The Lions Clubs of Kandy (1956), Senkadagala (1982), Peradeniya (20001), and Gampola (2001) joined together recently at Hotel Suisse Kandy for a gala evening to celebrate their founding. But even while celebrating the club Charters or “birthdays” the Lions did not forget that their main task was service. Twelve young students from Siddhartha Vidyalaya, Ampitiya were awarded generous scholarships to help in their education. Funding for the scholarships came from individual donors from the four clubs and from the interest income earned from an Education Trust Fund of the Senkadagala Lions who raised the money a few years ago from a musical shown at Hotel Regency.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Lion Professor Luxshmen Wijeyeweera, the District Governor of Lions District 306C1. The Mayor of Kandy Kesara Senanayaka was also present as a special guest.

The Lions have a tradition of having a special remembrance for their founding (charter) members on these occasions. The honors were performed by the four club presidents Lion Professor C B Dissanayake (Kandy), Lion Chinthaka Wijesooriya (Senkadagala), Lion Austin Siriwardena (Peradeniya) and Lion Luxhmen de Silva (Gampola). Lion Reggie Iddamalgoda led a special memorial for Charter members who had departed.

Lion Lanka Breweries, Lassana Flora and several banks and business establishments in Kandy sponsored the event. Michael Sansoni provided music.

Zone Chairman of Region 5 Zone 1 Lion Shirley Jayawardena chaired the charter celebrations.