"HeartBeat" Jan/Feb 2013 Issue

HEARTBEATJanuary/February 2013 | 4rd Edition

The Official Newsletter of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka

In this issue

2

A2 Sports Day, The Inaugural Sports Day of Leo District 306 A2

4

A Chat with a Club President, Leo Dinusha Amarasekara

7

Do Admit & Be Admired, Inspirational Article

The Leo District 306 A2 is one of the leading Leo districts in Sri Lanka. Its sponsored by Lions District 306 A2. Currently 24 Leo clubs are actively serving the community. Activities conducted by Leo District 306 A2 include Child care, Elders, Sports, Environmental, Health care and Leadership Development Projects. Being a Leo Club member is a great way to serve your community, develop leadership skills and make new friends. In total, more than 144,000 young people in 139 countries are proud to serve others in their local communities and to call themselves Leos.

A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka

Page 1

A2 Sports Day

Message from District President

The Inaugural Sports Day of Leo District 306 A2 On Sunday, 10th of February

Lead by Example

The inaugural sports day of district 306 A2 was held on 10th February 2013 at Piliyandala Central College grounds. This was organized by Leo clubs of Piliyandala, Madurawala, Rattanapitiya, Werahara, University of Moratuwa, Katuwawala, Horana Metro and Dehiwala East. There were around 100 participants at this event and it has become a very good opportunity to bring out the marvelous sports skills of Leos. 1st Vice District Governor Lion Asanga Samarasekara MJF was the chief guest of the Opening Ceremony and 2nd Vice District Govenor Arjun Abeysinghe PMJF was the chief guest of the closing ceremony.

It is given the opportunity to Leos to participate all track and field events and also it I organized few other games such as basket ball, kabadi and group events. The overall championship was won by the Zone Green ( Zone Director Leo Chandimas Zone) and Leo Ishan Akalanka was awarded as the best Male athlete and Leo Malsha Vithange was the Best Female athlete. Zone Yellow was the Runners up of the sports meet and this was one of the successful events of the district calendar.

District President 306 A2 Leo Isuru Senadheera

Theres an old saying about the difference between a manager and a leader: Managers do things right. Leaders do the right things. Good leaders must lead by example. By walking your talk, you become a person others want to follow. When leaders say one thing, but do another, they erode trust - a critical element of productive leadership. Think about the inspiring people who have changed the world with their examples. Consider what Mahatma Gandhi accomplished through his actions: He spent most of his adult life living what he preached to others. He was committed to nonviolent resistance to protest injustice, and people followed in his footsteps. He led them, and India, to independence because his life proved, by example, that it could be done. Leos, if you practice the Do as I say, not as I do philosophy as leaders, you can almost see the loss of enthusiasm and goodwill in your club and among the fellow Leos. Leading by example will help in membership retention and in motivating fellow Leos to do better. At Leo District 306 A2, we believe leading by example can make a difference.


Page 2

International President Meets

Leos of Sri Lanka

Past Leaders FelicitationPast Leaders felicitation 2013 was organized to honor and pay gratitude for the past Leaders of the district who showed Leos the way for a successful journey and make the district strong. This was organized on behalf of council by Leo club of University of Moratuwa, Panadura Alubomulla and Piliyandala. Past District Governor Lion Kamal Senevirathna MJF was the chief guest of this occasion. And all the other guests including IPDP Leo Kasun Pathirana, PDP Leo Lion Dumindu Jayakody, PDP Nadeesha Palliyaguru, PMDP Sadeepa Palliyaguru, District Chairman for Leos Lion Widyakeerthi Dissanayaka, were welcomed by the District President Leo Isuru Senadheera. All the past Leaders of the district were honored by a small token of appreciation and it was a very memorable occasion where number of LEOS of 306A2 Leos gathered.

Lions Clubs International President Wayne A. Madden met Leos of Sri Lanka on Friday 15th 2013 at Lakshman Kadiragamar Institute. (LKIIRSS)This gracious moment initiated around 3.45pm. Senior International Director Lion Sunil Watawala PMJF was the Guest of Honor of this event. Chief Guest was warmly welcomed by all the six District Leaders and the Multiple District President Leo Dhanushka Ramanayaka. In this special meeting Lions International President describe his theme of world of Service. And there he did not forget to give his pin for all the Leos from varied parts of the country.

District Chairman for Leos Lion Vidyakeerthi Dissanayake receiving an appreciation award from Past District Governor Lion Kamal Senevirathna

The first ever Sri Lankan Leo to receive MJF

Past district leaders presented in the event.

Leo Keasari Senevirathna of Leo District 306A2 was awarded as the youngest MJF fellow in Sri Lanka from the Lions Clubs International President Wayne A. Madden.


Page 3

Chat with a Club President

Leo Dinusha AmarasekaraHow did you enter Leoism?During my fathers Presidency at Lions Club of Ingiriya, he wanted to start a Leo Club, and as a result I became a Leo, as the first secretary of Leo Club of Ingiriya United.

...had a year plan from the beginning.....

During my year as secretary, I actively involved in Leo works and made some friends, and I started liking Leoism, since it deviated my mind from my stressful work routine. Therefore I was eager to go further in Leoism. I knew the President title will open opportunities for me. I was confident I can take my club forward.

And now you are the club president. What motivated you to accept this post?

Since my year is the first full year after my club was installed, I knew its the year that we have to establish ourselves as a club. Being a new club- we had no history to follow, instead we had to write history, a reputation to be created. Being a girl, I have to lead a team full of boys, and quite aggressive ones by nature but I believe challenges help us to get out of our comfort zone. Which do not kill you but make you stronger.

As a club president what are the challenges you face?

What are the ways and means you use to overcome those challenges?

I had a year plan from the beginning and as much as I could, I tried to stick to the plan. There were some dream projects that I wanted to do , when doing those projects, the interest of the work kept me focused on the results and not on the challenges. I greatly appreciate my club members, of Ingiriya United who were always with me.

What are the values you featured in leoism?

Fellowship, Attention, Opportunity and Appreciation. The atmosphere in Leoism is such that we all enjoy whatever we do in each others companionship, I believe that is the key to sustaining this organization. Since this is a voluntary organization, appreciation for hard work will encourage individuals to stay on. They say Next to Excellence is the appreciation for it. I see these values as the foundation.

What is your message for the Leos specially young girls who wish to take the future leadership of their clubs?I believe every member in a club must be determined to be the club President one day; it will make a positive difference in your life for sure. If you can lead a club, you will cultivate the ability to lead any other team. And for girlsthere is no better surrounding than this to be a leader, because the Leo leaders in our district are very supportive and pleasant to work with.

Light for Darkness

By Leo Clubs of Horana Metro, Bulathsinhala, Madurawala, MathugamaLeo clubs of Horana Metro, Bulathsinhala, Madurawala, Mathugama along with Lions clubs of Horana Metro and Bulathsinhala gave electricity for a poor family in wawulugala area, Horana on 06th January 2013. And they provided stationary items, dry food and other necessary items for the family as well. Leo district director Sajith Senevirathne and Zone chairman Lion Ranjith Aluthge participated as the chief guests for this occasion.


Page 4

Rise Up

By Leo Clubs of Ingiriya United & University of Moratuwa

One Challenge -One Country One GoalJoint project series of more than 20 Leo Clubs around Sri LankaOne Challenge, One Country, One Goal is a combine project series of more than 20 Leo clubs around Sri Lanka. This year the project was carried under the theme Child Care. Leo Club of Colombo Knights, Leo Club of Mahanama College and Leo Club of Homagama Central and many more leo clubs joint with Leo Club of Polgasowita for the project. The project was held on 17th of February at Child Development Centre, Maharagama.

RISE-UP is a project jointly organized by Leo Club of Ingiriya United & Leo Club of University of Moratuwa, was held on 5thJanauary 2013 from 2 pm to 6.30 pm at No.217A, Stanley Thilakarathne Mw., Nugegoda. Dr Kuma guided participants to develop our leadership skills, moral attitudes and personality to deal with any problem in life effectively, which we face not only in personal life but also in society. The training session was interactive and well balanced between the presentation of key concepts and a range of mental and physical exercises that have the effect of stimulating the mind while toning and conditioning the body. Dr.Kuma was able to make an interactive session by giving chances to each individual to rise-up and awake their voices in front of the crew during the programme. RISE-UP was an excellent project which gave us the ability to enhance optimistic thoughts and it led us to live a complete and fulfilling life. During the session participants were enjoyed a lot and it was a great pleasure to all of us to be a part of such a mind blowing programme.

Children enjoying their lunch

Newest Member of A2 Family

Car Wash

Fund Raiser by Camp CommitteeLeo District 306 A2 Camp Committee organized a car wash in Pepiliyana in order to raise funds for Leo Youth Camp 2013. The project was headed by Leo Dinusha Amarasekara.

Charter Installation Ceremony of Leo Club of Dehiwala Pepiliyana

The charter installation ceremony of Leo Club of Dehiwala Pepiliyana was held on 9th of February at at GISM Campus, Nugegoda.

Leos waving flags at vehicles


Page 5

October Membership Growth Awards

We are Number ONE

Silent PortraitureArt competition organized by Leo Club of UOM for differently able studentsThere are some people on earth, which this fancy world hides their rays of light from our eyes. Their tongue is unable to make any sound on our ears, but their eyes do. Their eyes cannot see us, ears cannot hear us, but their hearts do. Silent Portraiture is an art competition for differently abled students, which was held on 29th January at Rohana Special School, Matara.

Leo District 306 A2 become the top district in the world to win highest number of October Membership Growth Awards from Lions Clubs International. Leo district 306 A2 won 39 Membership Growth Awards for the fiscal year 2012/2013.

Message from Chief EditorIt is with great pleasure and dignity we are releasing the 4th issue of our District 306 A2 News Letter Heart Beat. Being able to publish three editions before Leo District 306 A2 has been able to keep up their spirit and esteem to continue the good work in throughout the year. While providing an arena for the creativity of Leos, heart Beat has provided them a valuable opportunity to brings up and publish their community services as well. This edition covers the important Leo events of January and February 2013. My special thank should go to the district editorial team who made a great contribution in making this more colourful. District editorial team awaits to accepts your comments to make our next attempt more successful. Leo Ishara Weerasinghe

A child painting her drawing

Samaya Piri Heta DawasakBoodhi Pooja Pinkama organized by Leo Club of KatuwawalaLeo Club of Katuwawala has organized a Boodhi Pooja Pinkama observing the World Peace day on 24th of January at Katuwawala Parama Dhamma Visuddharamaya. People of Katuwawala area participated for this and this was very good beginning of the New Year 2013 with the hope of World Peace.

The Editorial Team

Chief Editor (Jan/Feb Issue): Leo Ishara Weerasinghe Editors: Leo Lochana Mahawatta, Leo Kalhari De Soyza, Leo Ishara Weerasinghe, Leo Kesari Senevirathne MJF Newsletter Designed by Leo Themiya Bandara.

Leos conducting the Boodhi Pooja


Page 6

Do

A & Admit Begeously stand up and honestly say This is my mistake and I am responsible there will be many chances for you to learn from your mistake. Not admitting your faults may cause to make you always fear, because you might worry that people will loss respect for you because of the mistake you made. But when you admit your fault you may not leave any chance for the same mistake to be happened once again. When we note a mistake, usually we think that if we forward to correct the mistake others will get to know that there is a fault in our side. It may be in your office environment or in a place where you have to be responsible of something together with your companions, when you make a mistake you may bluster and pretend that you are not responsible for that. But if you continue refusing to face up to being wrong, finally you will end up with nothing other than regret. Sometimes you may think that faults and mistakes always make our lives unpleasant and more difficult. But there are many examples from the world history where mistakes turned good. It was an incident happened in Scotland in 1928. Scientist Alexander Fleming noticed that mold spores had contaminated one

dmired

If you are not making mistakes, it means that you are doing nothing. And if you are not admitting your mistakes, it means that you will learn nothing. Throughout the journey of your life you may have heard dozens of life stories of famous and noteworthy people. While you are being amazed about their goals and achievements, have you ever thought about the mistakes they made in their lives? Most of them have changed their lives completely from a path which they have been used to follow up. Because they admitted that the path they were trudging up was not the best way to reach their ultimate life goal which they ever dreamed of. It does not matter where they changed and how they changed, but despite of all the other facts the most important thing that we should find out is what made them change their minds. Yes you may find that a little mistake have entirely changed them, because a person may learn the most important lesson in his life through a mistake that he made. There are two things that you should not fear about, first one is to do a mistake and the second one is to admit it. If you start blaming other people for your own mistake you will learn nothing, but if you can coura-

of the bacteria samples he had left by an open window. Instead of discarding his ruined experiment, Fleming took a close look and noticed the mold was dissolving the harmful bacteria. And that is how we got penicillin, which is the most efficacious life saving drug in the world helping people around the world recover from infections. So the results of our mistakes are not always as dark as we think. Perhaps it may lead to another invention if we gain whatever useful from that mistake. When we go through the success stories of big-name people one thing is clear that the victory or the final destination of their lives has become much colorful where the goals were more challenging, setbacks were much difficult and mistakes were frequent. Dear Leos, as Leaders you will gain many things by admitting your mistakes. It demonstrates your courage and humanity while setting an example for others. And do not forget that it garners greater respect and engenders more trusting relationships. Finally the most important thing is that it will give you a better sleep So get ready to own your errors!!! Written by: Leo Sajith Senevirathna


Page 7

Leo Youth Camp 2013 - Leave Nothing Untried Leo Youth Camp 2013 held on 23,24,25 February at Naula Matale was a camp to remember.One of the most awaited Leo events of year Leo Youth camp was held from 23rd to 25th of February 2013 at National Youth Corps Training Centre, Arangala, Naula with participation of more than 100 Leos. Leo Sajith Senevirathna being the camp chairman did a marvelous contribution in making this event a success. Leo Pasindu Mahawatta from Leo Club of Horana Metro was awarded as the best camper while Leo Sachin Thisera of Leo club of Katuwawala won the best new camper award. Leos left the camp site leaving nothing untried.

Leos participating in a trust building activity

Water rafting activity at the camp

All the camp participants of Leo Youth Camp 2013

Interested on Our Work? Join Us!Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka Like us on Facebook www.fb.com/leo306a2 Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/leo306a2 Read our Blog at blog.leodistrict306a2.org Watch us in Youtube www.youtube.com/leo306a2 [email protected] | www.leodistrict306a2.org


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"HeartBeat" Jan/Feb 2013 Issue

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