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.