On Friday 7th of August, we had our third Zoom organised by Rajan and Speedy. Once again it was a great opportunity to catch up verbally and see our colleagues on screen. I think we managed to identify people without the need for name tags! This has proved to be an effective and enjoyable way of keeping in touch and we intend repeating it at intervals and we hope even more will join.
We had a few technical hitches but this didn’t prevent us from enjoying the experience. You can see from the screenshots who were there. I think there were 17 in all. My apologies if I missed any.
Those present were. Rajan (the evergreen), Speedy (no longer the fastest mouse!), Srianee “Bunter” Dias (the artist), Rohini Abhayaratne (she was there, this is true, not a patchaya!), Indra Ana (distinguished), Appu Sumathi (looking cool in a banian- he assured us that he had other things on below the waist !), Anton Ambrose (smiling away and cheerful), Lucky Abey (quiet invisible observer), Zita (bubbly! and cheerful), Nihal (ND- the suave), Raveendra Nadarajah (hardly changed apart from the roof thatching), Sunil Abey (quiet and invisible), Lareef Idroos (this chap defies change, he finally appeared after showing us his "umbilical" ceiling for some time), Pram (bright and chirpy), Jimmy Wicks (polished, not just the dome!), Wickremasekaran (brave fighter -so nice that he came).
Pram brought us up to date with the just-completed Elections in Sri Lanka with a massive victory for the SLPP. We went around "the table" for updates.
Rohini Ana, Sushiela sent apologies and Manel Katugampola had difficulty joining (technical)
It is not easy to find a time suitable for all batch mates spread all over the globe and we may have to change the time if we have a lot of applications from “down under”.
I keep saying and I shall say it again! it but it is true – our batch is very special.
Speedy
I shall be posting a separate article as a report of the meeting by Nihal ND Amarasekera later today.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry I missed it. Every evening is spent by me at the Otter's playing gin rummy with friends.
ReplyDeleteWe all missed you Sanath. It is good to know that you have so many things to occupy you and entertain you.
DeleteThank you Mahen and Rajan for organizing this Zoom session and being patient with those of us who are technically challenged. Even though we had some technical difficulties it was lovely to see all those who showed up, which is the best we can do until we can see each other in person. FYI, I just checked on flights to Colombo!! At the moment only "repatriation" passengers are allowed.
ReplyDeleteLate again, Zita, to say a big THANK YOU for Mahendra and all others who organise and help in getting these 'zoom' sessions going. I can imagine the work it involves and all I can say is that Zooms have made a massive difference to this lockdown and we have had the chance to 'talk' to our colleagues and friends who we have been separated from, for so many decades. Of course we've met at the main reunions but in a zoom we meet them in their study or garden and it feels almost like we've visited them. So thanks again to all those who have helped organise these.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back Zita. Your comments are always worth waiting for. I am so glad that so many of us have enjoyed the zoom meetings held so far. I do hope that more will join the next one which we plan in about 2 weeks time. I agree with you that being able to see each other makes a big difference. I know you have been busy with various family events and thank you for finding time to commment.
ReplyDeleteHi,Speedy,
ReplyDeleteDo you think that having three Zoom meetings as a good idea in order to cater for Expatriates in Australasia,US and UK.You do not have to wake up Rohini that early and not to disturb evening activities of Sri Lankan,group.Give it a go.
I agree with you Sumathi. We need to have some idea of likely joiners. Rohini is one of course. Do you have contact with any others apart from Kumar (is he still in SL-he is rather quiet). Do other Readers know people who might join a Zoom?
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