Club News

With Love Look to the needy

Text and Pix Beverley Jansz

The 4th Annual District Convention of Lions Clubs International District 306 B-1, was held on May 16 and 17 at the BMICH, on a grand scale.

International Director. Lion Vinod Khanna, MJF and Lion Lady Renu were the chief guests.

The chief guests, VIPs and distinguished invitees were taken in a colourful procession from the entrance of the BMICh to the venue by District Governor, 306 B-1, Lion Nimal Rajapakse MJF, First Lady Geetha other District Governor, and Chairman, multiple council 306, Lion Mahesh Pasqual MJF.

Chief Guest, International Director Lion Vinod Khanna, MJF, while thanking District Governor, 306 B-1, Lion Nimal Rajapakse, MJF, said that it gave him immense pleasure to learn that, to mark the occasion, the District Fund Raising Committee is releasing a souvenir.

“District Convention is an annual event where we take stock of the activities of the District carried out by the Lions Clubs during the current year and also elect future leaders for taking charge of the District in the following years, Lion Vinod Khanna said.

District Governor, 306 B-1, Lion Nimal Rajapakse said that he was very happy that the Lions family of District 306 B-1, has collectively excelled in worthwhile service projects, having been inspired by his four-point program under the theme “with love-look to the needy.”

All the clubs and cabinet officers responded to my call and served the dire needs of the community,” DG Lion Nimal Rajapakse said.

Much activities were centred round the sight first and “Diabetic Awareness.” The sight first hospital in Hendala, Wattala, which is a district project serviced the Lions who sponsored poor patients and this year 2300 Cataract operations have been performed, free, DG Rajapakse said.

“We experienced floods in some parts of the District, causing extensive damage and flood relief was offered to the victims, amounting to US dollars 20,000 by a request made to the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), DG Lion Rajapakse said.

District Governor, 306 B-1, Lion Nimal Rajapakse paid a tribute to past leaders for their good counsel, to his Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Treasurer, members of the steering committed and his cabinet for their dedication and commitment to make the 4th Annual Convention a resounding success.

“I cannot forget my club presidents, Lions, Lion ladies, and Leos who by their presence in numbers gave the colour and lustre to make this convention a memorable event, said DG Lion Nimal Rajapakse MJF.

Lion Jeyavathsalan elected first VDG 306B1

Text and Pix Beverley Jansz

District coordinator, 306B1, Lion S. Jeyavathsalan MJF, was elected First Vice District Governor, 306B1, with a majority of 80 votes, at the 4th Annual District Convention, held at the BMICH on May 16 and 17.

On being elected to this prestigious post, Lion Jeyavathsalan MJF, and his Lion Lady J. Shayanthini were conducted in a colourful procession by a host of VIPs, Lions and Lion Ladies of District 306B1, to the venue at the BMICH where the convention was held.

Addressing a packed house of VIPs and distinguished guests Lion Jeyavathsalan first thanked all Lions who voted for him. Sri Lanka is faced with many challenges in the field of economy, rehabilitation and re-settlement. The opportunities for humanitarian services will be great.

You have chosen a proven leader who can plan and work effectively. I assure you that, with your fullest support, we will meet the huge task ahead of us”, First Vice District Governor, Lion S. Jeyavathsalan MJF, said.

“My dream is to ensure that we exploit all possible resources that will come our way to promote harmony and raise the image of Lionism. Having served in all the key Cabinet positions including that of Cabinet Treasurer in 2007/2008, I have had a compete insight into the administration of the district, Lion Jeyavathsalan said.

With the support of my Lion Lady Shayanthini, and my family members, and club members of my District, I make the solemn pledge that I would do my utmost to emulate the good work of those great leaders who adorn the head table, to ensure the program of our district and would strive hard to uphold the true principles of our great organisation and the dignity of the office of the First Vice District Governor, Lion JeyavathsalanMJF, said.

Lions ‘Everyday Heroes’ Signature Float

Enthusiastic crowds and well-wishers gathered around the Lions ‘Everyday Heroes Signature Float’ ‘that toured key cities recently. The Lions Everyday Heroes Signature Float was flagged off by Imm. Past International President Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya in the southern town of Matara. From Matara, the Float travelled to Galle, before moving on to Ratnapura, Kandy, Kurunegala and Ending its journey in Wennappuwa. The Lions of each town greeted the Float with enthusiasm.

They were joined by the people of the area who gathered around this unique and innovative opportunity for the people to participate in the community services of the Lions.

The Lions Everyday Heroes Signature Float invited everyone to place their signature on giant signature boards in a gesture of supporting the multi-faceted community service projects of the Lions. Travelling through key towns of Sri Lanka, the Float generated a wave of goodwill and support for the world’s largest and the most active NGO here in Sri Lanka.

“The Lions are indeed everyday heroes to us” said one signatory, a member of the public who signed on in Kandy. There were many others like him who took a moment off their daily work to sign on in support of the Lions and their work.

The Signature Boards on the Float displayed some of the projects of the Lions; from Sight First, the flagship project of the Lions that target overcoming blindness and is recognized as the world’s biggest such initiative, to homes for the destitute and the differently-abled, vocational training centres that empower youth, hospital wards and eyecare units upgraded and equipped and the Lions own state-of-the-art eyecare hospitals in Panadura and Hendala.

All of it showcased in a simple manner for the average person to understand and appreciate the work that often reaches out to the poor and the down trodden of the society.

The Lions Everyday Heroes Signature Float was a unique way of sharing the work of an organization that has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by former US President Jimmy Carter. The nomination was in recognition of the community related projects of the Lions spanning over fifty years.

The Lions also are also in partnership with the United Nations towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals. In Sri Lanka, the Lions are active across the island and steer a multitude of projects that benefit thousands of Sri Lankans everyday.

Lions 306A2 4th Annual Convention

The 4th Annual Convention of Lions Clubs International District 306A2 was held at the BMICH, on a grand scale.

Chief guest for the occasion was endorsed candidate for the office of Lions International 2nd Vice President from Finland, Past International Director, Harri Ala-Kulju and Lion Lady Sirkku.

Guests of Honour were Past International Director, Lion Erkki Laine, Past District Governor, Lion Offried Blumchen and Past District Governor, Lion Markku Talvio.

Addressing a large gathering of VIPs, and distinguished guests, Lion Harri Ala-Kulju said that the Finland Foster Parents Program commenced in 1987 with only five children and today it has developed to over 900 children. So far over 2500 children were benefited and some have left the program after completing their studies successfully.

He said that monthly educational support is given upto university education. Lion Harri thanked District Governor 306A2, Lion S.K. Karunasekera for leading the district to an excellent year of service. He expressed his great satisfaction for organising such a colourful convention. He was happy that he got the opportunity to meet his God child, Mulki during his visit to Sri Lanka.

District Governor, Lion S.K. Karunasekera said that he looks back with great satisfaction as the District Governor for the service under his tenure of office. His main program “Gemi Aruna” the Village Development Program, was a great success.

Twenty underdeveloped villages were developed in every spear.

DG Karunasekera thanked all Lions Clubs, Lions and Lion Ladies for enhancing the image of Lionism through service.

Wickramasinghepura Lions Multi Service Project in Ginigathena

From left District Governor Deshabandu Lion Diresh Hettiarachchi, Cabinet Treasurer Lion Chamindu Abeywickrema, Lion Chandra Perera and Lion Sanjaya Gunarathne viewing the Avurudhu celebrations!

President Lion Vernon Dabara and the project Chairman Lion Chrishantha Rajapakshe along with Jayantha Gunawardena of Ginigathena, presenting awards to the students.

The Lions Club of Wickramasinghepura carried out yet another Multi Service Project at Ginigathena. They provided spectacles to 345 persons, held a medical camp for the 200 persons, and carried out a diabetic awareness program. In addition they were able to identify patients for Cataract Operations.

The club also provided school bags and other essential items to a pre-school in the area and donated gifts to the students who participated in an Avurudhu festival. The Chief Guest at this program was District Governor 306 C 1 Deshabandu Lion Diresh Hettiarachchi together with PDG Lion W. M. S. Wijesundera along with the Cabinet Treasurer, Lion Chamindu Abeywickrama and the Project Chairman Lion Chrishantha Rajapakshe. A large number of Lions and Lion Ladies participated in this project.

Diabrisk - Sri Lanka by Colombo West Lions on May 20

The Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Lions Club of Colombo West and the Maligawatte Janaza and Welfare Society will conduct a research project to evaluate risk factors in the development of diabetes in the urban young of Colombo, between the ages of 5-40 years.

This project is offered free at the Maligawatte Young Men’s Muslim Association (YMMA) on May 20 commencing at 7.30 a.m. Project Chairman, President, Lions Club of Colombo West Lion Ashroff Hussain said that the patients should be between the age group of five to 40 years and should not be diabetic, pregnant or be on treatment for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Patients requiring treatment should fact for 10 hours prior reporting for evaluation. (You may drink only water)

President, Lions Club of Colombo West, Lion Ashroff Hussain said that blood and urine tests will be done only if patients are thought to be at risk after the first assessment. He said that selected patients will be reviewed over a period of two years.

‘Freedom Home’ renovated by Colombo Orient Lions

Freedom Home’ a transit place for the mentally handicapped at Goomis Mawatha in Kelaniya is being managed by Samanthi Sagarika Perera, with a small team of helpers. She has given her home away for the benefit of those mentally ill and lives in another house in the vicinity.

The dilapidated state of this home and the hardships these less fortunate people go through were identified by the Leos of the Club of Wattala. Having understood the dire need to uplift the living conditions of the inmates, Wattala Leos were determined to upgrade the standards of this home up to a minimum level where normal human beings can live hygienically.

Wattala Leos approached the President of the Lions Club of Colombo Orient Lion Amal Samaratunga and his Lion Lady Priyanthi Samaratunga for help.

Lion Amal Samaratunga and Lion Lady Priyanthi with a few other members of the club, visited the home and were completely touched by the state of affairs at the time.

President Lion Amal Samaratunga having recognized the immediate needs of the home took a spontaneous decision to help contact the Managing Director of Chemanex Preethi Jayawardena who very generously agreed to meet the cost involved in upgrading the facilities.

Few days later Preethi Jayawardena together with President Lion Amal Samaratunga visited the place and was fully convinced of the worthiness of the project which made him offer financial assistance for the project.

Thanks to Preethi Jayawardena, the entrance to the home was completely paved, a new kitchen including a dining area was built, the toilet doors were replaced, a bathing facility for inmates was provided and also repairs to existing structures were carried-out at a cost over Rs. 450,000/-

The newly constructed kitchen and the dining area was formally declared opened by the Vice District Governor, District 306 B2 Lion Kingsley Bernard MJF in the presence of several members of the Lion Club of Colombo Orient, the Leos of the Leos Club of Wattala and the officials of the Chemanex PLC.

Preethi Jayawardena was honoured for his nobel act without which the plight of the inmates would have still being the same. Leo Kamal Jayathilaka and his team were praised by the President Lion Samaratunga at the ceremonial opening, for recognizing the needs of these less fortunate people and acting on it.