District 306 C1
Sri Lanka
Club Number:25598
|
Lions Club of Kandy - Sri Lanka |
The Lions Clubs
International
- its
Founder and its Introduction to Sri Lanka and Kandy.
By Lion
Ananda Pilimatalavuva
The
Founder
The
history of Lionism begins with Melvin Jones who was born on the 13th of
January 1879 at Fort Thomas in Arizona USA. He was the son of a United States
Army Captain who commanded a troop of scouts. Later young Melvin Jones made
his home in Chicago, Illinois and became associated with an insurance firm and
established his own agency in 1913.
Very
soon he joined a businessmen's luncheon group and got elected as the secretary
of this business group. As this group didn't survive for long, Melvin Jones
had other ideas to bring together the talents, intelligence and drive of these
businessmen to improve their communities. Hence he invited delegates from
men's clubs to form such an organization on 7th June 1917; thus was born the
Lions Clubs International. Melvin Jones eventually abandoned his insurance
agency and concentrated full time on Lions at their International Headquarters
in Chicago. It was under his dynamic leadership that Lions Clubs earned the
prestige required to attract service minded men. The first International
Convention of 27 clubs all from USA was held in Dallas, Texas on the 8th of
October 1917.
Melvin Jones was recognized as a leader even outside the association. His
greatest honour was when he represented the Lions Clubs International as a
consultant at the organization of the United Nations in San Francisco
California in 1945. He died on the 1st June 1961 at the age of 82.
Introduction to Sri Lanka
(As
related to Lion Ananda Pilimatalavuva by Lion Dr.Nihal Karunaratne)
On 15th
April 1958, the Lions Club of Colombo (Host) was inaugurated by District 304
of South India. Five years later in July 1963 the second Club, the Lions Club
of Colombo South was inaugurated. In August 1964 the Lions Club of Colombo
North was inaugurated and in November the same year the first outstation Club,
the Lions Club of Kandy was inaugurated by the Colombo Host Club. In 1966
with the formation of 6 clubs, provisional District Status was obtained with
Lion K. Satchithanandan as the first District Governor of the Provisional
District.
Within the next few years Lionism grew rapidly with 30 Clubs being
inaugurated and a fully fledged District 306 was established by 1969, with
clubs being formed in both urban and rural areas and distributed throughout
the country, language being no barrier. In 1978 / 79 a Multiple District was
formed with Clubs in District 306 A being geographically located in the
southern half of the country and the Clubs in District 306 B being in the
western, central, northern and eastern areas with Colombo as the demarcating
line. In 1989 / 90 District 306 C was established to accommodate the
increasing numbers of Lions and new Clubs, and to relieve the burden on
District Governors. With the progressive re-districting each district now
holds its own Convention on separate days and elects its own District
Governor.
Introduction to Kandy
(As
related to Lion Ananda Pilimatalavuva by Lion Dr.Nihal Karunaratne)
In
early October 1964, late Lion L.I.de Silva of the Colombo Lions Club called
on Dr.Gemunu Karunaratna and his brother Dr.Nihal Karunaratna requesting
them to find 20 service-oriented persons for a preliminary meeting to explain
the functions of a Lions Club.
A preliminary meeting of an ad hoc number of persons met at Dr.Nihal
Karunaratna's home to explore the possibility of starting a Club. There being
a fair amount of enthusiasm and co-operation, 20 persons were selected for
membership. They were Messrs. E.L.Senanayake, A.C.L. Ratwatte, Dr.J.C.Block,
Dr.J.E.Senanayake, Dr.K.B.Sangakkara, Sathis Thambugala, David Liyanage, Eric
Mendis, D.D.Jayawardena, G.Hemamallika, Damion Paiva, K.P.Abeywickrema,
M.M.Coomaraswamy, Dr.Lucien Blaze, Dr.A.D.P.Jayatilleke, Dr.Gemunu Karunaratna,
Dr.K.R.Swami, Dr.Nihal Karunaratna, T. Wimalasinghe and N.W.A.D.G.Wijesooriya.
On 15th October 1964 the Extension Chairman of the Colombo Lions
Club, late Lion Ivor de Silva wrote to these prospects requesting them to be
present with their ladies at the Queen's Hotel Ballroom at 11.00 a.m. on
Sunday 25th October, 1964. In response to this invitation, about 25 Lions and
Lion Ladies too from the Colombo Lions Club came by special train from Colombo
for this preliminary meeting. Among them were Lion Satchithanandan the
founder of Lionism in Sri Lanka, Lion Dr.Shelton Cabraal, Lion Zain Markar and
Lion D.N.W.de Silva who was the Tail Twister. The meeting was a great
success, the prospects were told of the numerous activities and functions of a
Lions Club, the financial commitments, management, goals and targets.
As anticipated, a few of these prospects backed out but others came
forward and were included in the list of proposed Charter Members. On the 2nd
of November 1964 a preliminary meeting sponsored by the Colombo Lions Club was
held at the Queen's Hotel to inaugurate the Lions Club of Kandy. At this
meeting twenty two dedicated persons who were present indicated their
willingness to be Charter Members of the Club and were inducted. Some of these
persons later became stalwarts of the Kandy Lions Cub. They were Lions Chandra
Wijenaike, Sugathe Gunasekera, Dr.Claude Mendis, Dr.C.D.L. Fernando, Perry de
Lanerolle, and Dr.Nihal Karunaratna.
The Charter of the International Associations of Lions Clubs was
presented to the Charter President Late Lion Dr.K.B.Sangakkara on the 16th of
January 1965 by Lion Minoo Engineer from India at the Queen's Hotel Ballroom.
At that time, District 306 was still associated with the Lions Clubs of India.
The Charter Secretary was late Lion Dr.A.D.P. Jayatilleke and the Charter
Treasurer was late Lion D.D.Jayawardena. The Charter Lion Tamer was late Lion
Perry de Lanerolle, the Charter Bulletin Editor was Lion Keerthi Abeywickrema
and the Charter Tail Twister was Lion Dr.Nihal Karunaratna, the promoter of
the club.
During those early formative years the Charter Lions cemented a
friendship of love and caring, not only amongst themselves but also among
others and laid a solid foundation for the greatest Lions Club in Sri Lanka.
At the time of writing, of the original Charter Members Lions Chandra
Wijenaike, Sugathe Gunasekera and Dr.Nihal Karunaratna are still with the
club.
July 2008.
Honour Roll
- Past
Presidents / Secretaries / Treasurers of
The Lions Club Of Kandy MD306 C1- Sri Lanka
Lions who have
taken on the added responsibilities of President of the Lions Club of Kandy
MD306 C1, Sri Lanka, since its inception in 1965 are given below. These
gentlemen have served the club unselfishly and proudly over the years and
their hard work has been translated into a very progressive Club that today
serves the community of Kandy and its suburbs.
|
YEAR |
PRESIDENTS |
SECRETARIES |
TREASURERS |
|
1965-1966 |
Dr.K.B.Sangakkara |
Prof.A.D.P.Jayatilake |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1966-1967 |
Chandra
Wijenaike |
Gamini
Hewamallika |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1967-1968 |
Chandra
Wijenaike |
Gamini
Hewamallika |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1968-1969 |
Sathis
Thambugala |
Oswin
De Silva |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1969-1970 |
A.D.P.Jayathilake |
Oswin De Silva |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1970-1971 |
Dr.J.C.W.Mendis |
Ranjith
De Alwis |
Daya
Mudalige |
|
1971-1972 |
Manthi
Ranawaka |
Chippy
Ranasinghe |
Ramiah
Rajendran |
|
1972-1973 |
Oswin
De Silva |
Walter Herath |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1973-1974 |
Prof.M.
Fernando |
Ramiah
Rajendran |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1974-1975 |
M.Amarawardena |
Claude Mendis |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1975-1976 |
Lionel
Fernando |
Upali
Senanayake |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1976-1977 |
Dr. Nihal
Karunaratne |
Kenneth De
Silva |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1977-1978 |
Stanley Martin |
Wilson
Fernando |
D.D.Jayawardena |
|
1978-1979 |
Kenneth De
Silva |
Kirthi
Abeywickrama |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
|
1979-1980 |
Ivan
Wijesuriya |
Upali
Senanayake |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
|
1980-1981 |
Dr.Nihal
Karunaratne |
David
Liyanage |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
|
1981-1982 |
Kirthi
Abeywickrama |
Col.Alan
Nugawela |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
|
1982-1983 |
Dr.A.Samad
Ismail |
Mahinda
Samarasinghe |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
|
1983-1984 |
Dr.S.Nadeson |
Mahinda
Samarasinghe |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
|
1984-1985 |
Lloyd Perera |
Lakshman
Sirimanne |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
|
1985-1986 |
Chippy
Ranasinghe |
Leslie
Dunuwila |
Nihal
Perera |
|
1986-1987 |
Mahinda
Samarasinghe |
Leonard De
Alwis |
Daya Weeraratne |
|
1987-1988 |
Nihal De Silva |
Farook Ismail |
Ernie
Dassanayake |
|
1988-1989 |
Lakshman
Sirimanne |
Mahinda
Samarasinghe |
Ernie
Dassanayake |
|
1989-1990 |
Dr.Reggie
Seimon |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Daya
Weeraratne |
|
1990-1991 |
Leonard De
Alwis |
Cyril
Gunasekara |
Daya Weeraratne |
|
1991-1992 |
Prof. Malcom
Fernando |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Lakshman
Sirimanne |
|
1992-1993 |
Emie
Dassanayake |
Huzair
M.Yoosuf |
Dr.Jayalath
De Silva |
|
1993-1994 |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Upali
Hemachandra
Ivan Wijesuriya |
Dr.Jayalath
De Silva |
|
1994-1995 |
Nihal
Perera |
Dr.Jayalath
De Silva |
Daya
Weeraratne |
|
1995-1996 |
Huzair
M.Yoosuf |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Duminda
Hulangamuwa |
|
1996-1997 |
Dr.Jayalath
De Silva |
Ramiah
Rajendran |
Daya
Weeraratne |
|
1997-1998 |
Prof.Indrajee
Amarasinghe |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Mancius Paiva |
|
1998-1999 |
Dr.Nihal
Karunaratne |
Ananda
Pilimatalavuva |
Mancius Paiva |
|
1999-2000 |
Daya Weeraratne |
Ramiah
Rajendran |
Lasantha De
Fonseka |
|
2000-2001 |
Ananda
Pilimatalavuva |
Nanda
Bandaranayake |
Cyril De Costa |
|
2001-2002 |
Lasantha De
Fonseka |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Ernie
Dassanayake |
|
2002-2003 |
Dr.Prasad
Amaratunga |
Prof.Don
Senanayake |
Ernie
Dassanayake |
|
2003-2004 |
Ernie
Dassanayake |
Rukmal
Salgadu
Nandana Kariyapperuma |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
|
2004-2005 |
Ananda
Pilimatalavuva |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Nandana
Kariyapperuma |
|
2005-2006 |
Prof.C.B.Dissanayake |
Ramiah
Rajendran |
Udena
Welikumbura |
|
2006-2007 |
M.A.C.Perera |
Dr.
M. P. B.Wijayagunawardane |
Udena
Welikumbura |
|
2007-2008 |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Mahes
Balasubramaniam |
Ramiah
Rajendran |
|
2008-2009 |
Chitra
Weeraratne |
Dudley
Gunatilake |
Rukshan
Gunatilake |
The Lions Club
Of Kandy
The First Forty Four Years: 1965/66 to 2008/09
The Past Presidents
(Prepared by Lion
Ananda Pilimatalavuva from notes supplied by Lion Dudley Gunathilake).
1. 1965 / 66:
Lion Dr.K.B.Sangakkara
Lion Dr.Sangakkara was a keen sports enthusiast of Kandy, a ruggerite in his
day who used to spend time in the evenings at Asgiriya Grounds helping Trinity
College with their rugger practices with Major Harry Hardy their coach. A
former President of the Kandy Sports Club and being among the 22 Charter
Members of the Club he was unanimously invited to be the Charter President of
the Club in 1965 / 66.
Lion
Prof.A.D.P.Jayatilaka was his Secretary.
2. 1966 / 1967:
3. 1967 / 1968: Lion Chandra Wijenaike
Lion Chandra Wijenaike, a leading businessman of Kandy who was the
founder Chairman of Central Finance Co. Ltd. and the first Sri Lankan to
obtain membership of the Kandy Garden Club and the Kandy Club, a live-wire in
Kandy and a Charter Member of the Club, took over from Lion Dr.Sangakkara as
President. He very willingly served two consecutive terms from 1966 / 67 to
1967 / 68. An acknowledged leader as President laid a sound foundation for the
club.
Lion Chandra was awarded the prestigious 'Charter Monarch' from 1965
to 2005, an award granted once every five years. During his presidency he
extended the Lions Club of Nawalapitiya / Kotmale with Lion Prof. Malcolm
Fernando as extension Chairman. He was Zone Chairman 1968 / 1969 and as he was
regular in attendance, received the 100 % Attendance Award for a period of
over 30 years continuously. His Lion Lady Dulcie enjoys the distinction of
having been the first President of the Lion Ladies where she too laid a solid
foundation and set an example for other Lion Ladies to emulate.
Lion Gamini Hewamallika was Secretary during his
two terms.
4. 1968 / 1969: Lion Sathis Thambugala
Lion Sathis Thambugala, a Charter Member took over the presidency
from Lion Chandra and maintained the high standards set by his two
predecessors. His Lion Lady Dr.Kusuma Thambugala served as Lion Lady
President.
Lion Oswin De Silva
was his Secretary.
5. 1969 /
1970: Lion Prof.A.D.P.Jayatilaka
Lion Prof. A.D.P.Jayatilaka who served as the Charter Secretary took over as
President from Lion Sathis Thambugala. He continued the established traditions
of the Club.
Lion Oswin De Silva was his Secretary.
6. 1970 / 1971: Lion Dr.Claude Mendis
Lion
Claude, a Charter Member was President during 1970 / 71. Subsequently he
served as Zone Chairman in 1972 / 73 and was Deputy District Governor during
1973 / 74 and 1974 / 75. He is remembered as having been a very lively
President during his tenure. His Lion Lady Marini served as Lion Lady
President during his year.
Lion Ranjith De
Alwis was his Secretary.
7. 1971 / 1972: Lion Manthi Ranawaka
He served as President of the Club during 1971 / 72 and thereafter
migrated to Australia in 1980.
Lion Chippy Ranasingha was his Secretary.
8. 1972 / 1973: Lion Oswin De Silva
Lion Oswin joined the Club in 1966 and served as President in 1972 /
73. Thereafter he became Zone Chairman in 1973 / 74 and Deputy District
Governor in 1974 / 75. He contested for District Governor at the 1978
Convention and emerged victorious as District Governor Elect. Thereafter he
transferred to the Moratuwa Club from where he served his term as District
Governor of District 306 being the last District Governor of that District
before its division. At his Convention, District 306 was divided into A & B.
His Lion Lady Indra was his Lion Lady President. They migrated to Australia at
the end of his term as Governor.
Lion Walter Herath was his Secretary.
9. 1973 / 1974: Lion Prof.Malcolm Fernando
Lion Malcolm an acknowledged academic, joined the Club in 1965. He
developed into a very knowledgeable Lion and earned the sobriquet 'Father of
Lionism of the Lions Club of Kandy'. His period as President was a memorable
one as the Lions Club of Kandy emerged as the Best Club in the District with
Lion Malcolm being selected as the Best President with his Lion Lady Donita
being selected as the Best Lion Lady President.
During his tenure, the Lion Ladies Club was selected as the best Lion
Ladies Club in the District. The Club also won many awards for projects
conducted that year. Lion Prof. Malcolm served as Zone Chairman during 1975 /
76 and Deputy District Governor in 1976 / 77. Lion Prof. Malcolm earned a
reputation as a strict disciplinarian who observed strict punctuality. The
Lions Club of Kandy proposed his name for District Governor at the convention
held in 1983. After a keen contest with a former student of his who contested
from the Kelani Valley Club he lost the good fight. In recognition of his
contribution to Lionism and the Club, the Club sponsored him as a Life member
of the International Association of Lions Clubs.
Lion Ramiah Rajendran was his Secretary.
10. 1974 / 1975: Lion Dr.M.Amerawardena
Lion Amare, a Past President of the Kandy Buddhist Association and the
Mahanuvara Y.M.B.A. and a member of many other social and religious service
organisations, joined the club in February 1966. He was a Director from 1967
to 2006. He served as President in1974 / 75 when the club emerged as 2nd
runner up at the District Contest. The Lions Club of Kegalla in District 306 B
was inaugurated that year with Lion Prof.Malcolm Fernando and PDG Lion Oswin
Silva as Extension Chairmen. He was awarded the 100% President?s award. He
also received the 100% Attendance Awards from the club for the period 1965 to
2005. He pioneered the eye donation campaigns and organized White Cane Day
annually for 26 years.
Lion Claude Mendis
served as his Secretary.
11. 1975
/ 1976: Lion Lionel Fernando
Lion Lionel was Principal of Trinity College and joined the club
in 1970 and served as the President in the Lionistic year 1975 / 76. He was a
very popular Tail Twister from 1971 to 1974 and was awarded the 100%
Attendance Award for almost 20 years. The Lions Club of Gampola was extended
during his tenure. His Lion Lady served as President of the Lion Ladies during
his term.
Lion Upali Senanayaka was his Secretary.
12. 1976 / 1977: Lion Dr.Nihal Karunaratna
Lion Dr.Nihal is the Charter Member who can be best described as the Father of
Lionism in Kandy and the Central Region of the island. He was responsible for
organising the batch of 22 prospective Charter Members to inaugurate the club
in 1965.He is a Social worker, environmentalist and historian, in addition to
being a busy family physician. He has authored many books on history and the
environment. As a social worker he was Chairman of the Kandy General Hospital
Committee for 25 years and organised and established many service
organizations like the Kandy Cancer Society. Lion Nihal was the first Tail
Twister of the club and served three consecutive years, enjoying every moment
of this period and keeping the other members in good humour. Additionally, he
tail twisted in the years 1979 / 80, 1987 / 88 and 1990 / 91. Besides these
years he has been the stand-by for tail twisting almost throughout the
existence of the Club.
He
inaugurated the Leo club of Kandy and was its guide and adviser for many
years. Being a writer he enjoyed being Bulletin Editor in 1977 / 78, 1982 / 83
and 1991 / 92 and was selected as the Best Bulletin Editor in 1977 / 78. A
novel feature of his stewardship of the club was the regular dinner meetings
organised at the homes of members where the regular projects were planned with
a project being inaugurated almost every other day, amounting to about four
projects per week.
During his
year, the Lions Club of Kandy once again emerged as the Best Club of the
District for the second time and Lion Nihal was adjudged the Best President
that year. The Lion Ladies under his Lion Lady Suvimalee was selected as the
Best Lion Ladies Club.
He served as District Chairman Environment on three occasions. He received the
Charter Chevron for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years. He received the
100 % Attendance Award from 1965 to 2006. Besides these he has received the
District Governor's Appreciation Award for Necrology, PDG Lion Chuck
Wijenathan's award for the President showing outstanding leadership during
1976 / 77, the Melvin Jones Golden Anniversary's International Award a medal
for the most outstanding fund raising project 1967 / 68 and additionally he
was the steering committee member for the convention held in Kandy in 1996. He
received the 100% President's Excellence Awards for the three occasions when
he held the post of President.
In recognition of his services to the general public and the country,
His Excellency President J.R.Jayawardena conferred on him the prestigious
national honour of Deshabandu. Finally in appreciation of his outstanding
contribution to the Lions Club of Kandy, the Club sponsored his 'Life
membership' in the International Association of Lions Clubs.
He later served a second and an unprecedented third term as President.
Lion Kenneth De Silva was his Secretary.
13. 1977 / 1978: Lion Stanley Martin
Lion Stanley joined the club in 1968 and served as President during
the Lionistic Year 1977 / 78. He was Zone Chairman in 1979 / 80 and received
the 100% Attendance Awards over a period of 25 years. His Lion Lady Thelma was
the Lion Lady President.
Lion Wilson Fernando was his Secretary.
14. 1978 / 1979: Lion Kenneth De Silva
Lion Kenneth joined the club in 1976 and was secretary during 1976 /
77 becoming President of the Club in 1978 / 79. In the following year 1979 /
80, he served as Zone Chairman. His Lion Lady Sherine was President of the
Lion Ladies; they subsequently migrated to the USA.
Lion Keerthi Abeywickrema was his Secretary.
15. 1979 / 1980: Lion Ivan Wijesuriya
Lion
Ivan, fondly referred to as 'Ivan the terrible' joined the club in 1974. He
took over as President in 1979 / 80 and was the originator of the concept of
Multi Service Projects. The first such project was conducted at Rikiligaskada.
During his term the club emerged as 2nd runner up in the District 306 B. He
was also Bulletin Editor in 1980 / 81, 1981 / 82, 1983 / 84, 1986 / 87 and
1989 / 90. He was secretary in1993 / 94 and served on the Board until 1995.
He also served as District Chairman and Region Chairman in District 306
B. He received the President's 100% Excellence Award from Lions International
and the 100% Attendance Awards over a period of 25 years. His Lion Lady Malini
was President of the Lion Ladies and emerged as the Best Lion Ladies Club in
1970 / 80. She is remembered as a very dedicated and hard-working Lion Ladies
President.
Lion Upali Senanayaka was his Secretary.
16. 1980 / 1981: Deshabndu Lion Dr.Nihal Karunaratna
Lion Dr.Nihal Karunaratna who was the promoter of the Club served a
second term as President in 1980 / 81. As usual with him at the helm, it was
a period of activity and he was again awarded the 100% Excellence Award by
Lions International. The Lions Club of Matale was extended during his tenure.
Lion David Liyanage was his Secretary.
17. 1981 / 1982: Lion Kirthi Abeywickrema
Lion Kirthi was a Charter Member and the first Bulletin Editor of
the Club. He held this position with much acceptance for a period of two
years. He took over as President in1981 / 82 and successfully organised the
extension of the Senkadagala Club as its Extension Chairman. He served as
Secretary in 1978 / 79 was Bulletin Editor several times viz. 1984 / 85, 1998
/ 99 and 1999 / 2000 and was adjudged the Best Bulletin Editor in that year. A
very knowledgeable Lion, he served on the Board of Directors for a period of
over 15 years.
Lion Col.Allan Nugawela was his Secretary.
18. 1982 / 1983: Sri Lanka Sikkamani Lion Dr.Samad Ismail
Lion Dr.Samad joined the club in 1972 and assumed office as President of the
club in 1982 / 83. During his tenure, Kandy was selected as the Best Club with
himself as Best President that year; the third occasion the Club won this
title. In the same year he also opened a 'Milk Bar' close to St. Paul's Church
where in the evenings Lions and Lion Ladies assisted in its management. He
also compiled and edited a booklet on Lionism. Lion Samad possesses a good
memory and is able to render the Lions Code of Ethics from memory. He is also
able to induct new members and install office bearers without reference to
notes.
He
is a much sought-after tail twister and held that office with distinction in
1985 / 86, 1989 / 90, 1992 / 93, 1995 / 96 and 1997 / 98, besides acting for
the tail twisters whenever they were absent. He also served as Zone Chairman
in 1983 / 84, District Chairman from 1984 / 85, Steering Committee Member and
Chairman Convention Workshops from 1990 / 91. He received the 100% Attendance
Awards for 33 years, Chevron Awards for 10 years, 20 years, 25 years and 30
years. He also received the 100% President's Excellence Award. His Lion Lady
Siyana was Lion Lady President during that year and her committee was also
adjudged as the best.
In recognition of his services to the community His Excellency
President Premadasa conferred the title of 'Sri Lanka Sikkamani' on him.
Lion Mahinda
Samarasingha was his Secretary.
19. 1983 / 1984: Lion Dr.S.Nadeson
Lion Nadeson joined the club in 1965. A quiet, silent and unassuming
person, he willingly took-over as President in1983 / 84. He received the 100%
Attendance Award for a period of over 35 years. He was a lover of sports and
served as President of the Kandy Sports Club during the 1990s. His Lion Lady
Rajeswari was the Lion Lady President that year.
Lion Mahinda Samarasingha was his Secretary.
20. 1984 / 1985: Lion Lloyd Perera
Lion Lloyd first joined the club in 1972 but left the club early and
re-joined in 1982. He was a very courageous lion who always acted with
determination irrespective of the odds against him. He took over as President
in 1984 / 85. During his tenure of office he organized a very successful
science exhibition at St Sylvester's College named the 'Poshanaya Exhibition'
and a demonstration of recycling discarded aluminum foils. Under him, the club
emerged 3rd runner up in the District Contest of District 306 B. Lion Lloyd
received the President's 100% Excellence Award. He served as Zone Chairman
in1986 / 87, District Co-ordinator 1987 / 88 and District Chairman Housing in
1988 / 89. In 1990 / 91 he contested for District Governor and lost but in his
next attempt he was successful and became District Governor of 306 C becoming
the second Governor of that District. He organized the 1991 convention in
Kandy and thereafter became Chairman of the Multiple District in1991-92. His
Lion Lady Rani gave energetic leadership to the Lion Ladies who emerged as the
Best Lion Ladies Committee once again.
Lion Lakshman Sirimanne was his Secretary.
21. 1985 / 1986: Lion Chippy Ranasinghe
Lion
Chippy joined the club in 1967 and served as President during 1985 / 86. He
received the 100%Attendance Award for a period of over 20 years. His Lion
Lady Leela was the President of Lion Ladies during his tenure of office.
Lion Leslie Dunuvila was his Secretary.
22. 1986 / 1987: Lion Mahinda Samarasinghe
Lion
Mahinda joined the club in 1979. Being an energetic Lion he lead the club in
1986 / 87 when the club emerged as 3rd runner up in the District Contest. He
had also served as Secretary earlier on two occasions. He received the 100%
Attendance Award over a period of 15 years. His Lion Lady Dr.Wimala gave
leadership to the Lion Ladies as their President and emerged as the Best Lion
Ladies Club in 1986 / 87.
Lion Leonard De Alwis was his Secretary.
23. 1987 / 1988: Lion Nihal De Silva
Lion Nihal joined the club in 1985 and took over the Presidency of
the club in 1987 / 88 and administered the affairs of the club to the
satisfaction of all. During his year, the club members had a successful outing
at Hope Estate, the Plantation he was managing. He was tail twister in 1984 /
85. On transferring to Colombo he left the Club and joined the Lions Club of
Colombo Orient but came back and rejoined the Club in 1986. His Lion Lady
Priyanthi was the Lion Ladies President during his year.
Lion Farouk Ismail was his Secretary.
24. 1988 / 1989: Lion Lakshman Sirimanne
Lion Lakshman joined the club in 1979 and served as President in 1988 / 89.
During his tenure he organised a number of useful projects. He received the
President's 100% Excellence Award from Lions International that year. He also
served as Lion Tamer in 1981 / 82, Secretary in 1984 / 85 and Treasurer in
1991 / 92. He emerged as the Best Treasurer at the Convention held in 1992.
His Lion Lady Lilamini was President of the Lion Ladies.
Lion Mahinda Samarasingha was his Secretary.
25. 1989
/ 1990: Deshabandu Lion Dr.Reggie Seimon
Lion Reggie joined the Club in 1985 and took over the Presidency in 1989 / 90.
In January 1990 the Club celebrated its 25th anniversary with Lion Reggie as
President on a very grand scale. Lion Reggie organised his projects
meticulously and got maximum participation from the Lions and Lion Ladies of
the Club. Being a reputed eye surgeon, his main theme for projects was to
promote a systematic eye examination with a view to creating awareness of
defective eye sight and correcting them. All schools in the region were
visited and children were educated and instructed on how to examine the vision
of their school-mates and these findings were recorded. Those with defective
sight were brought to the Centre for Sight at the Kandy Hospital and treated.
His Lion Lady Indira was the President of the Lion Ladies and they too
conducted many projects making it a memorable year as the club won over 50% of
the awards for the year, among them a) Best President b) Best Secretary c)
Best Treasurer d) Best Lion Lady President e) Best Lion Ladies' Committee f)
the District Contest.
Lion Reggie was also a reputed tail twister, and was the tail twister
in 1991 / 92, 1993 / 94, 1994 / 95, 1996 / 97, 2001 / 02, 2004 / 05, 2006 / 07
and 2007 / 08. He received the 100% President's Award too. He was District
Chairman of the Sight First Programme, Centre for Sight at the Kandy Hospital
in 1992. In 1991 / 92 he obtained a sum of Rs. 6.6 million from Lions
International and collected another 30 million rupees from other donors to
make his pet dream to construct the Centre for Sight a success. He is also
responsible for organising the Kandy Eye Centre with foreign donations. He
further equipped many other hospitals with the latest equipment for eye
treatment. The very useful humanitarian work done by him was recognised by His
Excellency President R. Premadasa who bestowed on him the prestigious title of
Deshabandu.
Lion Dudley Gunatilake was his Secretary.
26. 1990 / 1991: Lion Leonard De Alwis
Lion Leonard was Secretary in 1986 / 87 and took over as President
in 1990 / 91. He was the Principal of Trinity College. His Lion Lady Charmaine
was President of the Lion Ladies. On retiring from Trinity and obtaining
employment abroad he left the Club.
Lion Cyril Gunasekera was his Secretary.
27. 1991 / 1992: Lion Prof.Malcolm Fernando
Lion Malcolm willingly served a second term as President of the club
in 1991 / 92. As expected it turned out to be another well-organised year with
many useful projects being undertaken.
Lion Dudley Gunatilake was his Secretary.
28. 1992 / 1993: Lion Ernie Dassanayaka
Lion Ernie joined the Kotmale Club as a Charter Member in 1967. Subsequently
when he left that District he left the Club too and joined the Lions club of
Kandy in 1984. He took over as President in 1992 / 93. As a member of the
Club and as its President he made a lasting impression and contribution to the
Club by initiating strategies for the retention of members. In his year he
emerged as the Best President while the Club was chosen as the Best Club in
the District. In 1993 he extended the Mawanella Club with Lion Huzair Yousouf
as Extension Chairman. He was Treasurer in 1986 / 87, 1987 / 88, 2001 / 02,
and 2002 / 03, Zone Chairman in 1993 / 94 and Region Co-ordinator in 1994 /
95. He received the 100% President's Excellence Award from Lions
International, the 100% Attendance Award up to 2007 and Chevron Awards up to
2006. Lion Lady Indrani Senanayaka served as his Lion Lady President and they
won the position as the Best Lion Ladies' Committee that year.
Lion Huzaire Yousoof was his Secretary.
29. 1993 / 1994: Lion Dudley Gunatilaka
Lion Dudley joined the club in 1971 and married Lion Lady Chinta the same
year. Lion Dudley served as Lion Tamer in 1971 / 72, 1972 / 73, 1974 / 75,
1985 / 86, 1986 / 87, 2001 / 2002 and 2002 / 2003; as Leo Adviser 1976 / 77
and 1977 / 78; as Secretary 1989 / 90, 1995 / 96, 1997 / 98, 2001 / 02 and
2004 / 05; as Treasurer 1978 / 79, 1979 / 80, 1980 / 81, 1981 / 82, 1982 / 83,
1984 / 85 and 2003 / 04; as Bulletin Editor 1996 / 97, 2004 / 05 and 2005 /
06; on the Board of Directors 1971 / 72 to 2006 / 07. He and Lion Ramiah
Rajendran were Co-Extension Chairmen at the extension of the Lions Club of
Katugastota. He has also held positions in the District as Cabinet Secretary
1991 / 92, District Chairman 1986 / 87, 1990 / 91, 1998 / 99, 1999 / 2000,
District Programme Co-ordinator CPE 2005 / 06, Convention Steering Committee
Secretary 1990 / 91. He has also won numerous awards such as Most Outstanding
Treasurer 1978 / 79, Most Outstanding Secretary 1989 / 90, 2001 / 02, Best
President's Appreciation Awards 1991 / 92, 1998 / 99, 1999 / 2000 and 2005 /
06. He received Chevrons from Lions International from 1971 to 2006 and the
100% Attendance Awards for a period of 35 years. In 1999 he was made a Justice
of the Peace. In view of his enormous contribution to the Lions Club of Kandy,
the Club conferred on him Life Membership of Lions International in 2004 /
2005.
His late Lion Lady Chinta served as President of the Lion Ladies in
1993 / 94, 2001 / 02 and 2004 / 05, besides having been Lion Ladies Treasurer
on four occasions and Lion Lady Secretary on three occasions. She emerged as
the Most Outstanding President of the Lion Ladies in 1993 / 94, 2001 / 02 and
2004 / 2005.
Lions Upali Hemachandra and Ivan Wijesuriya in
turn served as his Secretary that year.
30. 1994 / 1995: Lion Nihal Perera
Lion
Nihal joined the club in 1976. He served as Treasurer in 1985 / 86 before
taking over as President in 1994 / 95. During his tenure, the Club emerged as
the Best Club in District 306 C. He was Zone Chairman 1995 / 96 and was
selected as the Best Zone Chairman that year. His Lion Lady Vidya was Lion
Lady President and the Club emerged as the Best Lion Ladies Club in 1994 / 95
under her leadership.
Lion
Dr.Jayalath De Silva was his Secretary.
31. 1995 / 1996: Lion Huzair Yosouf
Lion Huzair joined the Club in 1986 and was elected President in 1995 / 96. He
is very knowledgeable on Lionism and keen, enthusiastic and committed to the
movement. He extended the Lions Club of Katugastota who celebrated their 10th
anniversary last year and produced a Governor as well. This was possible
mainly due to Lion Huzair's good prospecting for Charter Members. During his
Presidency the Lions club of Kandy emerged as the Best Club in the District
with himself being chosen as the Best President. He served as Secretary of the
Club in 1992 / 93 and has been on the Board since 1990 to date. He was Zone
Chairman in 1997 / 98 and emerged as the Most Outstanding Runner-up Zone
Chairman. In 1998 / 99 he was Region Chairman and emerged as the Most
Outstanding Runner-up Region Chairman. He also received the 100% President's
Excellence Award. His Lion Lady Kairoon was Lion Lady President in 1995 / 96
and under her leadership emerged as the Most Outstanding Lion Ladies'
Committee in the District.
Lion Dudley Gunatilake was his Secretary.
32. 1996 / 1997: Lion Dr.Jayalath De Silva
Lion Dr.Jayalath joined the Club in 1988. He was a Director from 1989
to 1998, Lion Tamer in 1991 / 92, Treasurer 1992 / 93, where he emerged as the
Most Outstanding First Runner-up Treasurer in the District, Secretary 1994 /
95 and emerged as the Most Outstanding Secretary of the District and President
in 1996 / 97 where he was adjudged the Most Outstanding President of Region 6
and of District 306 C. A multitude of projects were executed under his
leadership, the highlight being the inauguration of the Elders' Home at
Mawilmada with assistance from Lion Piyal Weerasingha of the Mawanella Club
and the Kandy Buddhist Association who donated the land. He finally received
the President's 100% Excellence Award from Lions International.
Lion Ramiah Rajendran was his Secretary.
33. 1997 / 1998: Lion Prof.Indrajee Amerasingha MJF
Lion Prof.Indrajee joined the Club in 1998. He is well known and
respected for his patience, understanding and determination in tackling any
problem with a smile. A well-known gynaecologist, he is currently the Dean of
the Medical Faculty at the Peradeniya University. He organised many health
projects for the benefit of the community during his tenure of office, his
theme and pet project being 'safe motherhood'. He has been a Director from
1986 to date i.e. 2007 / 2008. He received the 100% Attendance Award from 1998
to 2007. He also received the President's Excellence Award from Lions
International. In 1997 / 98 he was District Chairman. His Lion Lady Manel was
the President of the Lion Ladies' Committee and executed many projects to
finally win the award as Best Lion Lady President.
Lion Dudley Gunatilake was his Secretary.
34. 1998 / 1999: Deshabandu Lion Dr.Nihal Karunaratna
Lion Dr.Nihal took over as President for the third time to fill a
void and to demonstrate to the younger new Lions how to conduct and organise
meetings, projects and generally perform as President of the Club. He also
organised a useful seminar on Lionism with Past International Director Lion
Chuck Wijenathan as the main speaker and also conducted a very useful medical
camp.
Lion Ananda Pilimatalavuva was his Secretary.
35. 1999 / 2000: Lion Daya Weeraratna
Lion Daya a reputed businessman of Kandy and later President of the
Mahanuvara YMBA joined the Club in 1978. His hallmark was his friendly nature
and amiable smile. As President of the Millennium Year he executed many useful
projects. He was Treasurer in 1986 / 87, 1989 / 90, 1990 / 91, 1994 / 95 and
1996 / 97. In 1989 / 90 and 1994 / 95 he was selected as the Most Outstanding
Treasurer of the District. In 2000 / 2001 he was Zone Chairman Region 7 Zone
1, Region Chairman Region 7 in 2001 / 02 and was selected as the Most
Outstanding Region Chairman of the District. He was the District Governor's
Programme Co-ordinator in 2004 / 2005, 2005 / 2006 and 2006 / 2007.
His Lion Lady Chitra was President of the Lion Ladies and under her
leadership emerged as the Best Lion Ladies' Committee.
Lion Ramiah Rajendran was his Secretary.
36. 2000 / 2001: Lion Ananda Pilimatalavuva
Lion Ananda originally joined the Lions movement as a member of the
Lions Club of Bandarawela in 1973 / 74. With the take-over of the tea
plantations by the Land Reforms Commission, he joined an Estate Management
Agency House and moved to Colombo. Thereafter he joined the Lions Club of
Borella in 1982. There he served as Treasurer winning the Best Treasurer's
Runner-up Award, Secretary of the Club and finally President on three
occasions, winning the Presidents' Excellence Award as well. On retiring from
employment he settled down at Embilmeegama and transferred his membership to
Kandy in 1996.
As a student of history he has been a contributor to the print media on
subjects connected with history and current topics. He also authored two books
on the history of the Kandyan Period. He was Secretary of the Club in 1998 /
99, a member of the Board continuously since joining the Club and took-over as
President for the first time in 2000 / 2001. In that year, the club emerged as
the Most Outstanding Club in the Region with himself as the Most Outstanding
President of the Region. He received his 20th year Chevron from Lions
International, the 5 Member Key Award and the 100% President's Excellence
Award also from Lions International in 2002. His most outstanding achievement
and contribution to the development of the Club was to convince three Lion
Ladies to join the Club as Lady Lions for the first time in the Club's
history. Two of these Lady Lions have now taken-over important posts as
Assistant Treasurer and Secretary of the Club. With the lead given by them,
now in our 44th year we have been able to install for the first time a Lady
Lion as President of the Club.
The Club celebrated its 40th Charter anniversary under his leadership
in 2004 / 2005 in his second term as President of the Club when he again won
the President's Excellence Award from Lions International. He has also
received the 100% Attendance Award on many occasions. Late Lion Lady Chinta
Gunatilake was the President of the Lion Ladies during his years.
Lion Nanda Bandaranayaka was his Secretary.
37. 2001 / 2002: Lion Lasasntha De Fonseka MJF
Lion Lasantha a businessman of Kandy joined the Club in 1995 and took
over as President in 2001 / 2002. He is remembered as a President who handled
numerous projects. He was Treasurer in 1999 / 2000. As President he organised
a very successful fund raiser named 'Mystique Hues'. His Lion Lady Bryoni as
Lion Lady President organized an equally successful fund raiser named
'Festival of Dance & Drama'. Lion Lasantha extended the Lions Club of
Peradeniya with Lion Daya Weeraratna MJF as Co-Extension Chairman. He also
co-ordinated the projects funded by the Belgian Lion Roger Vanden Bossche
under the Foster Parents Scheme, the construction of a few houses for the
needy and the water service scheme at Aluthwatte Digana. He received the 10
year Chevron and the 100% Attendance Awards. He finally emerged as the Best
President of the Region and the 1st runner up in the District Contest while
the club too emerged as the runner up in the District Contest. Lion Lady
Bryoni became the Best Lion Lady President that year.
Lion Lasantha was Zone Chairman 2002 / 03, Region Chairman 2003 / 04,
Region Co-ordinator 2004 / 05, District Governor's Programme Co-ordinator 2005
/ 06 and Steering Committee Secretary responsible for organising the District
Convention in Kandy.
Lion Dudley Gunatilake was his Secretary.
38. 2002 / 2003: Lion Dr.Prasad Amaratunga
Lion Prasad was a Senior Lecturer of the Dental Faculty of the
University of Peradeniya when he joined the Club in 1991. He is now the Dean
of the Faculty. As President he was responsible for organising many health
camps for the Club and the district in addition to a few other community
service projects. He received the 15th year Chevron in 2006 and the 100%
Attendance Award up to 2005 / 06. He further received the 100% President's
Excellence Award from Lions International. He served the District as District
Chairman Health for several years. His Lion Lady Indrani was the President of
the Lion Ladies that year.
Lion Prof.Don Senanayaka and Rukmal Salgado in
turn served as Secretary.
39.
2003 / 2004: Lion Ernie Dassanayaka
Lion Ernie served a second term as President in 2003 / 2004 and
during that year conducted a popular health camp at Nawalapitiya.
Lion Nandana Kariyapperuma was his Secretary.

40. 2004 / 2005:
Lion Ananda Pilimatalavuva
Lion
Ananda also served a second term as President in 2004 / 2005. A useful health
camp was organised at the Kandy YMBA Hall that year. He was awarded the 100%
President's Award that year too.
Lion Dudley Gunatilake was his Secretary.
41. 2005 / 2006: Lion Prof.Chandra Dissanayaka
Lion Chandra a Geologist by profession, serving at the University of
Peradeniya joined the Club in 1993 and took over as President in 2005 / 06. He
initiated his E5 programme to conduct projects to deal with Eyes,
Environment, Education, Employment and Elders. He received the 10 year Chevron
in 2003 and a medal from the International President for maintaining plus 1
membership in the Club in his year. He also received the 100% Attendance
Awards up to 2006. His Lion Lady Visakha was Lion Lady President.
Lion Ramiah Rajendran was his Secretary.
42. 2006 / 2007: Lion Eng.MAC Perera
Lion 'Mac' joined the Nuwara Eliya Club in 2001 and transferred
to the Kandy Club in 2004. He took-over as President in 2006 / 2007. A tree
planting campaign at Digana was the highlight of his programme. This earned
him a special award at the District Contest. His Lion Lady Mala was the Lion
Ladies President and won a special award at the Convention from the District
Governor.
Lion Dr.Missaka Wijegunawardena was his Secretary.
43. 2007 / 2008: Lion Dudley Gunatilake
Lion Dudley took over as President for the second time in 2007 / 08.
Unfortunately, after the sad demise of his wife Lion Lady Chinta he went to
Australia for three months to holiday with his son and daughter-in-law who
were settled there. During his absence the Vice President Lion Chitra acted
for him.
Lion Mahesh Subramaniam was Secretary becoming the
first lady lion to hold that office.
44. 2008 / 2009: Lion Chitra Weeraratna
Lion Chitra, Lion Daya Weeraratna's Lion Lady was inducted as a Lion
before Lion Dudley's departure on leave and created history in the Club as the
first Lady Lion to take-over the prestigious office of President of the Lions
Club of Kandy. With the reputation she had enjoyed for her efficiency and
leadership of the Lion Ladies much is now expected of her as President of the
Lions Club.
Veteran Lion Dudley Gunatilake is her Secretary.
Lions Clubs
Extended By The Kandy Club
|
Nawalapitiya / Kothmale |
1967 / 68 |
|
Kegalla |
1974 / 75 |
|
Gampola |
1975 / 76 |
|
Matale |
1980 / 81 |
|
Senkadagala |
1981 / 82 |
|
Mawanella |
1992 / 93 |
|
Katugasthota |
1995 / 96 |
|
Peradeniya |
2002 / 02 |


















































