Novato Fundraiser April 30 Features Sri Lankan Feast

The following press release and photos were submitted by tasteofsrilanka.org

For the second time, a local water district engineer is holding a gourmet fundraiser to improve conditions for underserved people in Marin County and in her home country of Sri Lanka.

Carmela Chandrasekera of Novato, an engineer for the North Marin Water District, is opening her heart and her book of recipes for A Taste of Sri Lanka, a special buffet event featuring Sri Lankan cruise on April 30. The event will take place at the Key Room at Homeward Bound of Marin in the Hamilton neighborhood of Novato.

In 2013, Chandrasekera hosted her first Taste event and raised funds for the international Water for People organization and Homeward Bound’s Oma Village housing project. This time, it’s not only those two great causes, but she hopes to raise extra cash for scholarships to present to the children of Sri Lanka. She is in the process of creating a charity for that effort called Sisu Sahana Sevena (“shelter”) and plans to devote one-third of the event proceeds to it.

“These causes mean very much to me,” Chandrasekera said. “I remember what it was like to live without running water, and I remember the stress we experienced as a family when my husband and I arrived in Marin with our two young children and were on the verge of being homeless. Now that I’m able, I want to give back.”

Chandrasekera, who has a Ph.D. in ocean engineering, moved to Marin in 2000 with her husband Hetti, son Kenny and daughter Thilini. Carmela was phased out of her consulting job in 2003 but landed an associate engineer position with the North Marin Water District in 2004 and qualified for affordable housing in Hamilton the following year. Today, Kenny is a graduate of Yale University and a software engineer; Thilini is a graduate of Duke University and a legal secretary.

At her day job, Carmela designs and manages projects such as the construction of water tanks, and water and recycled water distribution pipelines.

The Water for People organization supports development of sustainable healthy water supplies in nine developing countries and believes access to safe drinking water and effective sanitation are basic human rights accorded by the dignity of all people.

In 2013, the Novato City Council approved the plans for Oma Village, a 14-unit housing complex now under construction at 5394 Nave Drive in Novato, about a mile south of Homeward Bound’s headquarters and very close to the Chandrasekera’s home. Oma Village will be open to families in transition and working toward economic sustainability. Homeward Bound is the county’s largest provider of shelter and services, working toward the goal of ending homelessness with training, housing and hope.

Chandrasekera said the event will be a chance to enjoy the spices of Sri Lankan cuisine and learn about the benefit organizations offering hope to families. She’s handling the cooking along with staff from Homeward Bound’s Fresh Starts Culinary Academy.

The menu includes:
Kaha Bath - lightly spiced aromatic long-grained Basmati rice
Kukul Mas Curry – chicken cooked with spices, Sri Lankan herbs and coconut milk
Parippu Hodi – mild red lentil curry tempered with shallots, garlic and mustard seeds
Curd Sambol – thinly sliced cucumber with refreshing yogurt
Fresh salad
Traditional watalappam, and vanilla ice cream topped with roasted cashews and palm treacle
Complimentary tea, coffee, water and lemonade will be served, and wine will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at tasteofsrilanka.org. Special rates are available for business sponsorships. All proceeds benefit the nonprofits mentioned. For questions about sponsorships or tickets, email carmelan@comcast.net.