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The pop ingenue who made waves in 1999 with her powerhouse debut, Sweet Kisses, says that she's done quite a bit of growing up over the past three years - and it's vividly illustrated in her music.

"I was 17 when I recorded Sweet Kisses, and now I'm 21. I'm so proud of what I've accomplished so far," she notes, reflecting a track record that includes the smash hits "I Wanna Love You Forever", "Where You Are" and "I Think I'm In Love With You". "But that period between albums provided a lot of emotional and spiritual discovery for me. During that time, I also got in close touch with who I want to be as an artiste. You can hear that on this new album."

The singer is also out to prove that confidence can be sexy. Case in point, the album's title cut and first single, a percussive shuffler that smolders without stepping over the line of what Jessica deems as good taste. "You have to have boundaries," she asserts. "I'm trying to give an image of a young confident woman on that song, as well as on the rest of the album."

While the young artiste enjoyed the process of experimentation while recording Irresistible, she was equally pleased to perform stately ballads like "To Fall In Love Again" and "There You Were," on which she duets with Marc Anthony. Jessica says cutting the latter tune was "an experience unlike any other".

"His voice is amazing, but the best thing about him is his passion," she beams, remembering the day they met in the studio. "He sat me down and said, 'For the next six hours, I'm going to be in love with you. I work on my songs like movie scripts.' And from there, he made up a complete relationship between our two characters."

As a result, Jessica believes that "you can feel the love in the song. The connection we had in the studio was incredible."

However, the song on Irresistible that most reflects Jessica's true spirit is "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," a gospel standard that she has been singing since she was a young girl in church.

"My relationship with God is the most intimate in my life, and it always will be," she shares. "I wanted to give my fans something special about that."

Recording that song was a trip back to Jessica's roots, as she began her career as a gospel singer. "It's taken me to where I am today," the Dallas native says, recalling that one of her gospel performances first drew the attention of Columbia Records. "And it's the music that means the most to me - particularly 'His Eye Is On The Sparrow.' It's about all of the discouragement in life, and how none of it is very important in the grand scheme of things because we are all ultimately free and capable of being happy. I know that's true for me. I sing because I'm happy. And I sing because I'm free. I want to share that with my fans."

Pick Jessica's new album from any M -Entertainment preferred dealer outlet.

To enter this contest, all you have to do is to answer the question on the coupon No 67 and send it to the address given below.

The address is "Listen to Original Music Contest, No. 67, C/o Maharaja Entertainments (Pvt.) Ltd., 330, T. B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10.

Tell: + 941672425-8, Fax + 941699070. E Mail: me@lgo.lk

All the entries must be originals from the TV Times and no photocopies or faxes will be entertained. All correct entries will be drawn by a panel of judges.

The entries should reach the above address by March 13, the latest. The decision of the judges will be final and the names of the winners will be announced in The Sunday TV Times accordingly.

Here are the winners of contest no.62. The winners of two Sony original CDs are Gunoja Manuli Jayaweera of Nugegoda and S. Pason Duleepa of Galle.

Two audio cassette winners are Deandra Gomes of Dehiwala and Diana Tharcisius of Mt. Lavinia.

10% off gift Vouchers go to Sumiada Dissanayake of Colombo 3, Anne Arnolda of Kandy, Rajiv Sinnah of Nattandiya, Chayanika Marasinghe of Nawala, Chamila Unuriu of Wattala and A. Uthayan of Colombo 6.

Posters winner are Madusha Gallage of Wadduwa, A.M. Azmie of Colombo 3, Fathima Nuskiya of Galle, Chinthana Kithsiri Bandara of Haputale and Clifford Almeida of Moratuwa.

Anandians with 70's stars

Old Anandians' Centenary Group will organise the Stars of 70's at the BMICH on March 16 starting at 7.00 p.m. Stars of 70's has generated lots of interest among the music loving public of Sri Lanka. It is a show where "group songs" of the 70's are performed by the original artistes themselves. These groups and artistes included in this show are Noel Ranasinghe (La-Ceylonians), Annesley Malawana (Moonstones), Indrani and Irangani (Three Sisters), Anil Bhareti, Dharmaratne Brothers, Errol & Maria Fernando (Los Cabbeleros), Merril Fernando (Amigos Romanticas), Joe B. Perera (Meemesso), Priya Pieris (La Bambas), Roy Fonseka (Samanalayo), Derrick De Silva (Los Flemingos), Sunil and Piyal (Gypsies). The guest artistes will be Sohan Weerasinghe and Mariazelle Gunatilake. Musical backing for the show will be provided by Mahesh and "Simple". The master of ceremonies for the evening will be Vijaya Corea.

'Pun Sanda Paaya' after two years

A galaxy of popular professional and upcoming stars from the Moratuwa Arts Forum will join hands on stage when "Pun Sanda Paaya - 5" would hit the boards on Saturday, March 23 at 6.30 p.m. at the newly refurbished Buddhist Hall, Moratuwa.

"Pun Sanda Paaya", the musical cum variety entertainment programme has been a tremendous success ever since it was held in MAF's inaugural year in 1994. This years' programme is eagerly looked forward to by the music loving Moratuwa folk since it is staged after a lapse of two years.

"Ebony", the talented young music makers, all from the Galappathi family will provide the ideal musical backing for the entire 2 1/2 hour programme.

This project is jointly chaired by Tilak de Mel (formerly of the 'Humming Birds") and Lincoln de Silva (leader of "Super Pink n Purple" while the rest of the committee comprises Jagath Peiris (Golden Chimes), Brian Cooray and Hiran Fernando (both ex-Pink & Purple), Cumar Peiris (Gypsies), Sarath Goonewardena (Sage), Ivan de Silva (ex Peddlers), Tilak Perera (Niro).

The ex-officio members overlooking the project are MAF president Nihal Fernando (Niro), Rolinson Ferdinando (La Bambas & One Piece band and Priya Peiris (La Bambas).

Tickets could be purchased now priced at Rs. 250/- (reserved) and Rs. 150/-.

Hiran Fernando, Hemaka Fernando, Lakma Salgado and Lanka Perera will compere the show.

Shaky on 'Star Parade'

One man musician Shaky Fernando will be featured on Sri Lankan star prade on March 3 at 1.00 p.m on the English service of the SLBC.

Sri Lankan star parade is hosted by presenter Bevil Palihawadena who is a keen promoter of Sri Lankan talent.

Shaky, a keyboard wizard from Nuwara Eliya, is a former member of 'Creations'.

He performed for more than six months as a guest star in 'Casablanca Club' in Kobe, Japan, after leaving the band.

He also performed a couple of occasions in 'Fulde' in Germany too.

Shaky is presently performing in Royal Oceanic and Blue Oceanic Hotels in Negombo and Club Palm Bay in Marawila.

He plays the guitar too and handles vocals while playing keyboard and handling the mixes.

Rashmi to film in Australia

Susitha R. Fernando

Rashmini Paboda Sandeepani, who has made a name as a young actress from her school days will travel to Australia soon to act in a teledplay, an Australia-Sri Lanka co-production.

Actress Geetha Kanthi Jayakodi's daughter, "Rashmi", the name she is popularly known by has acted in several teledramas and has made a mark on the silver screen too.

As a student preparing for her Advanced Level examination this year Rasmi had devoted more time to her books than to other activities among which comes acting.

Directed and co-produced by veteran actress Sriyani Amerasena the teledrama which has not been named yet is scripted by the journalist Chandrasiri Dodangoda.

Speaking of the latest teleplay Rashmi said "I did not accept anything solely because I wanted to do my studies seriously but I thought the journey would be good for a change"

"Even though I had been to several countries earlier this is my first visit to Australia", Rashmi told the TV Times.

"In addition to the part I am going to play my first journey to Australia would be an unforgettable experience in my life," she added. The time for filming being scheduled for nearly one month places in Sydney and Melbourne have been chosen for location work.

In addition to some talented actors like Jaya Sri Chandrajith who had done a number of unforgettable roles on the stage, some of the Sri Lankans living in Australia are to play in the teleplay jointly produced by Sriyani her self as the local producer and Luxman Radaliyagoda as the Australian producer. Among the film makers who had recognised her potential was the country's veteran film maker Lester James Peiris. Rashmi has done a role in his latest cinematic experience "Wekanda Walawwa".

Cyril: The unsung writer

By R. S. Karunaratne

Cyril B. Perera was a unique person who displayed his skills in a wide range of subjects including literature, cinema, advertising, journalism, poetry, short stories and novels. It is disheartening to note that his creations in these fields have not received much attention from the literary community in Sri Lanka. However, the Cyril B. Perera Memorial Foundation has decided to promote and appreciate his literary creations for the edification of the new generation of poets, short story writers, novelists, film reviewers and budding advertising professionals.

Although Mr. Perera was a devout Catholic, he did not confine himself to religious demarcations. He did what he thought was correct and expressed his views quite independently.

Although it is impossible to assess his contribution to arts in a brief article we can learn something important from what he wrote some years ago:

"It has been said that existentialism is essentially liberative. Whether one agrees with that view or not, it is plain that the belated existentialist influence on the cinema has had a liberating influence on this medium of expression. As much as existentialist literature has run into trouble on religious and political as well as moral grounds, existentialist films will also fall into these difficulties. It is perhaps natural and symbolic for a philosophy which claims that man is alone in the universe. If there are no laws, man must continually bear the burden of choosing in order to define himself."

"Ingmar Bergmange Cinema Manaya ha Jeevana Drushtiya," published by the Cyril B. Perera Memorial Foundation to mark his tenth death anniversary shows his depth and resourcefulness as a creative writer and a reviewer. Mr. Perera's articles on Titus Thotawatte, Rukmani Devi, H. R. Jothipala, "Prasathu Mal," Permasiri Khemadasa, Mahagama Sekara, Vijaya Kumaratunga, Lester James Peries and Ingmar Bergman depict hitherto unexplored aspects of these personalities and their creations. His radical views on literature , dramas and films did not go unchallenged. However, his views are still valid today as they have been tried and tested by others.

'Saroja': benefit show

A special screening of the international award winning film "Saroja" will take place on March 8 at the Tower Hall Theatre at 6.30 pm in aid of popular actress Samanthi Lanerolle, who met with an accident recently.

The Tower Hall Theatre Foundation has offered the theatre for 50% of the theatre charges under the government's 100 day programme to foster arts and to assist the artistes.

Look out for new faces

The final episode of 'Sathpura Wesiyo' will be screened on March 3 at 12.30 p.m. and will be repeated at 8.30 p.m. on Rupavahini.

Nalan Mendis and Susila Productions the makers of Sathpura Wesiyo have already started producing a series of teledramas.

They are now on the look for new male and female faces to be used in their new tele series. The age should be 15 to 35 years.

According to the director, the selected candidates will be put through training by professionals in the field.

Those interested can write to TV Times giving their educational backgrond, contact telephone number along with a recent photograph. The address is "New Tele Faces, TV Times, No. 8, Hunupitiya Cross Road, Colombo 2".

New concept in holiday packages

By Sanath Weerasuriya

In support of the domestic tourism segment of the country the Ceylon Hotels Corporation has developed a few holiday packages for pleasure seekers. These packages have been advertised in daily newspapers. The Sri Lanka Tourist Board has initiated a programme to compile data of those who could make available one or two rooms with toilet and other facilities from their own houses for tourist use during the time when hotel rooms are full in particular areas. This package called Bread and Breakfast Unit Development Programme (BBUDP) .

This was announced by Tourism Minister Gamini Lokuge last week at the press conference on '100 day programme on tourism' at the Bandaranaike Hotel Tourism Training Institute .

An awareness creation programme for a group registered with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board in Nuwara Eliya will be held on March 10 and 11.

Under the strategies to augment tourist arrivals to the country three important proposals were put forward seeking state support. They were: (a) to promote Peace Air in Geneva to fly to Colombo, (b) to commence cruise ship operations between Sri Lanka and India, (c) to allow Indian travellers to handle financial transactions in Indian currency while in Sri Lanka.

'As a short term strategy to promote tourist arrivals the buy one get one free package was introduced to India. Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Middle East markets. As a result from India itself, 1000 arrivals have been recorded. Another group of tourists from Malaysia and Iran came to Sri Lanka, while there are 72 bookings on line' Minister Lokuge said.

Sri Lanka Tourist Board and the Ceylon Hotels Corporation have embarked on several programmes to improve the visitor facilities in their Resorts both for the benefit of domestic and foreign tourists.

Ceylon Hotels Corporation initiated the face lifting programme of the Resorts while providing identification batches for the catering staff, said Bodhi Ranasinghe, the new Chairman of the Corporation, who was present too at the briefing.

Sri Lanka Tourist Board plans to provide wayside comfort centres for the benefit of the domestic tourists. The first centre will be set up in Bentota Resort within the hundred days.

Promotion of non traditional markets is a major programme of the Ministry and the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. Under this programme markets in Japan, China, USA and India have been earmarked.

Hotel Sindbad refurbished and back in business

By Sanath Weerasuriya

'Hotel Sindbad' one of the oldest hotels in Sri Lanka, is back in business after being closed for nearly 10 months for refurbishing.

Hotel Sindbad when started in 1974 as hotel Merivia was closed down for a short period in 89-90.

Sindbad is now in the Serendib Leisure Chain. The hotel is owned by Cyprea Lanka, the very first Maldivian Company to invest in Sri Lanka, and Serendib Leisure.

The hotel GM Chris de Saram said the hotel has been upgraded by spending 90 million rupees.

The Hotel is located on a 12 acre property between Kalutara lagoon and the sea overlooking the Kalu ganga. All rooms of Sindbad hotel are air conditioned with piped music. It has 97 standard rooms facing sea and lagoon and 8 suites with other extra facilities such as TV, mini bar, IDD facilities.

'Saffron Cafe' and 'The Spice' are the two main retaurants and Aladdin bar and pool bar serve the guests for almost 20 hours a day.

According to legend, Sindbad the Sailor had visited this area and had travelled up the river to a gem city, where he is supposed to have met several gem traders.

"It is believed that Sindbad had landed on this beach and that's why the management has decided to re-name the hotel as Hotel Sindbad and also we have all the characters, he met during his visit to this island, hand crafted. Also 1001 lights on ceiling to remember his legendery exploits, GM de Saram explained.

Sindbad has all water sports facilities such as wind surfing, water scooters, Banana boats, pedalboats, sailing boats and water skiing facilities.

'Also other outdoor and indoor sports are available for guests at any time, he said.

Live band during weekends, Calypso band during daytime, fashion shows, DJ music are some of the entertainment features available at the hotel.

We are very popular with Sri Lankan clients too. We have designed few packages to attract Sri Lankan clients, he added.

The 'Pontoon' the restaurnat on river is one of the major attactions for local clients.

'It can cater to 40-45 clients. Five course meal while sailing is possible. We have a small kitchen and toilet too. Private functions such as birthday perties, family gatherings are the usal functions on Pontoon', Chris de Saram said.

'The Sindbad Garden' a half way stopped construction of latest hotel with 250 rooms will start to move on soon.

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