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‘Challenge to Change’:

Re-branding Lionism

As the International President for 2007 - 2008 of one of the world’s biggest NGOs, Lions Club International, Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya brought a singular honour to Sri Lanka as the first Sri Lankan to hold such an internationally recognized position.


Mahendra Amarasuriya

During his leadership year, accompanied by his Lion Lady Kushlani, he was able to instill new thinking and a new sense of direction to the Lions worldwide. In a display of his strong leadership ability and a commitment to innovative thinking, Lion Amarasuriya introduced a novel programs titled “Challenge to Change” to the Lions, spread across 202 countries.

Given his background of steering some of Sri Lanka’s strongest blue chips towards success, Lion Amarasuriya’s concept of change resonated well with the current phase of thinking globally. Lion Amarasuriya strove to “re-brand” Lionism to be more relevant to the 21st century. He also stressed on inclusion of young people in the clubs “they are the future and the torch bearers of the Lions Club in the years to come” he noted.

From small beginnings in 1917 in Chicago, USA with the inspiration of Melvin Jones, its founder, Lions experienced a tremendous growth in the 20st century. In 1995, the global membership stood at 1.425 million.

From small beginnings in 1917 in Chicago, USA with the inspiration of Melvin Jones, its founder, Lions experienced a tremendous growth in the 20st century. In 1995, the global membership stood at 1.425 million. Although the leadership envisioned further growth to over 1.5 million, such an increase in membership did not re-place, with 2003-2004 being exceptions, the other years saw a decline

Although the leadership envisioned further growth to over 1.5 million, such an increase in membership did not re-place, with 2003-2004 being exceptions, the other years saw a decline.

Challenge to Change

It stood at 1,292,000 when Mahendra Amarasuriya took over the mantle of leadership in 2007. Under the slogan “Challenge to Change”, Lion Amarasuriya’s innovative proposals began to take effect across the world, among the Lions.

He encouraged the Lions to include new technology - use of e mails and internet and web based communication were actively encouraged. He also promoted Internet clubs and a special effort to bring in women into membership.

Women were first admitted to Lions Clubs in 1987. Under “Challenge to Change,” Lion Amarasuriya recommended that new clubs include one third women and one third young people in the membership. He also encouraged the Lions to plan and execute projects on a well planned basis rather than going into ad-hoc projects, thus enhancing the visibility and the success of the project.

“20K team”

Under the Core Programs, a list of challenges that needed to be achieved were included in the “Challenge to Change” program. Starting with a challenge to re-brand the Lions Clubs in order to bring them into alignment with the needs of the 21st century, the list covered many other aspects such as attracting a young membership.

A challenge to grow in terms of being a quality Lion and a challenge towards developing quality leadership, able to understand the dynamics of the 21st century, were among other goals.

Stressing on the need for sustainable projects, he encouraged a three year cycle and long term planning processes in order to ensure sustainable growth. He initiated a global team which he called the “20K team” which spear-headed the membership development programmes with a target of achieving a net group of 20,000 members. He targeted specific growth in membership in different regions - from the USA and Canada to Central and South America, The Caribbean, Europe, The Fast East, Australia, New Zealand and India, South Asia, Africa and Middle East region, known as ISAAME constitutional area.

Changes At A Global Level

During his leadership, Lion Amarasuriya visited over 50 countries, participating in various projects. Having instituted changes at a global level, he also made recommendations to clubs to initiate change at a local level. He required the clubs to have short interesting meetings on a novel platform - including music and karaoke. There would be better involvement and participation, it was envisaged, with such innovative changes.

With a target of achieving, 1,250 new clubs, under Amarasuriya’s leadership, an overwhelming response was seen in the formation of 1,718 clubs, a first ever in the history of Lionism the world over.

The challenge to include at least 25-30% membership of 40 years of less and to include a 25-30% women in the new clubs formed, saw the infusion of new blood into the clubs at the end of the year, a net growth of 15,800 members were achieved, a record in recent times.

A challenge to enhance the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) by increasing the number of Melvin Jones Fellowships to 350,000 was also planned. A donation of Us $ 1,000 to the LCIF recognises a Lion as a Melvin Jones Fellow and “Challenge to Change”, there was a rapid increase in Melvin Jones Fellowships thereby enhancing the ability of LCIF to fund projects in all parts of the world.

Challenge to Change also stressed on the flag ship project of the Lions worldwide, Sight First. Inspired by the famous Helen Keller to become the Knights of the Blind, back in the twenties, the Lions Sight First programmes worldwide have its thousands of lamps for those living in darkness.

The Challenge to Change plan included a challenge to raise Sight First funding to US $ 150 million a stretch target of US $ 200 million, a three year fund raising campaign which was successfully completed in 2007/08, during Lion Amarasuriya’s tenure as Lions International President, which brought in great honour to Sri Lanka.

Challenge to Change also included a “Challenge” to revive and develop the Leo Movement which is targeted at the youth, to achieve its maximum potential. In addition, a ‘Challenge’ to expand the Lions Quest Programme, a world renouncing youth development programme, to be extended to 50 countries, was also achieved.

To Re-Engineer The Lions Pr

Challenge to re-engineer the Lions PR effort globally was also focused, giving a fresh new commentum to the brand of Lionism. It also targeted bringing Lionism in line with modern thinking and innovation.

In all aspects, “the Challenge to Change” was indeed able to usher in fresh thinking into Lionism worldwide, motivating the Lions to reach new horizons, with fresh insights and opportunities. Challenge to Change inspired Lions to embrace change with a level of dynamism and motivation not achieved during the recent history of global Lionism.


Wickremasinghepura Lions Project at Koswatte Hospital

The Lions Club of Wickremasinghepura had its Environmental Project at the Koswatte Hospital Battaramulla.

The Club donated a Grass Cutter, 10 coconut trees, fertilized 40 coconut trees, up graded the toilet facilities, provided 200 bin bags and offered refreshments to all in house patients and staff. The DMO of the Hospital Dr. Ms. I. Abeysekara was the guest of honour and Region Chairperson Lion Ranjan Perera was the Chief Guest. President of the Club Lion Vernon Dabara and the Chairman of this project Lion H.G. Premarathne were preset along with many Lions, Lion Ladles, Leos and invitees from the Club.

President of the Club Lion Vernon Dabara handing over the donations to DMO of the Hospital Dr. I. Abeysekara.

Lion Lady Chandrika de Soysa of Lions Club of Wickremasinghepura addresses little ones of Agramathya Maha Vidyalaya, Thalawathugoda at a service project held at the school to present computers, exercise books and other gifts to the children. The donation was made by the Lions Club of Wickremasinghepura. Seated from left are chief guest Vice District Governor, Lion Saliya Kaluarachchi, Club President, Lion Vernon Dabare, School Principal, S. Jayaseeli and Lion Anslem Fernando.


A glittering event:

Toastmasters’ National Conference - 2009

Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realise their dreams. Through member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills and find the courage to change.


Chief Guest, District Governor, Toastmaster, Arunasalam Balraj (extreme right) and Sarumathy Balraj being conducted in a colourful parade to the venue of the Toastmasters National Conference at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Pictures by Beverley Jansz


Chief Guest, District Governor, Arunasalam Balraj addressing Toastmasters.

The mission of Toastmasters International is to make effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the art of speaking, listening and thinking vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human under standing and contribute to the betterment of mankind.

These sentiments were expressed by Toastmaster Arunasalam Balraj, District Governor participating as the chief guest at the Toastmasters National Conference - 2009 held at Mount Lavinia Hotel on Saturday.

The divisional conferences are of great significance especially this year, as we will be selecting our division level winners to advance to the most awaited fully pledged district winner who will thus advance to the inter-district contest at our International Convention this year for the first time from South Asia Toastmaster Balraj said.

The Camaraderie and friendship that vibrates in this hall highlights the immense power that Toastmasters’ program has to offer, to meet, share our ideas, to build bonds with our new members, and refresh our old friendships,” Toastmasters District Governor, Balraj said, Balraj reminded every member of Division ‘A and H’ that their Toastmaster journey for this year does not and at today’s National Conference.


The Army Cultural Group entertaining Toastmasters’

Infact we have to start today in trying our lose ends so that we can “Dance on the Rainbow” to celebrate achievements and accomplishments to make our district best in the world, Balraj said. He congratulated District Governors, M. Z. Saleem and Bhathiya Hettiarachchi for joining in hosting their division conference.

T. M. Deepak Menon, DTM, Lt. Governor, Education and Training said “As we celebrate the festival of colours this week in India, I am reminded of the colour Toastmasters has brought to my life.” “Seven years ago, before I joined Toastmasters I was leading a lacklustre existence. Everything was black and white and the various shades of grey in between, quite like the balance sheets I audited. Toastmasters imbued colour in my life.

The colour came not just from the speeches I presented or from the various roles that I volunteered for, but from all of you dear Toastmasters’ Tm Deepak Menon said.

The Toastmasters’ National Conference - 2009, a full-day program turned out to be a glittering event. The main hall of Mount Lavinia Hotel ran to a packed house with Toastmasters from around the coutnry.


Lions Essay Contest Awards ceremony on March 29

The awards presentation ceremony of the 17th Annual all Island Essay Contest on ‘Drug Abuse’ and ‘HIV/AIDS’ conducted by the Lions Clubs International- District 306 A 2 and sponsored by the Colombo Plan Secretariat will be held on March 29 at the Global Towers Hotel, Colombo 6 at 9 a.m.

The results were released by the District Co-ordinator for Prevention of Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDs Lion S. Ramachandran of the Lions Club Dehiwela North.

The Topis -”Our Goal - Drug Free Sri Lanka”

The winner of the Sinhala Medium was Master U. L. Arjuna Prabath Perera, Sri Sumangala (Boys) College, Panadura, first runner-up was Miss B. Shanika Hemanthi Senaratne, K/Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya, Gnanodya Mawatha, Kalutara South. Second runner-up was Miss. W.G. Thilini Erandika, Year 11 B, A. Ratnayake Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Walala, Manikinna.

The winner of the Tamil Medium was Miss. M.I. Akeela Banu, T/Kinniya Muslim Girls Maha Vidyalaya, Kinniya. First runner-up was Master M.M. Mohamed Haris, G.11, Anvarul Uloom Arabic College, Makola Muslim Orphanage, Haji Fathima Garden, Udupila Road, Makola and Second runner-up was Miss. S. Karunya, J/Victoria College, Chulipura.

The Winner of the English Medium Miss. Andreen Sulakshi Mariyan Cooray, Holy Family Convent, Kalutara, First runner-up Miss Fazla Wadood, K/St. Andrew’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Nawalapitiya. Second Runner-up Master Thanabalasingam Rajhkumar, V/Vavuniya Tamil Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Vavuniya.

TOPIc - ‘HIV/AIDS - A killer indisguise.’

The winner of the Sinhala Medium Miss. P. Tikiri Pramodi, K. Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya, Kalutara, First runner-up Miss. Vishmila Oshadee Seneviratne, Gr.10, K/Bandaranayaka Maha Vidyalaya, Payagala.

Second runner-up Miss Ashara Madushani Jayasinghe, K/Bandaranayaka Maha Vidyalaya, Payagala.

The winner of the Tamil Medium Miss Ann Mareena Thiadore, J/Vembadi Girls’ High School, Jaffna. First runner-up Miss Tharsika Rajaratnam, Ng/Wijayaratnam Hindu Central College, Negombo. Second runner-up Miss Saheerullah Fathima Muhsina, GCE O/L, T/Kinniya Muslim Girls Maha Vidyalaya, Kinniya.

The English Medium winner Miss. Jayanganie Wasana Weerasooriya, Gr.10, Royal International School, 652, Kandy Road, Kegalle. First runner-up Miss Fazal Wadood, St. Andrew’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Nawalapitiya and Second Runner-up Master Thaha Adamjee, Zahira College, Colombo 10.


Kandy Inner Wheel Club 40th anniversary

The Inner Wheel Club of Kandy District 322 Sri Lanka, the third oldest club in Sri Lanka celebrated its 40th anniversary recently.

It was founded by wives of Kandy Rotarians in October 1968 and sponsored by the Inner Wheel Club of Colombo.

The Club received its charter dated 14th February 1969 signed by Florence Pathinayake as Charter President, and Decima Crusz as Secretary then being a part of South Indian 11W District 321 - The members are in contact with Surviving Charter Member Decima Crusz who lives in Colombo.

Presently, the membership is 27 including two honoured active members namely Rani Ellepola and Vinitha Ranawana and an honourary member Birgitta Jungner from Sweden - The Club had the distinction of having three District Chairmen namely Charter President Florence Pathinayake (1978/79) Nadine Mediwake (1988/89) and Lillian Perera (1992/93). Over the years many members have also served in the District Committee namely Vinitha Ranawana (District Secretary), Rani Ellepola and Swarna Rajapakse (International Service Chairman) and Roshini Peiris (District Treasurer). The Club sponsored the Inner Wheel Clubs of Matale and Katugastota in 1976 and 1986 respectively.

With its growth, the service projects have spread to many parts of Sri Lanka mainly the rural areas, the war torn and Tsunami affected areas. Funds sent by friends and Inner Wheel Clubs abroad were disbursed for the “Grant a Smile” programme for Tsunami Relief Fostering 15 children in Matara and Ulle-supplying library furniture and electronic equipment for the audio visual room of St. Mary’s Convent, Matara. Science and electronic equipment for Diyalagoda MV and Therese Elizabeth Girls’ Home, Maggona. Also a house was built for a tsunami affected family in Matara.

Under the “Gift of Sight Programmes” the club has organised over 15 Eye Camps for Senior Citizens in remote areas around Vavuniya, Medawachchiya, Agalawatta, Gampola, Maho, Balalle and Mawathagama and in Bolape, Meemure, Kobonila, Kaikawela, Galwewa and Morawaka with assistance of HelpAge (Sri Lanka) and International Resources for Improvement of Sight (IRIS).

At each camp almost 200 elderly were screened for spectacles and cataract.

Focusing on educating young children in public speaking the club assisted the Toastmasters Club of Colombo to organise the preliminaries for the All Island Young Speaker Contest in the Central Province from 2001-2006.

Joining hands with Rotary Club of Kandy on their Water/Sanitation Projects. Six water tanks and construction of necessary infrastructure were provided for three schools and three temples in Udunuwara, Handessa.

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