Official Launch of the District Humanitarian projects of the International Association of Lions Clubs District 306 A 1 For the Lionistic year 2015 – 2016
At the Lions Activity Centre Auditorium
The Press Conference for the Official Launch of the District Humanitarian projects for the Lionistic year 2015 – 2016 of the Lions Clubs International District 306 A1, is held on Monday 9th November 2015at the Lions Activity Centre Auditorium, Vidya Mawatha, Off Eye Donation Avenue Colombo 7 with the participation of many Industrial giants who came forward as sponsors of the projects, Key Cabinet Members of the Lions Clubs International District 306 A1, Electronic & Print media and the members of Lions Clubs District 306 A1.
Lion Dr. Dammika. Gunawardane – 1st Vice District Governor – Lions Clubs International District 306 A-1welcome the participants. He added today’s’ media briefing is focusing on the Humanitarian Services and Projects lined up for the Lionistic year 2015/2016. Further he said Lions Movement and it’s Centenary Celebrations in Sri Lanka also an area of concern,
The following dignitaries graced the head table at the press conference:-
Chief Guest – International President (2007/2008) & Chief Advisor to the District Governor & District Cabinet Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya (PMJF), District Governor Lions Clubs International District 306 A1 Lion Muthumuni N J De Silva (MJF), Mr. Pravin Pieris Head of Operations Walkers CML Properties (Pvt.) Ltd – Gold sponsor, Mr. Pravin De Silva Chief Operating Officer Lanka Special Steels Limited – Silver sponsor, Lion Dr. Dammika Gunawardena – 1st Vice District Governor – Lions Clubs International District 306 A-1, Lion K V D W Wijegunaratne – 2nd Vice District Governor Lions Clubs International District 306 A-1, Lion Keerthi Gunawardane – Cabinet Secretary Lions Clubs International District 306 A-1, Lion Amila Wedage – Program Chairperson – Lion District Fund Raiser and, Lion Asoka Gunarathna – District Chairperson Publicity & Media.
The Chief Guest Past International President Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya (PMJF) in his address briefed the media on the history of the Lions Clubs International which was founded in Chicago in 1917 by Melvin Jones and is currently the largest, fastest growing and most active Service club organization in the world. It is said that the founder of this organization who was a young successful insurance agent had thought to himself at a business dinner “What if these men, who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?” and that thought created the Lions Clubs International. Soon after it spread to Canada, Mexico and Cuba. Later it was accepted in Europe, Asia, Australia, Japan, and India and presently there are Lions Clubs active in 209 countries. Lionism was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1958 with the formation of the Lions Club of Colombo. It has now spread to all parts of the country with over 480 clubs and around 14,000 members, to become the strongest and most active service organization in the country.
The organizing committee for the Centenary Celebrations in Sri Lanka has planned a very special program consisting of a series of initiatives. Initially to raise funds from all Lions in Sri Lanka by requesting each member to contribute Rs, 500/= per member per year during the years leading to the Centenary, namely 2015-16,2016-17 and 2017-18. Such funds to be used by each District to complete special Landmark projects. Also they are planning to organize a Chinese Circus to raise funds for other major service projects and also to promote the issue of a special Centenary stamp. PIP Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya mentioned that the centenary celebrations committee is doing a research and to compile information on mega projects completed since 1958 and to publish a Centenary volume including such information and to organize Lions parades from six areas in the country to reach Colombo simultaneously on the Centenary Day and to organize a Public meeting in Colombo.
District Governor Lion Muthumuni N J De Silva (MJF), addressed the gathering by tabling his Theme, Vision and the Mission for the Lionistic year 2015 – 2016.
Theme – “Dedication – The Way to Success”
Vision – Dedicate to build a better society through a strong District and Clubs
Mission – Develop a strong brand image for the organization by promoting excellence in service and administration to strengthen Clubs.
District Governor mentioned he has launched on a very ambitious programme of work for the Lionistic Year 2015/2016, which has been meticulously planned out for execution with Excellence.
District Governor said he had identified very important areas that he felt that should be addressed at the beginning of the year to accomplish his mission in addition to the normal customary administration and service projects.
Following are the District Humanitarian projects planning to conduct throughout the year for the betterment of the under privileged groups in the society.
- White Cane Day, A day With the Elders, World AIDS Day, United Nations Day and World Diabetes Day celebrations & projects
- Caring underprivileged Pregnant mothers and new born babies.
- Pre School Children’s project
- Providing Health Facilities –Essential drugs to Maharagama Cancer Hospital
- Mega Health Camps
- Maintain a Lions Eye Hospital at Panadura
- Maintenance allowance for Camilla School
While thanking Mr. Pravin Pieris Head of Operations Walkers CML Properties (Pvt.) Ltd – Gold sponsor, and Mr. Pravin De Silva Chief Operating Officer Lanka Special Steels Limited – Silver sponsor he gave an open invitation to all those who have a passion to work for the society to join hands with Lionisum. To wind up his briefing he mentioned the Centenary Theme “ When There is a need- There is a Lion”.
Lion Keerthi Gunawardane – Cabinet Secretary Lions Clubs International District 306 A-1 made a multimedia presentation to show some of the District Projects and the projects done by the clubs in the district. He mentioned if we have to continue Humanitarian Projects then we have to find money. He said over 1600 music LOVERS who have a soft corner for Under-privileged groups in our society waiting to witness the main fundraiser of the District Wayo Daddy– Live in Concert . Tickets for the Wayo Daddy – Live in Concert are available to reserve online through tickets.lk or can be purchase at Yamaha Music Center, Abans PLC, Sarasavi, Sadeepa bookshops.
According to Mr. Pravin Pieris Head of Operations Walkers CML Properties (Pvt.) Ltd Walkers CML Properties (Pvt.) Ltd which is a subsidiary of MTD Walkers PLC, one of the leading public quoted companies in Sri Lanka and is poised for rapid growth in the future, MTD Walkers PLC unveiled recently their new brand identity ‘Walkers CML’ in line with its 162nd anniversary celebration joined hands with Lions District 306-A1 as the Gold sponsor for the worthy cause Walkers CML Properties (Pvt.) Ltd as a responsible corporate citizen always endeavour in social cause for the benefit of the underprivileged. They also carry out a range of activities under their CSR banner
Lanka Special Steels Ltd (LSSL) is the leading Galvanized steel wire manufacturer in Sri Lanka. LSSL is a fully owned subsidiary of E. B. Creasy & Co. PLC since 1st of April 2015. Mr. Pravin De Silva Chief Operating Officer Lanka Special Steels Limitedannounces they are extremely proud to become the Silver sponsor of the Lions Projects. Further he added as an organization they value Trusteeship, Integrity, Respect for the individual, Credibility & Excellence where these attribute stay in line with Lions moment and it helps them to justify holding hands with this international moment. He further emphasize as a responsible corporate, they believe that it is their duty to make difference in the lives of needy and underprivileged by improving their living conditions, be it in the fields of Health, Education or Environment.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Lion K V D W Wijegunaratne – 2nd Vice District Governor Lions Clubs International District 306 A-1, gave an open invitation to all media personnel to visit the Wayo Daddy – Live in Concert, on the 21st of November 2015 at the Musaeus College Auditorium from 6.00pm onwards and to render their fullest cooperation in providing great coverage to today’s press briefing.
