Lankan, Philipino Lions twin

In a landmark merger in the annals of the Sri Lanka Lions Club, the Lions Club of Colombo Grand Star District 306B2 came into a twinning agreement with two Lions Clubs in the Philippines on September 8 and 9 taking social welfare between the two countries to a new paradigm.

The merger was between the local Lions tying up with the Quezon City Bahagahari Executive Lions Club District 306D2 and Angeles City Balibago Lions Club District 306D1of the Philippines. The theme of the twinning agreement was: "A better tomorrow through a shared goal."

The Mayor of Cut Cut Barangay Robin L. Nepomuceno was the chief guest. The theme of second project was "Feed, Educate our Hope" a programme for underprivileged schoolchildren from Pinyahan Elementary school in Quezon city to whom books and reading materials were donated and also the provision of dry rations for parents of these children.

The arrangement which came about through the Internet will see the community development under the aegis of the two clubs on a basis of reciprocity. The visit of the Philippinos will see the merger of the Districts 306 B2 with 306D1 which will also fulfill the request of District Governor Lion Ajith Devadason of District 306B2.

Colombo Grand Star Lions Club President D.P. Selladurai said that the aim of this was to extend the services of the club in serving the underprivileged in Sri Lanka to that of the region and also to the international community at large.

He said this was based on the six pronged strategy which has been outlined by Devadason. The six pronged strategy revolved round the membership retention and growth, youth welfare and development leadership skills, sight conservation and sight first, poverty alleviation, environmental protection and caring for the elders.

The Philipino team of Lions accepted the president's invitation and join hands in taking part in numerous humanitarian activities in Sri Lanka with the assistance of Colombo Grand Star. Distribution of water tanks to estate hospital in Kotmale, Bank pass book distribution to underprivileged children from remote schools in the Nuwara Eliya district, distribution of reading glasses to the needy elders are a few projects scheduled in January with the Phlipino Lions.