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Jayasekera strikes magical hole-in-one
Ananda Jayasekera has been on the success trail in recent months and his style improved considerably after his visit to a clinic at the Royal & Ancient, Scotland. On Saturday he was magical with a stunning shot off the 16th when his 6 iron coaxed a beautiful Hole-in-One to create absolute jubilation among the Caddies and his playing mates. He signed incessantly on the 19th and told 500 people at the Banquet the story of his magical strike. His pretty wife Jackie beamed all evening at the Hilton.

The Banquet at the Hilton to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Royal Colombo Golf Club was a resounding success. Peter Hill, the Chief Executive SriLankan Airlines carried a massive Cloguard smile all night with a tulip shaped glass in hand acknowledging accolades from all directions.

Packed to capacity the party took off with a Toast to Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the President of Sri Lanka and Patron of the Royal Colombo by Tita Nathanielsz, President of the Club. This was followed by a smart good humoured address by the President Tita Nathanielsz. Dr. Tony Gabriel followed toasting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

After a short break Arun Bandaranaike, the renowned celebrity then returned to the podium to introduce the Chief Guest, the well preserved colourful personality, Harry McCaw a past Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Harry McCaw stood tall, spoke in impeccable style, amused his audience and not only toasted the Royal Colombo but also complimented Tita Nathanielsz on the excellence of his production of the 125th Anniversary Commemorative Book. Channa Wijewardena and his bevy of gorgeous dancers then took over to provide an absolute feast for the eyes. Near closing time Kumar Boralessa, Captain of the R.C.G.C. moved in with an eloquent toast to the Past Captains and Presidents followed by a superbly laced address of quality eloquence. The programme was then punctuated with a classy dinner and exciting Cabarets by a group of lissome figures.

The Award Ceremony was impressive soon after Peter Hill paid tribute to the Royal Colombo and expressed his delight in associating with the Club on the milestone event in the history of the Club.

Chandana de Silva and Deshini Abeywardena stood firm behind the Chief Executive. Chandana's P.R. contribution was dignified and subtle and he took good care of his guests and when he became vocal on the bandstand he was outstanding and crowd, pleasing. Deshini was methodical and precise and her elegance was the icing on the cake. The visitors had a helluva good night and the flashy attractions were the De Silva twins Usha & Anousha, Jackie Jayasekera, Sharma Fonseka & Heather Fonseka not forgetting attractive Dushy Boralessa, Pacific Perera's wife Niranjala and Nola Whitham. The Winners of the handsome Trophies were Savantha de Saram, Arshad Ahamed and Norman Gunewardena.

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