HEARTBEAT The Official Newsletter of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka July/August 2012 | 1st Edition In this issue 3 5 8 Mighty Man & Tiny Ant A Chat with Leo of the Marching Onward, Working Together - Year International All as One A lesson from Ants Leo Charith Siriwardana The Sri Lankan Way The Leo District 306A2 is one of the leading Leo districts in Sri Lanka. It’s sponsored by Lions District 306A2. Currently 24 Leo clubs are actively serving the community. Activities conducted by Leo District 306 A2 include Childcare, Elders, Sports, Environmental, Healthcare 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 Leos of A2 work Together from the Heart Energetic, virtuous, extrovert, young Leos are like lotus which grows in mud- dy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. The lotus has its roots in earthly mud, but it grows upward in aspiration toward the light, its petals open out in a beautiful flower and spread fragrant all over the world. It’s like Leos are blooming from the sun shine of the Lions and enhancing their skills for the betterment of the society. The District President’s Logo with the lotus flower denotes enlightenment, growth, fertility, personal development and long life. The Leos in District 306A2 are one family same as the hundred petals of the lotus get together with one stem. Untouched by the impurity, the midst heart of the lotus symbolizes the pu- rity and spirit as through theme of the Leo District 306A2, 2012/2013 Leos work together from the heart. Message from District President Lion Alan Thoo’s Visit -Let’s Go MAD Leaders without Titles 25th August at Sausiripaya Auditorium There is a myth majority of On 25th of August Leos of Sri people believe – I can’t be a Lanka got a great opportunity to participate in the leadership leader if I’m not at the top or symposium conducted by the Lion Alan a title is needed like president, Thoo. He is a former leo member and a manager, supervisor, team lead- charter president of Lions Club of Da- er. This is definitely a fallacy. mansara Metro, Malasia. District President 306 A2 The workshop was conducted under the Leo Isuru Senadheera theme of ‘Let’s Go MAD (Make a Differ- ence) Today‘ and it was a huge success. Anyone can definitely become a leader without a title needed. The most important thing you need to do before you can lead other people is to lead yourself first. To become a great leader, one must first become a great person. Imagine that you are a Leo Club Secretary; why don’t you take the initiative to be a leader among all the club secretaries? Even if you are just a Leo Club member, you can still be a leader among other members of your club. At the end of the day, your personality & skills are what matters, not the titles. Every Leo Club member is a potential leader, not just an ordinary person Leos of 306 A2 with Lion Alan Thoo and Lion working in a social service organization. In Leo District 306 A2 this year, Marcus Loh at the end of “Lets Go M.A.D.” we strongly believe in building leaders at every level – leaders without workshop titles. A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka Page 2 Concepts behind District President’s Theme Mighty Man & Tiny Ant How Ants Work Together Do you know the connection between mighty man and tiny ant? Man is called ‘Homo sapiens’ for having the crown of all creations with his great wisdom. A tiny insect which is nothing when compared with a man tells us many things to learn. When having a closer look at ants’ lifestyle they are well organized and each kind of ant does different job. They carry out their entire task through division of labor. This is a serious lesson for Leos to think how important to be organized as a team. The ants share everything they get and show great interest in sharing. As Leos who are dedicated to serve the community we should share not only things but also thoughts. To achieve our mission and to make our vision a reality it is important to work together from our hearts. The sense of discipline among the ants is really amazing. How pleasant is their marching sight, one after another in a line. But think of man’s spirit of division. He is more interested in division than unity. So Leo Club is the best place to convey this lesson of unity to the community. Today many individuals are busy doing nothing. If we can always keep ourselves busy all day long for the well being of community as well as ourselves by working together, we will never be tired of what we are doing. Everything an ant does is for the benefit of the colony and they will work until they are done. Some are tunneling, some are moving ma- terial and others are looking for food. Whenever an obstacle is placed in the way of ants, they always find a way round such obstacles. Crossing a gap may seems to be impossible for a single ant, but you know what is possible to be happen when a line of ants come together. It’s not a miracle when they have done it. It is just their nature and for what they are used to. There are many obstacles in life that have to be overcome individually as well as by working as a team. Watching ants at work and play is amazing for us. The lessons from these tiny ants tell lot of things to the modern society. The lessons they teach should lead us to unity. Follow them and make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race. Leo Club of Rattanapitiya visits Camila School Camilla school is a home for disabled brothers and sisters who need special care. Leos of Rattanapitiya met the staff and gave the buns and tea for their tea time. After those brothers and sisters had tea Leos went to all the rooms to spend some time with them. They sang songs with Leos and enjoyed the time Leos spent with them. A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka Page 3 District Installation Think Globally & Act Locally Leo Club of University of Moratuwa, Pepiliyana Metro & Kesbewa in their Beach Cleaning Project Beach is a wonderful scenery which at- tracts tourists’ eyes. So keeping it clean makes the county benefits.Although there are bins, people are not used to discharge unwanted things in to them. There are plastic bottles, polythene bags everywhere. 15th of July at Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute Auditorium They felt proud to have the opportunity to organize this kind of service project be- The 8th Installation Ceremony trict President Leo Isuru Senad- cause many people who observed what of Leo District 306A2 for the le- heera along with his team, district we did complimented them saying “Guys oistic year 2012/2013 was held council for the new leoistic year, you are doing a fantastic job”. on 15th of July at Hector Kob- took up their vows to serve in bekaduwa Agrarian Research and their roles and responsibilities This was in association with Pepiliyana Training Institute Auditorium. The undertaken. District president’s Metro & Kesbewa Leos. The project was Chief Guest for the occasion was theme for the year 2012/2013, held on 25th August 2012 at Mount La- District Governor Lion Duminda “Together From The Heart” was vinia Beach from 2.00p.m. onwards. Munasinghe MJF, JP and Past introduced and district president’s Multiple District President Mr. logo was unveiled where DP’s Shehan Kumar was the Guest of logo pins were awarded to the Honour of the ceremony. Dis- recognized dignitaries Leos collecting garbage at beach Leo District Council 2012/2013 of 306 A2 with District Governor The Editorial Team Chief Editor (July/Aug Issue): Leo Kesari Senevirathne MJF Editors: Leo Lochana Mahawatta, Leo Kalhari De Soyza, A group photo of all the Leos participated in Leo Ishara Weerasinghe, Leo Dilan Samarakkody cleaning the Mt.Lavinia beach Newsletter Designed by Leo Themiya Bandara. A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka Page 4 Chat with Leo of the Year International Leo Charith Siriwardana What motivated you to venture into Leoism? Actually friends. My best friend Leo Abhiruchika had invited me to join this lovely movement. Without knowing head or tale about Leoism I came and became a Leo. What were the challenges that you faced as a Leader of Leo District? Do not run after awards. First club presidency was a challenge for me. And when working as a Leader of Leo If you do your best you will District sometimes the irresponsibility of Leos was a problem for me. And some- be automatically rewarded. times the lack of enthusiasm of them towards a given task and lack of participation were challenges for me. How did you overcome those challenges? I always had plan and a target when I’m working. That was the first thing. And I had a determination. Even when I was doing a little project I always had a plan. The support from other Leos. Leos of District 306A2 are very friendly and very supportive. Especially in 2011 conference, Platter and recently in presidents’ camp I got a huge Support from my fellow Leos. And always I double checked everything. Perfect communication with others helped me a lot to come a long journey in Leoism. I always helped others. I was available for my district and club whenever they want me. And I never mislead others. What are your values in Leoism? Friendship and opportunities. We are meeting lifetime friends in Leoism. And also sharing and caring. Respecting the attitudes of others, Faithfulness and experience. Each day in Leoism we get new experiences. For example even in a project like alms giving we get many experiences. We can have a good time and also fun in Leoism. In short Leo is a part of my life. What is the energy you see in Leoism that should be improved for the betterment with your experience? Fellowship is the most important thing. All of us are volunteers. We should have an interest in what we are doing. So I think all of us are working together as friends and also members of one loving family. Smart work, commitment and dedication are the other things. What made you achieve this prestigious award? Hmmmm… I never tried for awards or run after them. I always did my responsibilities to my best. As a result I was been awarded in the Leo District Level, Multiple and International level. And I had to make a profile nomine to the multiple. In that also it was my lifetime friends who made it. My Leo district and my fellow Leos were always behind me. And finally I got that award from the Lions Club International. What is your message to Leoism as a Leo who climbed to International awards? As I mentioned earlier all of us are volunteers. Friendship and Fellowship are the most important things. Be a friend to others. You should not force others to do something. Whether you are a club president or a Leader in Leo district or multiple you can’t command others. If you are a good leader you should have the ability to done something without forcing. Whatever the responsibility you get do it properly. For example if you are given to do the registration, do your best. Make it the best registration sheet. Always communicate with your fellow Leos that will help you to get a good recognition. Don’t stick into personal agendas. And also do not go in a rat race for awards. If you do your best you will be automatically rewarded.” And finally love this movement. That is my message for all my Leo friends. Interview done by: Leo Kesari Senaviratne and Leo Ishara Weerasinghe A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka Page 5 Leo Presidents’ Camp 2012 For the first time in the history of Leo District 306A2 Leo Presidents' Camp was organized by Leo District Council 306A2 in collaboration with Lions Club of Colombo Media Circle. It was held on 18th and 19th of August at Kithulgala. The two day adventure camp was a new experience to all the council officers and club presidents and was an opportunity to strengthen the link among the key officers of the district. District Governor and Lions of District 306A2 graced the occasion with their presence and shared their valuable thoughts with the Leo club presidents and council officers. Leo Presidents showing their creative talents at paper dress- All the camp participants of Leo Presidents’ Camp 2012. ing competition at camp night. Together we made it. The cheerful atmosphere at the camp site. A team of Leo Leaders with the salad they made at cookery competition at the first day evening. Care with Share Leo Club of Katuwawala Organized their First Service Project Leo club of Katuwawala has organized their inaugural project for the differently able children at Aruna Home Panadura on the 10th of August 2012 by offering an exiting dinner and entertainment. The project title was “Care with Share” as our members shared the necessary expenses among ourselves with care towards this differently able children. A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka Page 6 Club News Clubs Installations on July/August Leo Club of University organized their first ever get-together with past Leos of their club along with the installation held on 1st of August. Leo Club of Rattanapitiya Installation was held The Synergy Roars! The installation ceremony of Leo Club of on 4th of August. Kalubowila was held on 26th of August at Fingara. Officers of Leo Club of Moragahahena were installed on 31st Newly installed president of Leo Club of Mattegoda address- of August. ing his fellow Leos at their installation ceremony. Leo Club of Bulathsinhala Organizes World Population Day Poster Campaign Leo club of Bulathsinhala, Leo District 306A2 organized a poster com- petition on 11th of July 2012 regarding the world Population Day. The main purpose of this project was to make children aware about the world population day and also to instruct them about the outcomes of increasing population. Several school going children participated in this competition and we got good response from Sri Chandraseka- ra deaf school, Horethuduwa, Moratuwa. A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka Page 7 Concepts behind District President’s Theme Marching Onward, All as One Sri Lankan Way of Working Together Have you ever tasted a cup of Cey- are a close linked community. The the theme of collaboration, we would lon tea? From the plant to the place strength of the family unit witnessed be divided and destroyed. The secret where you taste it, it conveys the the spirit of our cooperative society. of their success was thinking equally message of unity and cooperation Leo movement of Sri Lanka has en- as one heart and working together as of Sri Lankan hearts. Everyday thou- riched with that hereditary values of one team. sands of estate workers pluck several harmony and peace. million tea leaves by hand. This is the Experiencing Sri Lankan culture is a first step and there are number of This small island has a long history life time opportunity. Can we ever processes where another thousand and all ethnicities and religions have found a better place than Sri Lanka of people involved in gaining that been living in peace and harmony to learn about working together quality of Ceylon tea. What will hap- while all the past leaders were trying from our hearts? If you can hear the pen if there is no cooperation among to promote social ethics and moral sounds of their souls, it will tell you a this working force? Sri Lanka would within the society. Their ultimate lot of things about the Sri Lankan way never achieve the target of being a purpose was to convey the message of working together and will certainly leading tea exporter in the world. Not of working together and unite peo- nourish your thoughts with unity, only in the recent Sri Lankan commu- ple under one flag. affinity and integrity. Their hearts nity, there are many more examples are always murmuring that phrase from its renowned history for work- The Sri Lankan independence move- which they are always induced by. ing together, linked with their hearts. ment was a peaceful political move- “Eka mawakage daru kela bawina, ment which aimed at achieving inde- yamu yamu wee nopama”- In love A nation of contrast and unity, Sri pendence from the foreign Empires. enfolded, a mighty nation. Marching Lanka, is mirrored with a unique But every step they have put on in onward, all as one. cultural values and etiquettes which this path of freedom reflects the made us a proud nation with a simple power of working together as a na- and cooperative life style. Sri Lankans tion. If any of them went away from 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 info@leodistrict306a2.org | www.leodistrict306a2.org A Publication of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka Page 8
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