CLUB NEWS

Lions Clubs in N/E after three decades

beverley jansz

‘The art of giving is one of the most powerful things in the world.’ said PDG Deshabandhu Lion Lasantha Goonewardena MJF.

When you are talking to some one about becoming a member of Lions Clubs International, you are offering them what I call the second greatest thing. The first is, what you have between yourself and your Creator, but number two is what you are offering is Lionism. You are providing them the opportunity to give.

The power of giving is one of the most powerful things in the world, PDG Deshabandu Lion Lasantha Goonewardena MJF said, at the installation ceremony of the first New Lions Club of Lionistic year 2009/2010 at Kathankudy in Batticaloa District.

After 30 years of conflict, the Batticaloa town is in relaxed mood, people move freely and gain the best of their time.

The members of the new club which have 23 charter members from the city of Kathankudy, said that it was a great opportunity for them to become members of the world largest and most effective service organization.

The main priority of the club was to help the younger generation of the community, specially for their educational needs. The president of the club Lion A. Siddeek in his inaugural address thanked the District Governor and the president of Passara Lions Club, Lion Nias Khalid for giving them the opportunity to establish a new Lions Club. He further highlighted that after 30 years of suffering the people in Kathankudy are now looking forward to move around with the other people and the community and it will be very helpful for them to have a Lions Club with which has the world largest network.

Being Lions we can listen to others’ problems and needs, and assist them in whatever possible way, with other Lions spread around the world, which are awaiting for the opportunity to help.

Lions Club of Kiran and Lions Club of Oddamawedy are the two more additions to the Lions Clubs International along with the Kanthankudy Lions Club during the visit of Past District Governor Deshabandu Lion Lasantha Goonewardene MJF.

There were more than 65 Lions and Lion Ladies from Colombo and Balangoda who visited Batticaloa and participated for the inauguration of Kiran and Oddamawedy new Clubs and several service projects organized by the Lions Club of Valachchenai/Kaluwanchikudy Town and Kalmunai.

District Governor Lion Nimal Bulathsinhala donated 300 pairs of spectacles to the three new clubs to commence their service projects.

Vice District Governor of 306 C2 Lion Thilak Perera and Lion Lal Manuelge also accompanied the District Governor to Batticaloa.

Mega Health Camp by Mahalwarawa and Nugegoda Central Lions

Free medical aid for the poor, my top priority, said President, Lions Club of Mahalwarawa, Lion Dr. Harsha Aluthge, while participating at a mega health camp organised jointly by the Mahalwarawa and Nugegoda Central Lions Clubs, in Lions International District 306C-2.

The project was held at Expo-Lanka premises, Colombo 3.

A large number of persons who could not afford medical treatment and drugs benefited by the health camp. Free medical check-ups, blood testing, vision testing, dental clinics, and the supply of medicines free were included in the health camp.

Dengue awareness programs too were conducted, at which Lion Dr. Harsha Aluthge delivered lectures.

The combined efforts of the Lions Club of Mahalwarawa and Lions Club of Nugegoda Central, made the event a big success. Those who attended the health camp paid a tribute to President, Lions Club of Mahalwarawa, Lion Dr. Harsha Aluthge for his untiring efforts and free services rendered to the poor. The entire project was coordinated by senior Lion Deshabandu Roshan Yapa who is the Additional Cabinet Secretary of Lions District 306C-2.

Special District Coordinator, Health Services Lion A.M. Hashim was the chief guest. District Chairperson Past President, Lions Club of Mahalwarawa, Lion Dhammika Priyantha took an active part in the health camp.

Keep Environment Clean

A project by Rotary Club of Kandy:

The Rotary Club of Kandy one of the active clubs in District 3220 conducted an environment projection campaign along with the medical unit of the Municipality Kandy. This project was undertaken during the perahera period when thousands of people visited this historic city.

The project was to educate the people to keep the environment clean by not polluting the streets. 5000 bags using recycling paper were distributed to the people.

The Public Health Officers along with Rotarians from the Club and interactors from the schools participated.

The Rotarians and the interactors as well as the Health Inspectors gave a brief explanation to the crowds on keeping the city clean of unwanted waste specially paper polythene, plastic bottles etc. whilst distributing the bags using hand speakers.

The bags too carried a message in Sinhala regarding preserving the environment since the majority of the people who visit are familiar with the Sinhala language. Publicity to the Rotary Movement and the Rotary Club of Kandy metropolitan too was given in the bags with pictures of the historic pageant, the lake and the temple of the tooth.

The project was handled on the instructions of RTN President Lucky Galwaduge, PP Joe Paiva, RTN Shalindra and Rotarian Gowri Rajan, Past President Kandy Rotary Club. Several other Rotarians too participated along with many interactors.

Lions Clubs International District 306 B2 Annual Sports day

The annual Sports Day of the Lions Club International District 306 B2 ended successfully last week at the Shalika Grounds, Narahenpita. District Governor 306B-2 Lion Kingsley Bernard MJF graced this occasion as the chief guest and Lion Lady Saumya accompanied him for this fun-filled event of the Lionistic year 2009/2010.

Organized by the team in charge of Sports and Special Events headed by Lion S.K. Ravindran MJF, this event attracted a large audience of over 1000 Lions, Ladies, family members and guests.

The past leaders of Lions District 306B2, Lions and Lion Ladies of 85 clubs of the district spreading from Colombo to Gampaha, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Anuradhapura actively participated in the sports events. The Sports Day which was organized with the intention to strengthen ties among fellow Lions, concluded with grand success.

Rotary Club of Galupura Installation ceremony

The Installation ceremony of the Galupura Rotary Club was held at the Samodha Reception Hall, Galle. Rtn Ranjith Lokuge was installed as the new President of the club.

District Governor, Rtn. Suri Rajan was the chief guest.

The club was chartered on May 28, 2008.

The Installation ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests and Rotarians. Outgoing President, Rotary Club of Galupura Rtn. Winston de Silva hands over the club charter to the new President, Rtn. Ranjith Lokuge.

Kolonnawa Rotary Club ceremony

The Installation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Kolonnawa took place at a ceremony held at the N.C.E.F. Buddhist School, Mulleriyawa New Town.

District Governor, Rtn. Suri Rajan PHF was the chief guest at the Installation ceremony, which commenced with a pirith ceremony. A unique feature of the event was dance items by the little ones of the Buddhist school who won the National Dance items.