New Year, which is celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year. Members and guests were given a presentation on Sri Lanka by Akash Anthony from SriLankan Airlines, while Fareid briefed the ladies on the airline’s outreach mission, SriLankan Cares. He thanked the group’s members and guests for their generosity in donating goods and cash for underprivileged children, specifically for Montessori schools in Kilinochchi and Vavuniya, Sri Lanka. Performers from Dinu Ranga Kalayathanaya Dance School entertained members at the event as they enjoyed a brunch comprising traditional Sri Lankan dishes, courtesy of Grand Mercure Hotel.Burley expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan team, comprising Aruna Perumal, Milhan Hashim, Sachithra de Zoysa, Nadeeka de Silva, Simmons, Mano Fonseka, Trudy Soertsz and Anoja Sugathapala, along with Kumudu Fonseka and Fareid, for the support in organising the event.During a raffle draw, member Anu Vye won a return airline ticket to Colombo with the compliments of SriLankan Airlines. Sabry and Burley expressed gratitude to the sponsors, including The Torch Doha, Ritz-Carlton, Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Wyndham, Mercure, Four Seasons, W Hotel, Radisson Blu, Grand Hyatt, Oryx Rotana, Royal Plaza, Bellezza Salon, Sawasdee Thai Spa, Milhan Silver, Sachitra Batik,  Bombay Silk and Crown Movers, for supporting the raffle. They also thanked New White Oceanic Restaurant for serving small chops at the event.ILPG, which holds its brunch meeting once every two to three months at the same venue, is about making new friends from different countries and learning about each other’s country and culture. The ladies usually bring a small dish typical of their country for tasting. Members take turns to host meetings, which involve showcasing their country through a brief presentation and sometimes a traditional show, along with a handicrafts display and souvenir sale. The ladies also conduct beauty-related events and medical presentations.1 (From left) Burley, Fareid and Sabry.