HEARTBEAT

The Official Newsletter of Leo District 306 A2 Sri Lanka

July/August 2012 | 1st Edition

In this issue

Mighty Man & Tiny Ant Working Together A lesson from Ants

A Chat with Leo of the Year International Leo Charith Siriwardana

Marching Onward, All as One The Sri Lankan Way

The Leo District 306A2 is one of the leading Leo districts in Sri Lanka. Its 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.

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Leos of A2 work Together from the Heart

Energetic, virtuous, extrovert, young Leos are like lotus which grows in muddy 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. Its like Leos are blooming from the sun shine of the Lions and enhancing their skills for the betterment of the society. The District Presidents 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 purity and spirit as through theme of the Leo District 306A2, 2012/2013 Leos work together from the heart.

Lion Alan Thoos Visit -Lets Go MAD

25th August at Sausiripaya Auditorium
On 25th of August Leos of Sri Lanka got a great opportunity to participate in the leadership symposium conducted by the Lion Alan Thoo. He is a former leo member and a charter president of Lions Club of Damansara Metro, Malasia. The workshop was conducted under the theme of Lets Go MAD (Make a Difference) Today and it was a huge success.

Message from District President

Leaders without Titles

There is a myth majority of people believe I cant be a leader if Im not at the top or a title is needed like president, manager, supervisor, team leader. This is definitely a fallacy.
District President 306 A2 Leo Isuru Senadheera

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 dont 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 working in a social service organization. In Leo District 306 A2 this year, we strongly believe in building leaders at every level leaders without titles.

Leos of 306 A2 with Lion Alan Thoo and Lion Marcus Loh at the end of Lets Go M.A.D. workshop

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Mighty Man & Tiny Ant

How Ants Work Together

Concepts behind District Presidents Theme

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 mans 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 material 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. Its 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.

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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 attracts 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. They felt proud to have the opportunity to organize this kind of service project because many people who observed what we did complimented them saying Guys you are doing a fantastic job. This was in association with Pepiliyana Metro & Kesbewa Leos. The project was held on 25th August 2012 at Mount Lavinia Beach from 2.00p.m. onwards.

15th of July at Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute Auditorium
The 8th Installation Ceremony of Leo District 306A2 for the leoistic year 2012/2013 was held on 15th of July at Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute Auditorium. The Chief Guest for the occasion was District Governor Lion Duminda Munasinghe MJF, JP and Past Multiple District President Mr. Shehan Kumar was the Guest of Honour of the ceremony. District President Leo Isuru Senadheera along with his team, district council for the new leoistic year, took up their vows to serve in their roles and responsibilities undertaken. District presidents theme for the year 2012/2013, Together From The Heart was introduced and district presidents logo was unveiled where DPs logo pins were awarded to the 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, Leo Ishara Weerasinghe, Leo Dilan Samarakkody Newsletter Designed by Leo Themiya Bandara.

A group photo of all the Leos participated in cleaning the Mt.Lavinia beach

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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?

First club presidency was a challenge for me. And when working as a Leader of Leo District sometimes the irresponsibility of Leos was a problem for me. And sometimes the lack of enthusiasm of them towards a given task and lack of participation were challenges for me.

Do not run after awards. If you do your best you will be automatically rewarded.

How did you overcome those challenges?

I always had plan and a target when Im 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 cant 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. Dont 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

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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 dressing competition at camp night.

All the camp participants of Leo Presidents Camp 2012. 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.

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Clubs Installations on July/August

Club News

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 on 4th of August.

The Synergy Roars! The installation ceremony of Leo Club of Kalubowila was held on 26th of August at Fingara.

Officers of Leo Club of Moragahahena were installed on 31st of August.

Newly installed president of Leo Club of Mattegoda addressing 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 competition 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 Chandrasekara deaf school, Horethuduwa, Moratuwa.

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Concepts behind District Presidents Theme

Marching Onward, All as One

Sri Lankan Way of Working Together
Have you ever tasted a cup of Ceylon tea? From the plant to the place where you taste it, it conveys the message of unity and cooperation of Sri Lankan hearts. Everyday thousands of estate workers pluck several million tea leaves by hand. This is the first step and there are number of processes where another thousand of people involved in gaining that quality of Ceylon tea. What will happen if there is no cooperation among this working force? Sri Lanka would never achieve the target of being a leading tea exporter in the world. Not only in the recent Sri Lankan community, there are many more examples from its renowned history for working together, linked with their hearts. A nation of contrast and unity, Sri Lanka, is mirrored with a unique cultural values and etiquettes which made us a proud nation with a simple and cooperative life style. Sri Lankans are a close linked community. The strength of the family unit witnessed the spirit of our cooperative society. Leo movement of Sri Lanka has enriched with that hereditary values of harmony and peace. This small island has a long history and all ethnicities and religions have been living in peace and harmony while all the past leaders were trying to promote social ethics and moral within the society. Their ultimate purpose was to convey the message of working together and unite people under one flag. The Sri Lankan independence movement was a peaceful political movement which aimed at achieving independence from the foreign Empires. But every step they have put on in this path of freedom reflects the power of working together as a nation. If any of them went away from the theme of collaboration, we would be divided and destroyed. The secret of their success was thinking equally as one heart and working together as one team. Experiencing Sri Lankan culture is a life time opportunity. Can we ever found a better place than Sri Lanka to learn about working together from our hearts? If you can hear the sounds of their souls, it will tell you a lot of things about the Sri Lankan way of working together and will certainly nourish your thoughts with unity, affinity and integrity. Their hearts are always murmuring that phrase which they are always induced by. Eka mawakage daru kela bawina, yamu yamu wee nopama- In love enfolded, a mighty nation. Marching onward, all as one.

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