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Profile of Jeff M Goonewardena
Jeff M. Goonewardena was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and is the
former Consul General of Sri Lanka to the eleven Western States of
USA which includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana,
Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Subsequent to the completion of his formal education with the
inherited family profession he started his career in the hospitality
sector in Sri Lanka where he acquired several leading star class hotels
to cater to the local as well as foreign travelers. One of his hotels
received the “Best Architecture Award” in New Delhi, India from the
South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
In his expedition of the global penetration, he came to San Diego, USA as a Permanent Resident
and continued with his own profession of hospitality sector enterprises in several locations.
During his stay in the USA he associated closely with the US political hierarchy, the Government
officials, non-governmental organizations, and extended invaluable support towards
community development especially in support of the needy. During these efforts he vastly
contributed towards uplifting the living standards together with development work for the
tsunami affected people in Sri Lanka and Katrina victims in the USA. In recognition contribution
to California and he has been respectively.
Meanwhile, due to his unique contribution to the millions of people in Sri Lanka, The President
of Sri Lanka appointed him as the Honorary Sri Lanka Consul General of Columbia, Venezuela
and also His Chief Coordinator to USA. Jeff M. Goonewardena has also hosted several
Presidents and Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka during their visits to USA and has been working
with several US Senators and Congressmen in support of various development activities.
In addition to the above posts he has been the President / Director for number of private sector
companies mainly in USA, Sri Lanka and Columbia. Also he is a Board Member of I AM
Foundation - USA which has distributed one million text books to poor children in 33 countries.
His numerous and invaluable voluntary service to the City Councils of Oceanside, California and
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, conferred the Honorary Mayorship.
At present Jeff M. Goonewardena has been appointed as Adviser / Consultant for Global
Ambassadors Roundtable Program to CINEMOI Network on Direct TV which is the first global
foreign policy original program where he has to liaise with 194 countries of Ambassadors
worldwide.
Friendship meeting to build close bond between Sri Lanka & United States (Photo taken by the White House official photographer)
President Barack Obama, Jeff M. Goonewardena
First Lady of United States of America Michelle Obama (Wife of President Barack Obama).
Second Lady of United States of America Jill Biden
(Wife of United States Vice President Joe Biden).
I was invited to the Luncheon held at the White House.
(Photo taken by the White House official photographer)
First Lady Michelle Obama, Jeff M. Goonewardena, Second Lady Jill Biden
Nancy Pelosi - 60th Speaker of the United States House Representatives. The first woman to hold the position as the speaker of the house & has been the highest-ranking female politician in American history. Taking this photo, she held my hand and said “we have to show unity between Sri Lanka & United States”.
I have been a friend of Nancy Pelosi for past 12 years
Jeff M. Goonewardena, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
Dianne Feinstein is The Chairman of Senate Intelligence committee and senior United States Senator from California. A member of the Democratic Party, she has served in the Senate since 1992. She also served as 38th Mayor of San Francisco from 1978 to 1988. I have been a friend to her since 2007.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, Jeff M. Goonewardena
Barbara Boxer is a United States Senator from California (since 1993). A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives 1983 to 1993. She is the chairwoman of the senate committee on Public Works & Chairwoman of the senate committee on Ethics.
Senator Barbara Boxer, Jeff M. Goonewardena
William Cohen, U.S. Secretary of Defense 1997 – 2001
under President Bill Clinton
Jeff M. Goonewardena, William Cohen
George Shultz, Secretary of State served for President
Ronald Reagan Republican Party from 1982 – 1989
Jeff M. Goonewardena, George Shultz
Robert O. Blake Jr. (Breakfast meeting in 2011 in San Diego,
California). Assistant Secretary of State for “South & Central
Asian Affairs” & former U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka & the
Maldives.
Robert O. Blake Jr. Jeff M. Goonewardena
George Novwger, Head of state department for the
western states of United States. My close and dear friend.
Jeff M. Goonewardena, George Novwger
Amal Senadhilankara, Robert O. Blake Jr. Jeff M. Goonewardena
Members of the state department of United States
State department head George Novwger, appointed myself to coordinate & host weekly gathering of consul general’s & employees during the
holiday & festival season gatherings. This move helped us
built close ties with all represented consul generals.
Jeff M. Goonewardena, George Novwger
Consul General building a close bond between religious leaders around
the world
Religious leaders attended upon my invitation
Desmond Tutu – A South – African activist & retired bishop who rose to worldwide fame
during the 1980’s as an opponent of apartheid. Tutu won the Nobel peace prize in 1984.
I had the privilege of accompanying father Tutu in the awarding ceremony for the best
students of Southern California as I was the only Consul General invited to the event.
Nobel peace prize winner Father Desmond Tutu
Elected with 80 percent of votes, Karen Ruth Bass is the U.S. Representative for California's 33rd congressional district. She serves on the house committee on foreign affairs, and is a member of the sub committee on Africa, Human Rights. She is
a member of the Democratic Party. Prior to her election to Congress in 2010, she had served as a member of the California State Assembly representing the 47th district since 2004. From 2008 to 2010, she served as Speaker of the California State Assembly, becoming the second woman and third African American to serve in that post. I attend her inauguration. She was selected by Democratic
Leader Nancy Pelosi. Karen Bass, Jeff M. Goonewardena
Bradley James "Brad" Sherman is an American
politician. He has been a Democratic member of the United
States House of Representatives since 1997, representing
California's 27th congressional district. Sherman represents
California’s San Fernando Valley, and currently resides in
Sherman Oaks, CA. He was a friend to Tamil Diaspora &
now true friend to us (Sri Lanka).
Congressman Brad Sherman, Jeff M. Goonewardena
Tim Kaine, Chairman of “Democratic National
Committee,” was Elected Governor in 2005. After serving as
the 38th “Lieutenant Governor of Virginia” & “Mayor of
Richmund, Virginia”.
Tim Kaine, Jeff M. Goonewardena
Senator Sherrod Brown, a leading progressive in the
Senate – working with the Obama Administration.
Chairman of subcommittee on Economic policy senate banking
committee. Served two terms of secretary of State – Ohio.
Senator Sherrod Brown, Jeff M. Goonewardena
MARCH 2010 TO FEBRUARY 2011
KEY POLITICIANS, WHOM I HAVE DIRECT CONNECTIONS WITH
Diane Watson is the US Representative for California's
congressional district. She is a member of the Democratic
Party. The district is located entirely in Los Angeles County
and includes much of Central Los Angeles, as well as such
wealthy neighborhoods as Hollywood.
Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, Jeff M. Goonewardena
MEETINGS WHICH TOOK PLACE FROM 2010 – 2011
Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher is the U.S.
representative for California’s 46th congressional
district. Early in his career he was the senior speech writer for
President Ronald Regan & played a leading role in the
formulation of the Regan doctrine. He also helped formulate
President Regan’s “Economic Bill of Rights”.
Jeff M. Goonewardena, Dr. Mohan Karunaratna, Dana Rohrabacher
Carol Hamilton, Dean of Santa Monica Institutional
Development. Appointed by secretary of state Hillary Clinton
to the United States National Commission for UNESCO (United
Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization). Carol is
one of the two key individuals who introduced me to President
Obama.
Jeff M. Goonewardena, Carol Hamilton
Congressman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Edvard Akopyan, One of the biggest political supporters, who maintains direct access to
the White House, Congress and Senate.
Center: Edvard Akopyan, Right: Jeff M. Goonewardena
Kim Simpliss (Center), wife of Dean Barrow has done
extensive humanitarian work to make Belize, a better Belize. Kim Simpliss, Prime minister Dean Barrow, Jeff M. Goonewardena
Jimmy Delshao, Mayor of Beverly Hills. The
first Iranian – American politician in California.
He became mayor of Beverly Hills on March
2007 & again on March 16th 2010.
Jimmy Delshao, Jeff M. Goonewardena
Dean Barrow, Prime minister of Belize & Leader of the
United Democratic Party. Won election with 80% votes.
First black prime minister of Belize & a very successful
attorney who has appeared in many high profile cases.
He has shown personal interest to visit Sri Lanka.
Prime minister Dean Barrow, Jeff M. Goonewardena
U.S. Senator, East Coast.
Jacob Dayan, Consul General of Israel in
Los Angeles. Previously served as chief of
staff to Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of
Foreign Affairs.
Jacob Dayan, Jeff M. Goonewardena
2011
Prince Frederic of Germany
Her Excellency Princess Mum Luang Rajadasiri
HOSTING KEY POLITICAL MEMBERS OF CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AT THILANKA RESORT & SPA
Canadian Senator David Smith, was once the Deputy
Government house leader, Canadian cabinet member, Minister
of State for Business & Tourism.
Senator David Smith, Jeff M. Goonewardena
Canadian MP; Joe Daniels, was elected to the Canadian House
of Commons. He represents the Electoral district of Don Valley
east as a member of the Conservative party, & is a member of
the standing Committee on Human resources.
MP; Joe Daniels, Jeff M. Goonewardena
Canadian MP; Devinder Shory (On Left) represents the
Electoral district of “Calgary Northeast” as a Federal member
of parliament, & is also a member of the Conservative party.
MP; Devinder Shory, Jeff M. Goonewardena, Senator David Smith
Jeff M. Goonewardena, Mexican Consul General Juan Carlos Mendoza handing over the
award to Jeff M. Goonewardena
I was appointed to the consulate board of decision makers & received an award of the Outstanding Consul General, handed over by the Mexican Consul General.
Hollywood Honoring of Congresswoman Diane E. Watson October 29, 2010
For the first time in history, A Sri Lankan citizen sang the U.S. National Anthem for An American Congresswoman, arranged by the Sri Lanka Consul General
Hollywood California
Upon the request of our Defense Secretary, I built a good relationship with Pakistani key people (Ambassador and Consul General).
I also helped them raise funds for flood victims affected by the worst natural disaster
ever experienced in Pakistan.
The successful campaign brought remarkable proud to Sri Lanka where I was featured in many local news papers.
Jeff M. Goonewardena, Pakistan Consul General, Pakistan Ambassador to United States.
Consul General building a close bond between religious leaders around
the world
His holiness Seok Gasan the 8th Korean Buddhist leader.
After numerous efforts, I managed to invite pastor Benny Hinn to Sri Lankan Consulate, where we
appreciated “Hinn Ministries” donation of USD 250,000 for Tsunami efforts in 2005.
“Hinn Ministries” feeds 45,000 children on daily basis in the USA
“Hinn Ministries” donated USD 100,000 to “Hurricane Kathrina”
Pastor Benny Hinn
Archbishop of Los Angeles – Jose H Gomez appointed by the
pope XVI. He is the first Hispanic to serve as Archbishop in LA
& the highest ranking Hispanic bishop in US.
SRI LANKA COUNTRY PROMOTION AT US ASIA BUSINESS EXPO 2010
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Chief Guest, Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa
All meetings were held at the Sri Lankan consulate to strengthen the bond on trade
I managed to secure the event within two weeks of my appointment
Hon. Congressman Brad Sherman’s 56th birthday celebration October 24,
2010 was arrange by Jeff M. Goonewardena and more than 100 people were
present at the function.
He was a friend to Tamil Diaspora & now a true friend to us Sri Lankan.
Several meetings on personal level helped me through the process of giving
the accurate picture, making him a believer of the Sri Lankan government’s
positive steps
President of the Los Angeles international airport,
Congratulating the 60 foot long billboard (On century city Blvd. / Airport road) promoting
“Sri Lanka the wonder of Asia”
The 6th busiest airport in the world.
66 million people arrive & depart through this airport every year.
A prominent businessman from Beverly Hills donated the billboard upon my request. A value of USD 18,000 per
month for eight months.
2010 to 2011 Eight Months
63rd Independence Anniversary Celebration of Sri Lanka 2011
Sri Lanka Counsul General Jeff Goonewardena, invited members of the Sri Lankan community as well as
political leaders, Chairmen / CEO’s of large cooperations and relegious leaders to take part in comemorating
63 yrars of independence, Resulting a full house.
CongresswomanKaren Bass
CongresswomanDiane E. Watson
CongresswomanJudy Chu
Mayor of Oceanside Jim Woo
Edvaro Aropyan (One of the biggest
presidential supporters)
Pomona Mayor Hon. Rothman Stephen Atchly
Jhon Chang State Controller
Sri Lanka Counsul General Jeff Goonewardena
Congressman Brad Sherman Chief of staff
Matthew Dababneh
63rd Independence Day
National Basketball Association hall of fame gala in LA, in 2010
Sri Lanka Consul General was the guest of honor was promoting & gets
scholarships for Sri Lankan Basketball players.
NBA Commissioner, The President, NBA Basketball Players.
Jeff M Goonewardena’s achievement in USA during his short visit to USA
(October 15, 2012 to February 15, 2013)
Foster care children program organized by Children Uniting Nations.
The event was raw successful where I was the Co Chair of the event. Approximately 4,000
Students of Colleges and Universities in Southern California such as USC, UCLA, Pepperdine
University, Irvine University, Loyola College and Santa Monica College participated with this
event as Volunteers and Mentors. Over 1,200 Foster Care Children each received $300.00
worth of school kits in order for them to go to school without any problem. Overall there
was a crowd of over 5,000 witnessed the event. The gate of Santa Monica Pier was opened
at 8 am and forced to close at 11 am by the Santa Monica Police due to over crowd. My
objective of this event is to take the opportunity to pass the Sri Lanka message to them. The
Founder Chairperson of Children Uniting Nations said that this is the first time a foreign
country (Sri Lanka) involved in this Foster Care event in front of over 5,000 people along
with Hollywood Congresswoman Karen Bass, Los Angeles Councilman Denise Zine,
Hollywood Celebrities and Media. Fekade Tadesse, Honorary Sri Lanka Consul for Ethiopia
and his wife attended this event upon my invitation.
I was the only foreigner invited for a private reception in Los Angeles on the occasion of the
visit of Macedonian Prime Minister on December 2 where the invitees were restricted to 52.
The Prime Minister announced that there are 1,800 US Government Officials working at the
US base located in their country. I am now building the relationship with the Prime Minister
through his Chief of Staff and Personal Lawyer where they asked me a favour which I did it
for them.
I have been invited by the California 33rd District Congresswoman Karen Bass for her Legislative Year
in Review 2012 where I had privilege to meet the Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas.
Involved with a Hollywood film called The Concerto as an Executive Co Producer which is an
independent film, directed by Pece Dingo, and stars Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars) and
Jackson Rathbone (The Twilight Saga). Parrish stars as a young musician who moves to Los
Angeles and into a house that has the perfect man (Rathbone), only he is a ghost who has
been dead since 1969.
The Concerto
Executive Producer & Executive Co Producer of The Concerto
Received an appointment from CINEMOI – Direct TV as Advisor & Consultant for their
“Global Ambassadors Roundtable Program” which is the first global policy original program.
Met the Beverly Hills Mayor Jimmy Delshad and Associated Merchandising Director of Bijan
Pakzad Nicolas Bijan along with Hong Kong Businessman Thomas Kwok.
Have been invited for the 55th Grammy Awards
Organized a fund raising event for the leading Mayoral Candidate for Los Angeles 2013 Eric
Garcetti along with my friend on February 13th at Tarzana.
Lead my friends (Sri Lankan & American) for Oscar Viewing and Dinner Party on Sunday,
February 24, 2013 at a historic private Beverly Hills Estate, 1006, North Rexford Drive ,
Beverly Hills , CA 90210 (Warner Brothers Estate) upon an invitation organized by Children
Uniting Nations and CINEMOI Television which was a Spectacular, Red Carpet and star
studded event. It offered a black tie dinner, silent auction, live entertainment and
dancing. The exclusive guest list had Academy Award Winners & Nominees, Presenters and
a number of Internationally known stars such as Tom Arnold, Halle Berry, Michael Bolton,
David Bowie and Iman, Jeff Bridges, Jim Brown, Pierce and Keeley Brosnan, Dean Cain,
Natalie Cole, Fran Dresher, Harrison Ford, Willie Gault, Tom and Rita Hanks, Paris Hilton,
Wyclef Jean, Magic Johnson, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Jay Leno, Rob Reiner, Susan
Sarandon and Tim Robbins, Jane Seymour, Wesley Snipes, Freda Payne, Prince, Carly Simon,
Chris Tucker to name few.
Organized another fund raising event for the leading Mayoral Candidate for Los Angeles
2013 Eric Garcetti along with my friend on February 28th at Santa Monica.
Had the privilege to meet the Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and Sheriff LEROY
D. BACA on March 5th
at the victory part after the City Hall election.