leos - official newsletter of leo district 306 a2 - july edition

July EditionLeo District 306A2

WORD WITH THEWORLD

A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka

Lead theHumanity

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A Chat with an International Leo

DistrictInstallation

July Edition


Seeing the bigger pictureMessage from District President

Every day we are talking about leadership. But which quality would be at the top of your list? Most of us might say ability to see the bigger picture. Yes, thats true. Theres a small story for this.

A bit closer to finding out what the stonecutters were working on but still unclear, the traveller turned to the third stonecutter. He seemed to be the happiest of the three and when asked what he was doing replied: I am building a cathedral.Management Consultant Peter Drucker, suggests that just seeing the bigger picture is not enough. Real leadership quality is demonstrated through both seeing that picture, and through ensuring others see it, By building a shared vision.

Lets Roar together to build the year of friendship!

Leo Pramod Sean WimalatungaDistrict President Leo District Council 306A2 | Sri Lanka.

One day a traveller, walking along a lane, came across 3 stonecutters working in a quarry. Each was busy cutting a block of stone. Interested to find out what they were working on, he asked the first stonecutter what he was doing. I am cutting a stone! Still no wiser the traveller turned to the second stonecutter and asked him what he was doing. I am cutting this block of stone to make sure that its square, and its dimensions are uniform, so that it will fit exactly in its place in a wall.

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3 A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka

WE, the Leo family of 306 A2 present our very warm felicitations to our International PresidentLion Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada, of Minokamo, Gifu, Japan, who was elected to serve as President of Lions Clubs International at the association's 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 26 through 30, 2015. He started his lionistic forward march by joining as a member of the Minokamo Lions Club in 1985. He has held numerous positions in his Lions club, district, multiple and the International Association while receiving many appreciations and recognitions including the Humanitarian Partner Award, 10 International President's Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. Our International President is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.President Yamada and the gracious Lady Lion Dr. Toshiko Yamada, Leos of Leo District 306 A2 will be always serving our vision of Lionism together with Leoism.

Leos of Leo District 306 A2 are blessed with a dynamic personality in 2015/2016 lionistic year to serve as our leader District Governor, Lion Dr. Nandana Kaluarachchi MJF JP. His Lionistic career started in 2000 by joining as a charter member to Lions Club of Mathugama. Holding all the club level positions, he then climbed the ladder of success in district level while achieving many awards and certifications in recognition of his great humanitarian service rendered to lionism while receiving Best Regional Chairman certificate 2004 2005, Lion of the year 2012 2013, Awarded the Certification of Appreciation for Service rendered from 7 Past International Presidents and many more. The first Lady Lion of 306 A2 in 2015/2016 is Lion Dr. Manel Kaluarachchi who supports her spouse in every step towards success. Leo family of 306 A2 will be joining hands with you continuously to create a BETTER TOMORROW!

DISTRICT GOVERNOR

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

(Article by - Leo Kesari Seneviratne MJF)

Meet YourPresident

The newly elected District president of Leo district 306 A2, Leo Pramod Sean Wimalatunga reminisces of his early days as a leo, how he ended up in the most prestigious position of the district and the goals he has set for the new leostic year. Can you recall the early days of your leo carrier??

Any special memories you share with the Rattanapitiya Leo Club?After about a year of becoming a leo, my club president had to go abroad and there was a void in the presidency. Many members in the club urged me to take up the position. I accepted the challenge and under my helm the club did its first installation according to a different theme and that was the day Rattanaptiya made its mark in the Leo district. It was the day that Leo Pramod Sean was recognized within the district.

I joined the Leo Club of Rattanapitiya in 2009 accepting an invitation by Leo Lamal. When I first came to this movement I had no idea of what it was. 1st I thought this was a place where friends hang out, but later I conducted my own research and discovered about the Lions Clubs and the true motive behind the Leo movement. After six years as I look back Im glad that I accepted Lamals invitation and it remains as one of the best decisions Ive ever made in my life.

A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka4

A friend | A brother | A leader

Is there any difference from the boy who walked in to leoism compared with the leader now you have become??

Did you strive to be the district president or was it just luck?

Although I had given leadership to schools athletic team and several other societies prior to becoming a leo, I was a very silent person. But it was the Leo movement that took my speaking abilities to a higher level. Working along with the Lions exposed me in to the corporate world. Thus today I can talk to anyone at any level of any company without any hesitation or fear, all thanks to leoism. Without a doubt I would say that A2 is the most talented and strongest leo district in the multiple and if someone to be the president of such a district, they have to develop their character. When I first joined the leo club I never dreamt of ending up here. But it was the Leoism that brought me this far and made me the man I am today.

Some might think that becoming a leader is a walk in the park and its just the luck what matters!! But let me tell you that there are no such leaders at any level of the society. Men and women become leaders through sacrifices, dedication and hard work.No one can take the district presidency or any other leadership position by staying idle. It takes a lot of improvement of ones personality and ability. During all these years I spent with the Leoism, I took every opportunity came my way and rose up to the challenges. Learnt a lot through my self-evaluations and experiences. Those led me to the position where I am today.

There is only a limited chance to change the system while youre in the lower rungs of a ladder. For about 4 years I have been feeling that some things and practices we share in our district have to be changed and there were many who felt the same as me. It was them who wanted me to take up this job and believed in me to replace what is futile with the useful. Ill try my level best to keep up the good name of the 306A2 and drive it to newer heights by changing what has to be changed. It would take some time. But the change will arrive.

Any specific reason why you took up the presidency??

What if those changes are to be disliked by many? I am a person who respects and listens to others ideas. If the majority of the district believes that its inappropriate to make such a change, I will not a make any amends. But I believe the changes that Ive planned will be agreed by many.


Any thrones you found along your road?

What do you hold for the leosim and the leos under your presidency?

Any advices for the new, young people who joins the leo movement??

During this year what are the expectations from your fellow leos?

I remained six years in the leo movement due to its unique family bond between each other and the friendship we share. In my year too I extend my hands of friendship and brotherhood for everyone, a year of friendship.As for my expectations, my main goal is to take administration of the district in to higher standards during the first quarter and do the same thing for club administration in the second. So if we develop the administration up to high level of standards within the first six months we would be able to achieve wonderful feats this year since better administra-tion leads to better leaders and better leaders lead to better leoism. Better leoism leads to a better youth which will eventually lead to a better future for everyone.

I see a lot of young people joining our district and working with high spirit and enthusiasm. I remember being one of them couple of years back. My advice to them is always be hungry. Be hungry for new knowledge. Be hungry for new challenges and experiences. Drop every fear. Take every opportunity. And you will find the leader within yourself.

Leos, if youre spending Rs .1000 that will contribute only Rs .100 worth results to the society, itll be futile to do such projects. You dont always have to do large scale projects to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Sometimes simple projects would do it. But whatever you do, do it in the right manner with true spirit of leoism. Whatever you give to the others give it with your full heart expecting nothing in return. That is the true meaning of being a Leo.And finally I wish everyone, including the council officers and Club Presidents a prosperous and a worthwhile leostic year ahead. And my fellow leos, together we shall and we will lead the humanity.

Fortunately I had not been affected by many obstacles along my way. But whenever something came up, there were many fellow leos who offered help, specially the past district presidents. I feel blessed. Though there were a lot of people who stood by my side, there was one thing that raised me up whenever I felt down. That is my self-belief. It always gave me the strength throughout my entire life.


(Interview and Article by - Leo Hashan Nirvan Rahubadda)


GREENGrowth, Harmony and Safety of Leos

BLUETrust, Loyalty and Confidence of Leos

TRIANGLEEdge less, unconditional talents of Leos, reach beyond boundaries to bond Leos, Lions and Society

SWANLeos' knowledge of separating good from bad and their long lasting friendship

Leo of the Month

Leo Mudith Bimsara JayasekaraPresident - Leo Club of Polgasowita

In appreciation of Dedication for the betterment of leo movement

Lead the HumanityOur Vision

Our Logo

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W;= ioy jeis jiajd ;=ka f,djgu Ydka;shla Wodl, ta Ydka;skdhlhka jykafiaf.a f;u.=, isjqjdhska miq tod fy


District InstallationThe commencement of the second decade of the Leo District 306 A2 was marked by 'Incipience - 2015', the 11th District Installation Ceremony, which was held on the 26th of July from 2.00pm onwards at the Electrical Engineering Auditorium of University of Moratuwa.

Newly appointed DCL Lion Thulitha Piyasena and Chief Advisor for Leos PDG Lion Kamal Senevirathne PMJF and IPDG Lion Arjun Abeysinghe PMJF were among the distinguished Guests present at the occasion.The presence of Lions cabinet Officers, PDPs of the Leo District 306 A2 including IPDP Leo Chandima Vithange and Leos repre-senting other Districts added value to this 11th Installation Ceremony.

Including Leo Pramod Wimalathunga as the District President and Leo Kesari Senevirathne MJF as the District Vice President, 31 Council Officers and 20 Club Presidents were installed for the fiscal year 2015/2016 who vowed to do their best to lead the Leo District 306 A2 to reach greater heights.

The event was terminated by District President Leo Pramod Wimalathunga with bundles of hopes to reach people, to provide a service to the community and the Country with the assistance of the Leos and under the Guidance and the support of the Lions.The Editorial Panel of the Leo district 306 A2 would like to congratulate the newly appointed Council and Best Wishes for a successful Year ahead.

IPDP Leo Chandima Vithanage officially handed over the proceed-ings of the meeting symbolizing the hand over of the duties and responsi-bilities to the New District President Leo Pramod Wimalathunga.DP Leo Pramod Wimalathunga revealed the theme for the year 2015/2016, Lead the Humanity along with the Logo. The District website leodistrict306a2.organd the District Media Unit was launched by the District Governor, Lion Dr. Nandana Kaluarachchi MJF JP.The contribution made by the A2 Media Unit for the District in the Fiscal Year 2014/2015 in the event of promoting District and Club events was specially recognized and appreciated.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was District Governor Lion Dr. Nandana Kaluarachchi MJF JP. The presence of MDP Leo Dumindu Jayakody as the Guest of honor was remarkable because currently he is the Icon leading the Multiple District, who was a PDP of the Leo District 306 A2.

(Article by - Leo Tikuli Pitigala)


HOW DID YOU CHALLENGE THE CHALLENGE OF CONFERENCE

Challenging the challenge of conference is an amazing experience I gained through the opportunity I received, when the Immediate Past District President Leo Chandima entrusted me with the 10th Annual Leo Conference. The first challenge I had to encounter was delegating and appointing an effective conference steering committee. To select the best out of the bests Leos to steer the conference was another phase that tough decisions were ready to be taken and then which ended by us appointing 85 Leos who were with outstanding performances.

The most critical session then began with guiding, leading and driving 89 positions and 85 Leos towards the one dream we always dreamt.Sharing a one vision among all the mindsets of 85 Leos were quite a tough job. When the District President in-sisted on moving the conference to Gonapola area for a change in her Leoistic year, many Leos raised the question of WHY?

Managing a high six figure budget, coordinating with 85 Leos, seeking for sponsors, selection of venues,designing flyers and presentations, produc-ing a Leo theme song, writing compeer scripts, practicing the Leo dancing item,managing the ushering periods,designing a souvenir, preparing parades and entertainment items, forming a necrology session are nearly a minor percentage of the tasks that our steering committee effectively and efficiently directed to success.

yet when she elucidated to the committee of the prime motives of changing venues, many understood that the organizing of a conference will not depend on the venue or the way its held. It is all about who gives the best and how we will achieve this one dream of us as one family and one team while recognizing and appreciating our fellow Leos for all the hard work rendered to the community.

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Behind the success are many that cannot be mentioned in names, special thanks goes to all the Lions who supported in various manners, all the A2 Past District Presidents who never left us alone and to the conference steering committee for going beyond their comfort zones. The moment I was requested to pen the article on How I challenged the challenge of conference, personally, responding to the title was the hardest challenge. WHY? Because alone I did nothing, it was what WE did, it was WE who challenged the challenge of conference with ONE AIM as ONE TEAM! Finally, Dearest conference committee, please accept my humble apologies for all and any slipups we did from this end and again accept heartfelt gratitude for every single thought + word + act you did on-behalf of THE LIVING LEGACY - 306 A2 family and remember you are a proud part of it!

11(Article by - Leo Kesari Seneviratne MJF/District Vice President/Conference Chairperson)

wordwiththe

Leo Flvia Monastirsky Ott

Leo Club Pitangui- Ponta Grossa city-Paran state- Brasil24 years, biologist,entrepreneur. Leo since 2011.President of the LEO CLUBE Ponta Grossa Pitangui - 2012-2013Secretary of LEO CLUBE Ponta Grossa Pitangui - 2011-2012, 2013-2014Secretary of District LEO LD-1, Area 3 South America & Caribbean 2013-2014"Leaders are not born, they are made through indomitable courage, unwavering commitment, hardwork and dedication. Flavia Ott of Brazil is also a Leo leader with a caring heart and an inspiring personality. "

What made you to join this movement?My father, in the mid 70s was a founder of a Leo Club in my city and then his club became a Lions Club, which today is our Lions sponsor. Ive participated of the Lions activities with my family and when my dad was president in 2010-2011, my Leo Club was created, the only one in the city. It was very natural for me to get involved.

What are the things you gained through the LEO movement?Before the LEO I was very shy and couldnt speak in front of an audience. Now is a little bit easier. I became more organized, otherwise wouldnt be made reports, campaigns and events.

How do you feel about volunteering for community service?Its a blessing. Knowing that youre working to help another person in need grows warm in your heart. All your life makes more sense. You are not seeing life pass you by, your living life the fullest way!Where do you think LEO movement is, among the other social service organizations in the world?The LEO movement is in full growth. There are many other organizations out there that are more attractive to young people for a number of reasons. In the end, we all do the same thing help those in need. Its our duty to help those people and to show the world how beautiful our movement is!

What is your opinion about LEOS of Sri Lanka?I only know you guys from facebook (maybe that change someday!) I see a lot of joy, color, brightness and pride. You are an inspiration for me and for all the Leos in the world.

In your view, what s LEO?A wonderful group of people that eventually become friends and help the community they live in.

A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka12(Interview and Article by - Leo Kulani Amanda)


A CureFor VisionFor over thousands of people who live in our country are visually impaired because they do not have access to correct treatment.There is a simple old and cost effective technology to solve this problem eye galssess which is a distant dream for some people in need who live in rural areas and some in urban areas as well due to the cost.A simple pair of eye glasses could dramatically improve the lives, by increasing earning power and improving occupational and public safety and fostering the ability to perform every day tasks.

So we, as leo club of Katuwawala identified the need of increased provision of optical support urbanely and as a result of that on 1st July 2015 our leos, partnering with our lions club of Katuwawala had the privilage of conducting a charity poject A Cure For Vision which was aimed distributing eye glasses to the general public who are in need of optical support,which took place in Holy Emmanuel church, Moratuwa from 9am to 4pm and specially lion Jayantha Thissera and his wife lady lion Senali Thissera gave us a humble support by guiding the people who had come for their optical needs. As this was the first project of our club for the leostic year 2015/16, it marked a huge success.Our main purpose as leo club of Katuwawala, implementing a project like this, is to identify the causes of visual impairment of people in need in urban areas and to create a smile on their faces by lending hands, providing optical devices to them.

(Article by - Leo Dinya Godakanda)


BallothEkkaBaOn the 04th of June 2015 at Old Gym University of Moratuwa over 1500 people watched the Stage Drama Balloth Ekka Ba, organized by UoM Leos. The young crowd was really enthusiastic on that evening to watch the two shows 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Leading roles in the stage drama field in the country including Wijaya Nandasiri, Gihan Fernando, and Kumara Thirimadura were on stage with young popular artists Roshan Pilapitiya and Ferni Roshini.

Through the drama the Director Ravindra Ariyarathnage was talking about the recent political atmosphere in SriLanka sarcastically and ultimately the drama gave a meaning for the two hour time.UoM Leos are always keen to organize a drama with a quality and make the crowd satisfied. This occasion was a big day for UoM Leos as it was the mega fund raising project for the upcoming Leoistic year.

(Article by - Leo Dishantha Wijekoon)

Be a Nature LoverSUGADAARAMWas a wonderful experience for the young nature lovers which was successfully organized by the Leo Club of Piliyandala, District 306 A2 on July 18, 2015. Mrs. Kanchana Weerakoon who is the Chairperson of Eco friendly volunteer conducted this event at her residence in Verahera and Leo Indika Dhananja as the project Chairperson created a wonderful opportunity to our fellow Leos to learn not only about the nature but also about our day to day life, stress management, food habits and Many more.

Multiple District President Leo Dumindu Jayakody and District President Leo Promod Sean Wimalathunga, District Vice President Leo Kesari Senavirathne MJF, Past District president Leo Nadeesha Palliyaguru and More than 12 Leos from Leo club of Piliyandala Participated in this event.How people should live with nature, How to be a nature lover, benefits of living with the nature are some of the topics covered in the session by the resource personal, Mrs. Weerakoon and she admired Leos for spending their time to improve their Knowledge and Capacity from a great cause like this.The Environmental Meditation was one of the great experience for Leos and it would be a lession for our friends to become a Nature Lover. This was an event This was an event which depicted the theme of the Leo Club of Piliyandala for the Leoistic year 2015/2016, Steps towards for Environmental Friendly Year and this will be carried out as a continuous project.

A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka15(Article by - Leo Kanchana Alpitiyage)


Upcoming Events9th - Installation Ceremony of Leo Club of UOM15th & 16th - Presidents Camp at Belihuloya22nd - Leo Club of Horana Midcity & Polgasowita Installation23rd - Club Officers Workshop & Leo Club of Piliyandala Installation29th - Leo Club of Ingiriya Installation30th - Leo Club of Kalubowila Installation

MalKakulakaSuwaduk

(Article by - Leo Dilan Samarakkody)

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Installation Ceremony of Leo Club of Bandaragama Centralwas held on the 26th of July at Parthana Hotel Bandaragama

Club Installations

Editors NoteThis is the 1st edition of the of the official newsletter of Leo District 306 A2, LEOS for the fiscal year 2015/2016. We have been introducing new insights from the day we began this new leoistic year, because there should be something refreshing than being monotonous, as in the diversity in the content, things one can do, the vibrancy of continuous updates.We present renewed vigor, fresh energy but the same soul. Everyone in this editorial panel has put their heart into this, being committed to give you the kind of features that you want see and read. We have decided to bring up the best, aiming to communicate the activities that our Leo district is engaged in, constantly and throughout.

Its all about adding up and counting on!

We would make this an opportunity to thank all those who managed to guide us and extended the supportive hand to make this a success!

Editorial PanelLeo District 306 A2

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leos - official newsletter of leo district 306 a2 - july edition

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