The variety and diversity of projects completed by the Clubs in District 306 C1 has undoubtedly created an impact on the community at large. A solid foundation has been laid for the growth of the new District in future years with the commitment to service very clearly demonstrated by the Clubs in the District this year.

Whilst congratulating District Governor Prof. Wijeyeweera and his Cabinet for the excellent leadership given to this newly created District, I wish the District all success in its service endeavours in the future.

Message from the District Governor
Created a Solid Foundation for Future Growth

At the inception we had 1,593 Lions on our roll. The present membership is 1694 which represents a net growth of 101 members. We have also established four new clubs within this period of time.

At our first District Convention to be held in Kandy for the first time after a lapse of sixteen years we will have the pleasure of honouring International Director Lion Manoj Shah from Kenya who will be representing the International President. We warmly welcome him to our midst and hope that he would carry back with him many pleasant memories of Kandy and Sri Lanka.

I take this opportunity to wish all our Lions and Lion Ladies a memorable and happy Convention that would further inspire them to rededicate themselves to the Lions motto "We Serve".

Message from the Chief Guest
Lions Work for Peace and Harmony

When there is an explosion in the number of NGOs those who are not familiar with Lions and Lionism may wonder what is so special about Lions. There are many reasons that make Lions very special among community service organizations.

Lions Clubs international that has 1.4 million members in 192 countries and territories was founded 89 years ago in 1917 in USA. It is the largest service organization in the world. It still has a large presence in USA. However, in the past two to three decades Lionism has seen extraordinary growth in what are called developing countries. Today of the 1.4 million members the majority are in the developing world. Countries such as India have become a dominant force in Lionism. This year's International President Lion Ashok Mehta is from India. Sri Lanka's own Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya is the current Second International Vice President and will assume the prestigious position of International President in 2007-08. This is a first for a Sri Lankan Lion.

There are some basic principles of Lionism that are upheld by all Lions globally. As the motto of Lionism “We Serve” indicates the first and foremost goal of Lions is service to the community. Lions are dedicated to peace and promotion of understanding between peoples. Lions are expected to avoid sectarianism of any type. In short Lionism is about producing good citizens for a prosperous and peaceful community, country and world.
But over and above these general principles Lionism has evolved in different countries to fit in with their unique cultures, traditions, needs and environments. For example, in a typical rich western country Lionism focuses mostly on the handicapped and the less advantaged members of society. In countries such as Sri Lanka also Lions serve such groups but they also go beyond to address developmental, educational, social and cultural needs of the people. Last year Lions responded with their customary dedication to the tsunami disaster. Many a Lions' program is committed to promote peace and communal harmony.

A person has to be invited by a Lions club to become a Lion. You must show a spirit of service to the community to receive such an invitation. Lionism, at least its Sri Lanka version, is very much a family activity. Although only one family member may join officially wife and husband dual membership is also welcome - the spouse and children also get quickly drawn into Lionistic activities. Lion Ladies (wives of Lions) are as dynamic as the Lions in their service. Leos provide a forum for the younger members of the family.
The Kandy Convention of Lions International District 306C1 is the culmination of one year of Lionistic service. Lions, Lion Ladies and Leos gather on March 20th to celebrate as one family and community what they have achieved in the past year and to rededicate themselves to a new year of service to the community.
Lion Sam

Lions from Kandy Area Serving the Community

Kandy area is served by four Lions Clubs, Lions Clubs of Kandy (1965), Senkadagala (1982), Katugastota (1995), Peradeniya (2000) and Dumbara (2005). The five clubs have a total membership of 175.

Kandy is the fourth oldest Lions club in Sri Lanka and was led this year by Professor C B Dissanayake of the University of Peradeniya. It is considered one of the pioneers in Lionism and counts among its members some of the most outstanding members of the Kandy community. It is also the parent club of the other four clubs.

Senkadagala which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year has acquired a name for itself in Sri Lankan Lionism as a very dynamic and innovative club. The president of the club this year is Lion Chinthaka Wijesuriya who is the General Manager of Sri Lanka Telecom, Region 1.

Lion Nandana Abeykoon who is the chairman of Silverin Finance Company led the Katugastota Lions this year. Katugastota has the distinction of having the current District Governor Lion Professor Luxshmen Wijeyeweera among its members.

The Peradeniya Lions have been led this year by Lion Austin Siriwardene who is a professional printer and publisher with his own press. The Peradeniya club has attracted as members quite a few young academics from Peradeniya University
The Dumbara Lions Club led by the veteran Kandy Municipal Councilor Lion Raja Pushpakumara has made a quite an impact on the community with its numerous service projects during the short span of time it has been in existence.