Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WITNESS
kolonnawaleos.org
THE WITNESS
CONTENT
SEPTEMBER ISSUE
04 PRESIDENT'S NOTE
Leo Induwari Peirisyalage FLM
05 DISTRICT TREASURER' NOTE
Leo Anjana Udesh FLM
08 MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS
10 LATEST NEWS
22 LEOGRAPHY
13 INSTALLATION CEREMONY
18 KLEO PHOTOSHOOT
EXCLUSIVE!
22
LEOGRAPHY
Leos can see the world in different
ways. This time the Leography goes
25 26
with Leo Jithma
26 BEYOND C1
An interview with Multiple District Assistant
treasurer LEO NISHANE SILVA
30 A POEM BY UTHE
31 AYUBOWAN
36 SECRETARY'S NOTE
37 EDITOR'S NOTE
It is my utmost pleasure to pen down this
message to the fourth issue of the official
newsletter as the President of the Leo Club of
kolonnawa District 306 C1. As Leos it is
important for us to identify and manage the
resources in our surrounding efficiently. Our
future relies on sustainable iniatives which
would ensure management of such resources.
Leos of Kolonnawa is ready to create
MESSAGE FROM THE independent individuals who make sustainable
decisions to suit the needs of the changing
CLUB PRESIDENT society.
Leo club of Kolonnawa
We, as Kolonnawa Leos have always strived to
attain the highest standard and to give the
supreme contribution, to meet the Sustainable
Development Goals, for the betterment of the
country. Your tremendous spirit of volunteerism
in this Leo Movement has resulted to the
success we witness so far as a club. You all have
demonstrated upon Leoism is established. I have
always considered myself lucky to be part of
such a motivated, devoted group of such
captivating individuals.
This phase will be for an Elder Home This community especially needs the
Senior Citizens. We chose, Weherakanda attention of other people especially from
Elder Home which is located at Baddagana youngsters like us. These people are
Lane, Ethul Kotte. This Elder home is not usually spending a regular routine
known to everyone since it is inside a road therefore; it is high need to spend quality
and fewer donations will be gaining time with them. We were thinking of the
monthly to that place. We did religious way how we can encourage them to do
activities because it was a poya day. And religious activities, for a good healthy
later our team was serve lunch to all elders meal and mental happiness with an
and finally a tea party with a 70 decade evening tea party.
musical session. Also we provided
medicine, cleaning equipments and The increase in the number of elderly
cleaning liquids. The cleaning products and people is important to note, so that they
cleaning equipments were sponsored by could live long, enjoy their life happily,
Darechem.lk. We must humbly and truly and improve their quality of life by doing
appreciate Mr. Gavin’s efforts activities. Also Religion helps seniors
to make this event successfully. achieve this by Giving senior’s a better
ability to cope with illness and health
We invited District Vice President Leo problems, Bringing a sense of meaning
Nisal Dulmith as the Chief Guest, Chief and purpose to life, Encouraging
Region Coordiantor Leo Sandun Perera as meditation and self-reflection, Decrease
THE WITNESS | PAGE 06
the Guest of Honour and Leo Lion Sachin the chance that seniors will neglect
Weligalle as the Special Guest for this themselves, Reduce loneliness, Asking
event. seniors about their religious beliefs and
practices, Talking to seniors about
Elders at an elder home has no access to how religion can impact their mental,
their homes, they haven’t anybody physical and social health. Not only that
relations by their own. heir desires are but also the Benefits of Music Therapy for
different than youngsters. They might be the Elderly are Improve Memory and
worrying about their sicknesses and old Focus, Calm Agitation in Dementia
age.Therefore they should be under caring Patients, Help with Depression and Stress,
and supervision. Increase Movement and Exercise, Help
with Socialization
GOOD OLD DAYS PHASE III
Written by Leo Sneha Induwara
This phase will be a physiotherapy
session, mental health and happiness
during old age. We chose Suhada Elder
Society, Kolonnawa due to considering
their contribution and participation at
early projects in previous years.
According to the Project Attributes,
these programs need to hold for older
generation above the age 55 for their
wellbeing. As young volunteers, we
should concern about our own elder
community as well as to make them
happy. The session was conducted by
Mrs. Chandrika Manathunga
Physiotherapist at District Hospital
Gampaha.
Lata (Tanya Maniktala) is a college student whose mother wishes for her to marry a suitable
boy. She has three suitors, similar to the black and white Hindi cinema of the 1950s and
1960s: Amit (Mikhail Sen), Haresh Khanna (Namit Das), and Kabir Durrani (Danesh Razvi).
The other thread centers on her brother-in-law Maan (Ishaan Khatter), who is having an
affair with an older Muslim courtesan named Saeeda (Tabu). The film makes sounds about
industrialisation, the capitalism vs. socialism argument, caste and religion-based politics,
the landed gentry’s fall from grace, and various other worries of a new India.
The series is brimming with talented actors. Vinay Pathak, Vijay Raaz, Vijay Varma, Ranvir
Shorey, and Randeep Hooda are among the cast members. Everyone, including Vivaan Shah,
Vivek Gomber, Kulbhushan Kharbana, Sheeba Chadha, Shahana Goswami, Sharvari
Deshpande, and Rasika Dugal, has their turn in the spotlight. To be fair, most have blink and
you’ll miss it jobs and, given their caliber, should have gotten a larger piece. Ram Kapoor,
who plays Ishaan Khatter’s father and is the “decent” politician concerned about the
increasing Hindutva wave, is excellent in this role. And so is Aamir Bashir, who plays Nawab
THE WITNESS | PAGE 09
of Baitar, his friend who has second thoughts about not relocating to Pakistan with the rest
of his family.
Tabu has collaborated with Mira Nair since The Namesake (2006). She had a lot more to do
in that picture than she does here. As a world-weary courtesan with secrets of her own, she
personifies grace and adds weight to the proceedings. Ishaan Khatter, who plays the
impulsive Maan, is a ball of energy, and his antics perfectly suit his character. He eventually
matures, at considerable cost to himself and others, and the loss of innocence is obvious.
Tanya Maniktala is the protagonist of the story, who is initially opposed to marriage but
comes around after experiencing the need for a friend. Her story has less passion and more
romance, but she, too, suffers heartbreak before reaching the obligatory happy ending.
She's a natural as Lata and will undoubtedly be an actor to watch in the future.
LATEST NEWS
Written by Leo Nandeesha Geeganage
After India's dominant run in their domestic championship came to an end, Australia won
the Cricket World Cup for a record-breaking sixth time on Sunday. Travis Head's 137 helped
them win by six wickets in a low-scoring final.
India was expected to reclaim the trophy after a 12-year absence, was devastated by the
visitors' easy six-wicket victory, captained by captain Pat Cummins.
Giving Labuschagne and Head a lot of credit, he said that they "showed some character" by
leading the chase on the grandest stage.
Australia wins its sixth men's ODI World Cup trophy when Travis Head, acting alone, hits
more boundaries than the entire Indian team combined. There have only ever been thirteen
of these competitions. They control this particular market. After their opening two games,
they were at the bottom of the table. They are now champions.
Alongside Australia's deputy prime minister Richard Marles, India's prime minister Narendra
Modi delivered the World Cup trophy to the victors stateside.
Modes:
Here are a few pointers surrounding the India vs Australia World Cup 2023 final:
- Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first
- Rohit got off to a quick start as usual but Shubman Gill fell early
- Virat Kohli then came out all guns blazing but Australia struck back again with the wickets
of Rohit and the in-form Shreyas Iyer.
Here are a few points for the 2023 World Cup final between Australia and India:
- Australia chosen to bowl first after winning the toss.
- As usual, Rohit got off to a fast start, but Shubman Gill fell short quickly.
- After Virat Kohli came out swinging, Australia responded with a bang, taking the wickets
of Rohit and the highly effective Shreyas Iyer.
- KL and Kohli After struggling to break free, Rahul eventually fell to Pat Cummins, despite
the former scoring another fifty runs.
THE WITNESS | PAGE 11
- Rahul scored a half-century, but Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed at the other end.
Additionally, Suryakumar Yadav was unable to produce a strong finish.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj led India to a score of 240.
- David Warner was dismissed by Shami with the second ball of the game, after Bumrah had
given up 15 runs in the opening over.
- In the first ten overs, Bumrah claimed two more wickets, dismissing Steve Smith and
Mitchell Marsh.
- Australia reached 185/3 in 33.5 overs thanks to a stunning comeback from Travis Head,
who hit a century off 95 balls.
- In the 40th over, Marnus Labuschagne reaches his eleventh half-century in 99 balls.
- Head's 137-run innings helped Australia defeat India by six wickets in 43 overs.
ASHRA 23'
KLEOS
ASHRA 23'
The Leo Club of Kolonnawa celebrated its during the ceremony. There were several
25th Installation Ceremony on October 8, speeches including Club President, Past
2023, at Light House Galley, with the Leo Advisor Lion Leslie Leelananda and
theme "Ocean." The ceremony was three other main guests. The event
successfully held with the participation included a Past President introduction
of Second Vice District Governor Lion video and one entertainment item by Leo
Mahesh Boralugoda PMJF PMAF JP as the Members. Every member who worked
Chief Guest, Immediate Past District throughout the previous Leostic year
President Leo Kojitha Gamlath as the received a Certificate of Service from
Guest of Honour, District Leo Clubs Immediate Past President Leo Uvindu
Chairperson Lion Danushka Sandanayake Samarasinghe.
MAF as the Special Guest and eight
council members: District Vice President, The photography and Sounds were
District Secretary, District Treasure and sponsored by Candy Factory Group. The
Assistant Treasurer, Chief Region Gifts supplied by the Lightingscents.lk.
Coordinator, Region Chairman and Zone Leos of Kolonnawa selected 'Candles' as
THE WITNESS | PAGE 13
Members
Leo Isuru Ranaweera
Club Assistant Treasurer
Activity
Directors
Leo Ojitha Gamage
Waste Management and
Underwater conservation
Leo Rehana Doole
Sports and Recreation
Board of
Directors
Leo Nisal Dulmith FLM
Director
The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is true for a reason. You
might learn something new about yourself after having a professional photo
shoot and analyzing the results. There is a chance that you may get to know
each other better if you shoot an event with friends and family. We, Leo
Club of Kolonnawa had an amazing opportunity with Candy Factory Group
who is owned by Past Club President and the present Leo Club Advisor
Lion Barana Ranasen, to have our 25 th Installation Ceremony photo shoot.
I know that photo shoots are an investment into our future and it is their
job to create a seamless experience for us from beginning to end, knowing
THE WITNESS | PAGE 18
that our memories are the priority. We must thank Lion Barana, for this
great opportunity to experience a memorable photo shoot by a talented
team.
WITH JITHMA
\
The future
THE SEGMENT OF
LEOS IN
HAND
Appeciating a project conducted by
the Leo club of Thalangama Malabe
Q1. Can you share with us how you first got involved in the
Leo Club and what motivated you to join?
Once I’ve done with my advanced level examinations, I was willing to serve to
the less fortunes as a volunteer, which was a die hard desire of me since my
child hood. In addition to that, I loved to get interacted with the youngsters in
my same age and make new connections between them as well as to have a
remarkable youth life to be cherished while serving the community. I
recognized that the leoism is the best opportunity which will fulfill both of my
desires though. With the experience I had in my school ages as involving in
interact clubs, I joined the leo club of Negombo Orient.
Q2. Can you briefly mention all the positions in the Leo and Lion movements
that you have achieved so far?
I joined the Leo movement back in the year 2019 as a prospect. Couple of months later I was invited to
grant the treasurership of the club by the Club President Leo Lion Rachika Sovis for the leoistic year
2020/21.
I have been appointed as the Club President of Leo Club of Negombo Orient back in the year of
2021/22.
I was been appointed as the Region chairperson of Region A, Leo district 306B1 in the following year,
2022/23 while been appointed as a Multiple council officer in the same leoistic year.
I have been appointed as the Multiple District Assistant Treasurer in the following year, 2023/24
under the Multiple District President Leo Lion Dulini Cooray while serving the Chief Council
Coordinator of Leo District 306B1.
Apart from Leoism, I was inducted as a Leo-Lion in the Lions club of Negombo Orient in Lionistic year
2021/22 and appointed as a Director in 2022/23 as well as the Marketing Chairperson of the club.
Q3. What has been the most memorable service project or event in which you
have participated or organized?
THE WITNESS | PAGE 26
During my presidency in the club, we have involved in a mega scale medical camp for the disabled
children who were suffering from Autism in Mahawewa area while donating them with stationeries
and furniture as well as establishing a brand new medical reporting portal . We hosted the project in
collaboration with the Rotaract Club of university of Peradeniya, which worth of LKR 2Million. This
can be identified as my most heart felt service project carried out by our club and one of the most
emotional service project I had in my leo journey.
In addition to that, ‘ELATION’ which is a grand scale multiple district project jointly organized by the
Leos of Sri Lanka is another remarkable event which I can name as the most memorable events in my
leo career.
Q4. How has being a part of the Leo Club impacted your
personal growth and development as a Leader?
Its fair if I could greet as leoism is one of the turning points in my life. In my
childhood, I recognized myself such as a introvert kid. I was afraid to public
speaking in my school ages. Through the leoism, I learnt a wide coverage of my
personal grooming, specially my public speaking skills and mass people
management careers.
At the present stage, I’m engaged in construction sector, which is one of the
most hectic field as well as an undergraduate, eventhough the lessons I learnt
through leoism, the memories we had through serving maketh me a strong
personnel who can handle each and every situation in my professional career,
people management and connection building not only in locally, but also
globally. This is what I learnt and what I gained through the leosim.
Q5. Can you share some challenges and the ways you overcame
them during the Leo Journey?
During the pandemic, we were unable to carry out projects physically. As leos, we did not fall apart
and we carried out the service projects continuously in many a path. As we could not gather
physically, nevertheless we conducted virtual events such as ‘Corona Kale Aale’, ‘Pandemic
Aalawanthi’. We had virtual fellowships. In addition to that, there was a time we could not carry out
mass projects due to the high inflation and the economic crisis in the country. The leos, we never
hault our serving. While going through more and more creative ideas and implications.
In addition to that, I may describe one of a big challenge I faced as a club president during my
presidency and how I survived. In 2021, when the country was locked down due to the pandemic, we
were asked not to carry out any physical project by Multiple, meantime the Lions club has organized a
mega scale tree plantation campaign and invited us to join. Despite the regulations by Multiple, I
joined the project with my team, and unfortunately few of my leos were affected by virus, this is one
of the hectic challenges I faced and somehow I coordinated the situation with no any negative effect.
Fortunately no one had critical issues and all were recovered successfully.
I managed the situation with the contacts which I gained through the Lions and Leos, that’s what the
spirit I gained through the two moments.
Q6. What are some key leadership skills you have acquired through your
THE WITNESS | PAGE 27
- Public speaking
- People management
- Resource management
- Coordinating unforeseen situations
Q7. Having years of excellence and experience in
conducting projects, guiding club members and the
District, do you think there is a need, to any changes
or developments in the final project outcome?
Yes indeed, I can see the quality of the projects are being lacking
specially because, the leos are more oriented with the quantity more
than qualtity. Yes, its true we have to focus on the quantity, but in
the other hand the project would not be effectful if the quality is not
in there for the intended margins. I prefer if the leos are to be more
considered the quality than the quantity in each single project
carries out. There can be various creative ideas which can be carried
out. As leos, there are great opportunities in the community to serve
for the community. My request for the fresh leos is, take the
opportunity, get the baton, don’t be afraid to accept new challenges,
focus more and more quality than the quantity of each ventures.
Q8. Can you share an instance where you collaborated with other Leo
members to bring about a positive change in your community?
Yes indeed, since the very beginning of lion and leo moment in the world, the main objective of it is
‘serve the community’. Personally, I’m a one who witness to make hundreds of new friends
islandwide within this short time period. When we are engaging with the new leos, we can make
new concepts, we can search how the other districts and other multiples are implementing the
service projects in their own ways. We can get the maximum out of these and do more and more
wonderful things.
In the moment I have involved in inter, intra as well as international joint projects which led myself
to have a great interaction between the leos globally. Even today, if I travel anywhere I could find my
leo friend, that’s the benefit and spirit of leoism which you can never buy for money.
Q9. Being one of the successful Leos, who won many awards and recognitions,
could you tell us how you balance your Leo life, Lionism, career and personal
life?
Indeed, its okay to say that if you are a Leo, it’s a perfect platform to lean on how to balance your
day-to-day life as well as the career and professional scenarios. Throughout the leoism, we all know
that we can obtain thousands of golden opportunities which can only be gained by average youth.
THE WITNESS | PAGE 28
Balancing and coordination of multiple tasks are few skills which all the leos can obtain through this
moment. For an example, when the leos are envolved in service projects and events, there are
certain areas which we have to come across and handle simultaneously. Automatically this skill can
improves leos to use in their day-to-day lives unintentionally. As personally I’m experiencing this
context in my several activities.
Q10. Lastly, can you offer an advice to
aspiring Leo members on how they can
make the most out of their Leo movement?
Interview conducted by
Leo Induwari Peirisyalage
THE WITNESS | PAGE 30
AYUBOWAN
SRI LANKA'S
VIBRANT FUSION
OF TRADITION AND
CRAFTSMANSHIP
written by
Leo Dilshi Perera
designs, not only signify the artisans' skill but Weaving, and Pottery and Ceramics, each
also hold cultural and historical significance. narrating tales of skilled craftsmanship and
These items are not merely decorative; they cultural diversity. Together, these crafts
encapsulate stories, traditions, and the rich serve as a testament to the country's
cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka, making them not artistic skills, preserving age-old traditions
just artifacts but cherished treasures that speak while embracing modern influences,
volumes about the country's artistic finesse. collectively embodying the soul of Sri
Lanka's cultural legacy. The meticulous
attention to detail, passed down through
generations, continues to preserve these
age-old crafts, making them an essential
part of Sri Lanka's cultural identity and a NOMADIC | 24
source of pride for its people.
u r n ee
o -J o
Ec h Tot
e s by
Ba ego
Wit
Q4. What can you offer public that another businessman cannot?
These products are 100% eco friendly and handmade product and it is made from recycling materials
can guarantee long – term durability and withstand greater weight and long distance. And also by
using these tote bags the people avoid having to buy plastic bags which becoming increasingly
expensive, both in shops and supermarkets. Taking your personalized bags with you, you won’t have
to pay for another bag every time.
Q5. How well do you handle stress while working under tight deadlines?
I inform the customer that this will take about 5 days to create. So I can continue working without
THE WITNESS | PAGE 32
stress. And doing this gives me mental relief. I do this with pleasure.
Q1. What is your biggest strength when it comes to youth work promoting
Women Health?
When it comes to promoting Women's Health, especially in relation to Endometriosis, my
greatest strength is rooted in my own personal experience and unwavering determination. I’ve
personally experienced the challenges of dealing with 4th stage Endometriosis, so I can truly
empathize with the intense physical and emotional toll it takes on women who have this condition.
Having this firsthand knowledge gives me the strength to advocate tirelessly for those who suffer in
silence. Did you know that endometriosis is actually more common than most people think? It
affects about 1 in 9 women. It’s quite common for society to create an environment where women’ss
health issues, especially menstruation, are not openly talked about. When women are diagnosed with
Endometriosis, a condition that greatly disrupts their lives, the silence surrounding it can make them
feel isolated and uncertain.
The issue of menstruation being considered taboo is something that is widespread and affects many
people. Since they are young, girls are often taught to keep their periods a secret. They are
encouraged to be discreet and hide this natural process from others. The way our society thinks
about this topic creates an atmosphere where women feel reluctant to discuss their menstrual
health openly. This includes important matters like Endometriosis, which can result in a delayed
diagnosis and unnecessary pain. There are many myths and misconceptions about Endometriosis.
Misunderstandings can be perpetuated by these myths, which can ultimately result in inadequate
care. There are a few common misconceptions that people have. One is that severe menstrual pain is
considered normal, when in fact it may not be. Another misconception is that Endometriosis only
affects older women, which is not true, now adolescents have endometriosis. Lastly, some people
mistakenly believe that pregnancy can cure Endometriosis, but that is not the case. It is crucial to
debunk these myths and share accurate information in order to increase awareness about the
condition.
I am deeply passionate about breaking down the barriers of silence, shame, and misinformation. I am
committed to creating a supportive environment where women can openly and freely talk about
THE WITNESS | PAGE 33
their menstrual health without any fear of being judged. I want to help empower women by sharing
my own experiences and knowledge about Endometriosis. I provide accurate information about its
symptoms, treatment options, and stress the importance of early diagnosis via my foundation. I
strongly believe that it is important and empowering to have open discussions about menstruation
and women’s health issues such as Endometriosis. By engaging in education and open conversations,
we have the power to question and change societal norms, dispel misconceptions, and ultimately
make a positive impact on the lives of numerous women who face the daily struggles of
Endometriosis.
www.esafsrilanka.com.
ESAF SRI LANKA esaf.srilanka esaf_sl
esafsrilanka@gmail.com
Q2. Would you share a positive experience you’ve had with teamwork?
I’d like to share a positive experience I’ve had with teamwork, At ESAF, we find it incredibly inspiring
to see how people willingly join forces and dedicate their time, skills, and passion to our mission. I
find it really touching to witness people from different backgrounds, with their unique skills and life
experiences, coming together for a shared goal to make a positive difference in the lives of women
impacted by Endometriosis.
ESAF, Sri Lanka, Endometriosis Support and Awareness Foundation, Sri Lanka is a registered non-
profit organization that I founded with the primary objective of raising awareness about
Endometriosis in Sri Lanka.
I founded this organization after enduring years of misdiagnosis, surgeries, and chronic pain due to
my own battle with 4th stage Endometriosis in 2021. My journey was marked by excruciating
abdominal pain, severe migraines, and chronic fatigue. This led me to establish ESAF with the
determined mission that no Sri Lankan woman should have to go through this arduous journey
blindly. My belief is that accurate knowledge and information can make the biggest difference in an
endo woman's quality of life. ESAF aims to become the platform to effectively fight
Endometriosis in Sri Lanka.
THE WITNESS | PAGE 34
Our primary focus is on raising awareness about Endometriosis in Sri Lanka, so we mainly conduct
trainings and awareness campaigns. Here are some of projects we have conducted.
Q7. As a responsible group of citizens To join ESAF, you don't need to meet any
of the society, how do you identify specific qualifications or professional
the need of Education of requirements. ESAF appreciates individuals
Endometriosis? who have a strong passion for spreading
awareness about Endometriosis and are
THE WITNESS | PAGE 35