19th of July 2009 was the most memorable day of the month for the Leo District Council 306 B2. It was none other than the installation ceremony of the most dedicated and competent council for the future events of Leoism in Sri Lanka.
The audience was crowded with Leos who eagerly participated in the event, garlanding the hall with beaming energy throughout the constructive experience.
The event initiated with the National Anthem which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance presented by Leo Yunara Perera (The President of the Leo Club of Kelaniya 306B2)
“I pledge of my hand, extended and open, to help those in need.
I pledge of my heart, reach for it, and it will be touch.
I pledge of my ears, to hear another’s out cry,
My eyes to see the plight of others, my knowledge to bring a man closer to his dream
I pledge of myself, for the betterment of my community and my country.”
The devoted words of the Leo Pledge came out from Leo Kirhiga, who afterwards took over the stage to precede with the installation agenda.
The welcome address was given by Leo S Thirupparan, the Immediate Past District President demonstrate hospitality towards everyone who was present.
After the speech given by Leo S. Thirupparan, the proceedings were handed over to Dinesh Thiyagaraja District President who is also known as a visionary leader born to Leoism to guide the way for all Leos to achieve their goals of making our world a better place.
The next event took place was the installation of the members which was done by Lion Kingsley Bernard MJF, The District Governor, The International Association of Lions Clubs District 306B2.
After lighting the oil lamp and unveiling the Banner “Vision to Victory” ,the logo and a video presentation kept the audience well informed about the vision, fervent council members, obligations, mission to the success and future events of Leoism.
Next the event proceeded to its most astonishing time of that evening. It was the speech given by Dinesh Thiyagaraja which kept the audience spellbound with all eyes fixed on him during the speech. His words were greatly inspiring and undeniably motivated all Leos present! He was also named as the Sri Lankan Barak Obama for his oratorical skills.
His speech contained very interesting topics concerning the enhancement of skills in order to achieve greatly towards success. He alleged how “quality membership is vital for the growth and prosperity of Leoism” and as a measurement that “Innovation will be encouraged and healthy changes will be facilitated to succeed as the best district” He also included the fact that “healthy relationships are vital to progress and prosper” Dinesh Thiyagaraja advised his members regarding building image, environment education and Future first programme.
After keeping the audience enthralled, the speech ended with thundering applauds which gave a new life to the Leos present. Soon after, the newly installed council members were invited to the head table as they ensued with the rest of the agenda. Later the appointment letters of the council members were handed to them as a part of the formality suggested itself.
Next the introduction of the chief guest was given by W.S. Edward which was later followed by the speech given by Lion Kingsley Bernard MJF, The District Governor, The International Association of Lions Clubs District 306B2.
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After the speech, the event arrived to an emotional, poignant and a sensitive phase as the District President Leo Dinesh Thiyagaraja’s father garlanded the stage to felicitate him in the event. Those moving seconds made the whole evening very valuable and heart tendering to all the Leos who were present in the evening!
A special mention to be made about the launching of Leo monthly newsletter named “VICTORY” for the first time in history of Leo District 306 B2, which will be published every month demonstrating all the project activities done by the clubs and about Leoism. This was given attention by many Leos as an inspiring attempt made by the District Council for the advancement of Leoism.
The Installed District Council Officers as follows:
Vice District President – Leo Supipi Silva
Secretary – Leo S Nimalaprakasan
Treasurer – Leo Rakitha Weligama
Director – Health Care & Education – Leo Sukumal Fernando
Director – Leadership & Youth Development – Leo S Mayuran
Director – Commemorative & Public Affairs – Leo Hasini Gamage
Director – Elders Care & Environment Projects Leo A Y Faiz Ahamed Faiz
Director – Sports – Leo R Praveen
The officer key officers as follows;
Team Leader – Lion V Alagendran MJF
Immediate Past District President – Leo S Thirupparan
District Chairperson – Leo Programme Region 1-3 – Lion S Ravikumar MJF
District Chairperson – Leo Programme Region 4-6 – Lion Jayantha Kotuwegoda
District Chairperson – Leo Programme Region 7-9 – Lion Ravi Sumathiwardena
Consultant to the District Council – Lion S Pragalathen
Advisor to the District President – Lion Norbert N Fernando MJF
The event came to an awe-inspiring ending with the vote of thanks given by S Nimalaprakasan as the 5th Installation of Leo District Council 306B2 arrived at its termination. It was an implausible day for all the Leos as a remarkable event for the month of July 2009!
By Gihanthi De Silva
