FOREWORD

On 6th July 2007, Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya will be installed as the 90th President of Lions Clubs International at the Annual International Convention to be held in Chicago, USA, the city that gave birth to the movement in 1917. This indeed is a great achievement of which all Sri Lankans can be proud. Being the head of an international organization spanning 200 countries, bringing hope to millions across the world is a singular honour, which we want to share with all those who made it possible.

It is indeed a tribute to the Lions system that make it possible for men of the calibre of Mahendra to rise to its highest position, though from a small country. We take pride in being a part of this great international organization and this book is dedicated to Lions Clubs International.

On April 15th 2008, the Lions of Sri Lanka has another reason to celebrate. It would be the golden jubilee of Lionism in Sri Lanka. Starting from small beginnings mainly concentrated in urban areas, Lions Clubs are now operating in every nook and corner of Sri Lanka. We have produced some outstanding leaders to guide us these past 50 years, and some are no more. At the same time we have done some outstanding projects for the social well being of the citizens of this country. This book is dedicated to the thousands of Sri Lankan Lions, Lion Ladies and Leos who through their leadership and sacrifice have made Sri Lankan Lions what it is today.

The year 2007/2008 will be a unique year for Sri Lankan Lions. There will be many International Lions and their spouses who will want to visit Sri Lanka to learn more about this beautiful country. We welcome all of them with traditional warmth. We have put together in this book a collection of information, which would be useful to make their stay a pleasant and memorable one. This book will serve as a useful handbook to them and we dedicate this book to our foreign visitors as well.

The publication is all about our pride in the service we have rendered to the community, our pride in being a part of the greatest service organization in the world Lions International, our pride in the leaders we have produced over the last 50 years. Hence the publication is appropriately titled The Pride of Sri Lankan Lions