Leo District 306A2

A Publ icat ion of Leo Dist r ic t 306A2 Sr i Lanka

EL TALENTO’15

November Edition

Word withthe World

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A Publ icat ion of Leo Dist r ic t 306A2 Sr i Lanka

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Message from District President

Leo of the Month

Leo Vishwa WeerasekaraLeo Club of Horana Mid city

In appreciation of Dedication for thebetterment of leo movement

Almost six months have passed. Have you ever thought about where you’re going? Have you reached destination successfully?The �rst step in taking our district/your club, from good to best would be to set a new direction, a new vision or a new strategy. Then get your members/Leos committed and aligned behind the new direction. With all my experience I can say one thing, “All the great leaders chose a di�erent path” . I’ll share some thoughts with you all which Jim Collins said...

· * Successful leaders are prepared to set out in new directions – to �nd new opportunities and di�erent ways to take things forward.

· * To begin with your people, Build a shared vision, then together determine what destination “success” should mean.

· * Leaders �nd the new and look to the future. They don’t rest in the past.

· * Leaders look for di�erences and opportunities, rather than necessarily following the well-trodden path.

So, we all worked very hard to lead the humanity and what I only can say is we succeeded in that journey. But to rip the fruits from seeds we planted, all my Leos have to stay strong and work with each other to rip more fruits at the end. I know you are the Best and let’s march forward as a team to show the world WHO WE ARE!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Your Friend,

Leo Pramod Wimalatunga

District President

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Education is the pathway to success. It is one of the most important means of achieving broader development goals such as decreasing poverty, improving health, strengthening social justice, sustaining peace and personal development.

We also organized a Night camp and a field trip for the Leos who joined with this project with the aim of upraising the fellowship among them.

Through this multi-service project; “Jeewana Yathra’15”, we were able to conduct 12 service projects including Educational Seminars for O/L students, Career Guidance for A/L Students and School Leavers, Skills and Leadership Development for Prefects, Art Competition for School Children, Excercise Books, stationary and Library book Donations for school children, Medical Camp for primary school students, Donation of sports items Awareness campaign on Nutritional needs in schools Teacher Training Programs, Drug Prevention awareness program for school students in the remote areas of Uwa Paranagama.

A narrow school life merely focused on passing examinations does not include critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, personality development skills and independent thinking skills which are beneficial for higher education and ultimately for employment.

Uneven quality and access to education have become major issues in Sri Lanka, despite its commitment to universal provision. Most of the well-equipped schools are concentrated around major cities and facilities available in schools are very fewer and poor in remote educational zones like Uwa Paranagama. Therefore with the objective of addressing those loopholes in the way are capable of, “Jeewana Yathra’15 was organized and it was held from 1st to 3rd of November 2015 in Uwa Paranagama, Badulla.

As Leos we pledge ourselves to help those in need. So, it is a responsibility of ours to reach the children who are in need in each corner of the society. This is the high time for it, to extend the helping hands to students who are financially challenged, but still are courageous to make themselves educated.

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jeewanayathra’15

Article by - Leo Kulani Jayathilaka

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Jeewana Yathra’15 was a collective effort of 13 Leo clubs in District 306A2 and through this project we were able to bring out the fact that schooling is not merely an instrumental tool for producing the next generation of Labor force. It is about equipping individuals with capabilities to create a good society, a goal undercut by heavy dependence of Tuition classes and competitiveness,yet could be upraised with the influence of courageous individuals like us, Leos.

This great course was spearheaded by Leo Sachintha Suranda and Leo Deshan Thalduwage who were the project Chairmen with the assistance of Project Secretary and Treasurer Leo Kulani Jayathilaka and Leo Ravindu Vishan respectively.

As a committee we would like to appreciate the generous support of each and every person who rendered their support towards the success of this project and hope you all will continue the same momentum in serving towards your community and country.

Unlike many countries in its region, Sri Lanka has infrastructure and systems in place for high-quality Sports, but disparities remain as most of the schools in remote areas like Uwa Paranagama faces the problem of uneven quality and access to quality education. Therefore our effort to build a generation which is both mentally and physically strong enough to challenge the future through Jeewana Yatha’15, was a timely decision which was much needed to the society and we succeeded in it.

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Surini Kumbukage(Chairperson-El Talento’15)

“Do what you love and love what you do” is the simple motive of my life. As the chairperson of one of the historic talent shows of Leo District 306 A2, I am eternally grateful to hold the key position of this great show. I believe that, my passion towards music, dancing and drama inspired me to accept the challenge of organizing “EL TALENTO’15”. It was wonderful Leadership Experience Opportunity for me.Fore mostly I need to convey my heartiest gratitude to the District President Leo Pramod Wimalathunga for giving me this enormous opportunity.The main endeavor of organizing the show was to recognize hidden talents of Leos and to fulfill the responsibility towards the society and its wellbeing. Therefore this was organized to raise funds for the District Project “ONE RUPEE ONE CHILD” which is a scholarship program for less fortunate children across the island.

I was challenged as a chairperson as I had a one month to organize the event. As a district we had many district and club activities at the beginning of the year and I had to plan everything instead. Foremost task was selecting the team and selecting the organizing clubs. Therefore it is considered the best out of the best spirited Leos of A2. All supportive teams worked together and it had lead towards success of the event. Managing budget, Fundraising and smooth event coordination were the main concerns. As a one team we have achieved it. I have learnt that you do not need larger groups when it is come to organizing an event if you have people with right skills with right motivation they will assist you to achieve your goal. That is the reason behind the achievement of the show within short period of time.The support of the Lions, parents and also sponsors was tremendous with their valuable presence and donations. As the chairperson I extend my heartiest gratitude to them.

There were many Leos behind the success of the show.it is not an individual achievement. It is the glory of the TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVE MORE!

‘EL TALENTO’ means “The Talent’ in Spanish and the show was themed accordingly. I believe it has become a memorable title.

I consider if you want to be successful in the modern world people have to be Smart and also Multi-potentialised while being Multi- Talented, which means humans need to understand their capacity in terms of being a multi skilled person. Proficiency in Aesthetic and Sports are vital as well as education. It offers a person a well balanced life and balanced life is a key factor of being success. Leos are talented set of young individuals and they need continuous improvement for their competencies. “El talento’15” was an attempt to recognize the hidden talents of Leos in music, singing, dancing and drama and it is awakened their aesthetic sense of mind.

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TALENTO

Work SMART not HARD

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In your view, what is a “LEO”?For me Leoism is a platform where you get ample opportunities to learn and develop yourself at the right stage of your life. It provides you an experience which you cannot obtain from a book or a college course.

How do you feel about volunteering for community

service?It has truly made a positive impact on my life. I gained self esteem and confidence in myself. Knowing that you can help someone that you don't know and impact their lives in a positive manner makes a wonderful heartwarming experience. I have learned so much from the experience; it opened my eyes to the plight of others and made me more responsible towards community and family.

You were a Club President and have had a wide range

of experience in the Leo Movement, How would you

manage your personal life while giving your best to your

District?LEO helps you gain leadership qualities like multi tasking, management skills, Human resource management etc. With time I certainly developed these skills in me to maintain good balance between my personal life andLeoism. Of course you have to take an extra mile to pursue your passion. It gives you happiness and not stress.

Where do you think LEO movement is, among the other

social service organizations in the world?LEO is spread across 140 Countries having membership strength more than 0.2 million active members certainly shows its popularity and reach. Undoubtedly for me LEO is the best platform for the youths.

What is your opinion about LEOS of Sri Lanka?Leos of Sri Lanka rank among top 10 LEO membership countries in the world. They perfectly define the motto of Leoism. They are very Dedicated, Vibrant, Enthusiastic, Passionate and equally well versed with the protocols and constitutions of LEO. I have many Leo Friends in Sri Lanka.I was fortunate to get an opportunity to meet and interact with Leos of Sri Lanka on Youth exchange. Keep serving the community. We are proud.

What made you to join this movement?Community Service, Self grooming and making new friends was my initial motto of joining the movement. I am delighted to share that I have gained all three.

What are the things you gained through the LEO

movement?I indulged myself into the world of Leoism where I got the opportunities to realize the hidden talents within me which have given me immense confidence.During the 10 years of Leoism I have gained a lot and made many friends across the world. Today I am known for my marketing skills all over Leos and Lions of Multiple 323, the talent which I never knew about myself. It improved my interpersonal and people management skills which in turn helped me to be successful in a business at the age of 25.I got the opportunity to spread the smile and help others to grow in their life. I Got to learn different things at different posts which helped me in my personal life and also to serve better in community.

Interviewed by - Kulani Jayathilaka

Leo Dipesh DoshiPast District President 323 A2,India

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A Publ icat ion of Leo Dist r ic t 306A2 Sr i Lanka

In recent times Leos tend to move apart from this interesting movement as they become helpless when it comes to proper management of their life. Seeing this as a vulnerability to both themselves and leo movement, ‘Be a FORERUNNER’ was organized to let them gain some valuable knowledge on how to lead a balanced lifestyle all by correctly engaging in their academic activities and career routine. The Chief Guest of the occasion was Multiple District President of Leo Multiple District 306, Leo Dumindu Jayakody and Past District President Leo Kaneel Maddumage participated as our next main speaker of the occasion and both of them conducted two useful sessions for our leos with exciting and interesting topics and presentations which lead the audience to get an understanding on how they managed their lifestyles while being engaged in leoism. 

As our Guest Speakers, the founder of ‘H3 Foundation-Hearts & Hands of Humanity’ organization Mr. Sachinda Dulanjaya graced the event. He is also a Motivational Speaker, Leadership Trainer, Young Social Worker & a Counsellor in profession. He emphasized our leos on how to follow their dreams and make them blossom in the end if they follow the reality with a proper vision. Also Mr. Lakshan Perera, Mr. Nilan Sajith Perera graced the event from the same organization as our other guest speakers and they conducted their sessions on how to be motivated to the mark you expect your life to be while being engaged in such a useful movement which is leoism.

The event was graced by the Imm.Past District President of Leo Dsitrict 306A2 Leo Chandima Vithanage, District Vice President of Leo District 306A2, Leo Kesari Seneviratne MJF and Multiple District 306 Vice President Leo Rajitha Abeygunasekara providing us the courage to enrich our leos better.

There were some musical sessions which they carried out which aided the leos to free up their mindsets from any of the burdens they carried inside their minds. 

Be a FORERUNNER’, a workshop organized by Leo Clubs of Polgasowita, Godigamuwa & Rattanapitiya on 28th of November 2015 to help make our own leos emerge as �exible personalities in the society.  The project was held at Camilla School, Mattegoda with a participation of around 22 leos and most of them were newly inducted individuals. 

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Be A FORERUNNER

“What a blind person needs is not a teacher but another self” -Helen Keller

A blind person is the only person who can truly see. They frankly know what true love is, without the use of eyes, but with the heart. And that is the truest form of love, and they harness it.As international white cane day falls on 10th of November UOM Leos organized a project to visit "Shakthi" House, Kamburupitiya on that day at 9.30 a.m. There were about 25 people. We o�ered tea with short eats for their morning sessionand gave them gifts as their requisites. Although they are visually challenged, they have abilities to sing songs and also play musical instruments. They told us about their lives but, unfortunately those stories were mingled with worries. We tried to console them and we always highlighted that they are not alone in this world.There were authentic smiles on their faces.We were also happy as the best feeling of happiness is when you’re happy because you’ve made someone else happy.Though they live with the images in their dreams, they can feel the nature very much. So, kindness is the language which the blind can see.

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LEOS

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sinhawarjanaSinhawarjana is an innovative, and a timely project birthed by the Leos of Piliyandala. The project, as the Sinhalese meaning of the name suggests, intends to reminisce the memories of senior Lions and Leos who have worked together with the Leo District for the betterment of Leoism. If it was not for the hard work and the dedication of those senior Lions and Leos, the Leo District 306 A2 would not have been able to achieve its magnificent place in the Leoism of Sri Lanka today. In fact, if it were not for time and effort of those senior Lions and Leos to establish Leoism, most of us would be strangers.

The Leos of Piliyandala set the project in motion with Lion Noel Palliyaguru, who,together with his son and PMDP Leo Sadeepa Palliyaguru (then, a Vice President of Leo District 306 A), laid the foundation for Leo District 306 A2 surmounting many obstacles. Lion Noel emphasized on the importance of staying closer to the core values of Leoism. He encouraged Leos not to let competition get the best of ‘fellowship’ amongst Leos.

Leos of Piliyandala, by spending an evening with Lion Noel, tapped into the valuableinsights and experience of Lion Noel with regard to Leoism and about life, with the hope of using those for the betterment of Leoism. The output of this project was a documentary video, which also highlighted the creativity and technical skills of Piliyandala Leos.

LEOS

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Upcoming Events

Let`s Followthe Philosophy of BuddhismLeos of Leo Club of Horana Metro organised this project with the objective of having an open conversation with the buddhist monks about the present situation of Buddhism in srilanka. Though we are born as buddhists to the world, just because our parents are buddhists , the new generations actually don't have a proper understanding of what real buddhism is. To further prove this fact we focussed on the growing trend of racism in the world that has even been controversial in social medias recently as many of us know.

The main objective of this project was to discuss the loop holes in the knowledge of Buddhism people have. Therefore we started our first session on the 20th of November at Patahawatta Viharaya from 7.00pm and we are planning to do this as a continuous project making it a public event where people can actually gain some knowledge to think broadly rather than having narrow thoughts in this society and leading to racist wars.

December 05 - ‘MADD’ WalkDecember 12 - The momentumJanuary 2,3 - PirithaJanuary 23 - Leo Parade 2016

Editor’s Note

Editorial PanelLeo District 306A2

So, it's all about being a Leo, enjoy being a Leo, and serve being a Leo. This really keeps us going, making the spirit of Leoism more powerful.Proving the unmatchable, unique spirit of A2, for this month's edition we've got a line up of two brilliant projects that our leos have marked a success; Jeewana Yaathra 2015 and El Talento; the District Talent Show of the year, which we had as an aim since the start of this leostic year. We hope that our leos will maintain the momentum throughout; and also we would be able to include some greater line up of projects in our next edition.

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