On behalf of all the members of the Leo Club of Piliyandala, we would like to thank everyone for making the event a success.
Our Sincere gratitude go to the Chief guest - District President, Leo Kasun Pathirana, Guest of Honor - 2nd Vice governor of District 306 A2 Lion Asanga Samarasekara MJF and his gracious Lady, Lion Chandani Samarasekara, all the visiting Leos (From the Leo clubs of Bokundara, Horana Metro, Rattanapitiya,, Kalubowila, Polgasowita, University of Moratuwa, Werahera, Matugama, Mattegooda, Dehiwala East, and Moragahahena), Leo Parents, and all the council officers including the District Chairman for Leos.
After the 30 years terrible war, Sri Lanka is standing up as a new country under one National Flag. As the young generation, we have responsibility for rebuilding the state of our motherland. As a result of this, 306 A2 Leos could get a golden opportunity to join hands with ROAR International Organization for the great project “Sisu Diriya” to help needy and deserving students a chance to obtain access to quality education and improve the standard of living. The main target of this project was to create a documentary about the youth of Vauniya and the created documentary of this program was submitted for the 8th Annual International Human Rights Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland from 25th to the 29th August 2011. As a co-project of this stationary items were distributed over 200 students from two schools.On behalf of Roar International Youth Organization and Leos, the books were collected by Leo club of Horana Metro, Leo club of Piliyandala and Leo Club of Matugama. To remark the capability of Leos this was a good chance as we got the message before only one day. Eventhough it’s an instant project, we could make it success by being together. Those all books were collected from Leos and Lions. Happy to say we enjoyed from the deepest place of our hearts for join this kind of service project.
This project benefits to 250 students of Dharmaraja College, Mampe, Piliyandala as well as the students of the Piliyandala education zone, consists of more than 10 schools in the area
The focal point of this year International Presidents’ Theme “A BEACON OF HOPE” is Service. Main service campaign scheduled for the month of August is “ENGAING OUR YOUTH”.
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| Leos who join with "Thurunu Dethin Sahan Eliyak" |
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| Piliyandala leos |
In the morning session the Leos organized a Alms giving programs, Cleaning programs and Entertaining programs at the Elders homes .The evening session all the Leos and the Lions were participated to clean and paint the maternity and Children ward of Wethara Hospital At the end of the day the Oxygen Cylinder Container was donated to the Wethara Hospital also.
Leo club of Piliyandala was requested to organize a project for elders by Lion Vidyakeerthi of Lions club of Moragahahena on behalf of International Lions President’s theme “Engaging our youth”. Therefore we chose Jayawardana elders home which is a prominent elders home in Kesbewa area. We could repair some of the broken equipments there and we fully cleaned the premises with all our might. The project was a complete success. The chief guest of the event was the I.P.M.P Leo Sadeepa Palliyagyru.
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| Leo Club members who participated |
This project was jointly organized Eye and cataract distribution project by LEO Club of Piliyandala, Lions club of Kalubowila circle , Lions club of Galkissa and Lions club of Rattanapitiya.
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| Governor Lion Chandra Katuwawala donate the 1st pair of glases. |
EYE and Cataract Project is a join project with the lions club.This Eye & Cataract Project was held at Dulammahara, which is about 10 miles away from Colombo. It is a remote place, where you find many underprivileged. We could screen the patients and also distributed 100+ spectacles among them.
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| Leo Abhiruchika working with the project documents |
What are Leo clubs?
Leo clubs are an official activity of Lions Clubs International that encourages young men and women to serve others in their community and around the world. Leo clubs are sponsored by local Lions clubs and may be either school-affiliated or community-based. Leo club activities include regular meetings, service projects and social functions. The Leo motto—Leadership, Experience, Opportunity—is fulfilled as members work together in response to the needs of others.
The youth of a community
are a valuable resource, but one that cannot be taken for granted. Many of today’s young men and women have the capabilities and the desire to make a difference in the world around them. Too often, however, they do not have the opportunity to do so. Leo clubs provide this opportunity. Lions clubs are encouraged to invest in the future of their young people and their communities through sponsorship of Leo clubs. The following questions and answers will help prepare a Lions club to become involved in the Leo Club Program
Who benefits from Leo clubs?
Young people :- Participation in Leo activities and projects helps young people prepare for the future by developing leadership, organizational and social skills. Members experience increased self-esteem and personal growth as they meet challenges and accept responsibilities.
By volunteering their time and talents for the benefit of others, Leos learn firsthand the value and rewards of service. Leo club involvement can start young men and women on a lifetime of helping others.
The sponsoring Lions club :- By sharing in service activities, a Leo club can increase a Lions club’s effectiveness in helping others. Leo projects within the community also contribute to a Lions club’s visibility and good reputation. Working with young people can help Lions club members experience renewed interest and enthusiasm for projects and activities. If Leos are sons or daughters of Lions, club involvement becomes a “family affair.”
The community :- Leo projects contribute to the well being of the community. Improving the environment, promoting drug awareness, offering health services, visiting the elderly and providing food, clothing and supplies to the needy are some of the ways Leos improve the quality of life for others. Involvement in the Leo International Environment Project helps to create a more ecologically concerned world.
Who can be a Leo?
Leo club membership is open to young men and women between the ages of 12 and 28. Membership is divided into two classifications: alpha or regular members (ages 12-17) and omega or senior members (ages 18-28). A club may include either or both age classifications, depending upon local preferences. Young people of high moral standards who wish to serve others are eligible to become Leos. School administrators, Lions, friends of Lions and community leaders can provide names of potential members. Candidates may also be recruited through public announcements.
What is the Lion - Leo relationship?
The success of a Leo club depends on a close partnership with its sponsoring Lions club. The Lions’ role is to offer support, guidance and counsel while the Leos are responsible for planning and implementing their own activities, financing their projects, and maintaining the smooth operation of the club. Leos have their own club officers and constitution. The Leo club advisor (a member of the sponsoring Lions club) serves as the chief liaison between the Leo and Lions clubs. Duties of the advisor include offering constructive suggestions to the Leos, reporting on their activities to the Lions club and promoting a cooperative relationship between the two clubs.
What are some of the privileges of Leo membership?
As a sponsored activity of a Lions club, Leo clubs are entitled to many services and benefits offered by Lions Clubs International. Informational and club materials include new member kits, guides for service activities, leadership aids, ideas for fundraising, club supplies and international newsletters. Leos can participate in the annual Lions
Clubs International Convention, attending their own functions. Leos are also entitled to receive official awards and recognition for their achievements. Because of the international scope of Leo clubs, members enjoy the global identity of a worldwide organization. International programs such as club twinning, youth exchange and youth camps enable Leos to connect with and learn from other young people around the world.
A brief history
Today’s international Leo Club Program began with a single club at Abington High School, Pennsylvania, USA, organized in 1957 by the Glenside Lions Club. Other Lions clubs soon began organizing youth service clubs and in 1967, Leo clubs were adopted as an official program of Lions Clubs International. The Leo Program has grown to include more than 140,000 Leos in over 138 countries.
