MLH begins the festive preparations with IEA

The dynamic team of Mount Lavinia Hotel, known for thinking out of the box, takes the traditions to the next level, this time with the support of forward thinking organization, the International Expatriate Association of Colombo (IEA).

The young ones taking their turn

Putting a unique spin on the Year End festivities as the expatriates in Colombo help MLH in the pastry kitchen

"The Christmas and New Year festivities are celebrated by many people in the world, despite their religion and background and that makes it a colourful event with the objective of true spirit of Christmas. We at the Mount Lavinia Hotel have been actively promoting the unity among all for several years now, where the traditional tree lighting ceremony, on the day after the Thanksgiving Day, is being attended by the clergy, representing diverse denominations and faith.

Hence starting the festive season with the traditional cake mixing and inviting the members of the International Expatriate Association of Colombo (IEA) is just putting another unique spin on the year end festivities," General Manager Anura Dewapura said.

Honeying it up

The enthusiastic helpers

The ladies getting their hands dirty

The IEA was established in October 2007 as a diverse group of expatriates living in Colombo and ever since its inception, the group operated with the same purpose. The IEA is a non-profit, non-political association which aims to help expatriates find their way around this lovely island.

Close to 180 members from 41 different countries make the IEA and indeed a truly 'global group'. The IEA's membership is open to all expatriates living in Sri Lanka or Sri Lankans with a foreign passport.

"We are a social forum that is engaged in a array of activities organized by our members for our members and with the generosity of our members, sponsors and partners we also support four local charities: the Lanka Alzheimer's Foundation, the Victory Special Studies Centre, the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation and the Home of Compassion", IEA's Charity Coordinator Karla Christensen said. "What a great opportunity for the IEA to participate at the cake mixing event, one of the many iconic traditions at the MLH.

Having had the opportunity to work hand in hand with the pastry team on creating "the traditional sweet delicacy" for the upcoming holidays not only showcased our support but also displayed 'the international camaraderie' the IEA is known for," IEA President Blanka Dewapura stated.

The fun began at 11am in the pastry kitchen where the experienced pastry chefs and members of the IEA got their hands dirty and started mixing the enormous amount of ingredients for the holiday cake.

Among the twelve members of the IEA was Karla Christensen, Shazi Salie (Treasurer), Maya Khosla (Membership Coordinator), Rukshana Nelson (Activity Hostess), Marleen Billen (Activity Hostess), Brenda Brennan (Former Board Member), Blanka Dewapura, Barbra Young, Latika Alok and Gail Fraser.