Leos can take up the challenge and responsibility to restoring hope for our youth- Leo Kaveesha Ratnayeke Mass Induction Committee Co-Chairperson and Head Prefect of Royal College said.
He was speaking at an event to celebrate the achievements of the LEO’s and the induction of new young members.
The full speech
It is an honour to deliver the welcome address to this distinguished gathering present today, to celebrate the achievements of the LEO’s and induct new young members to this August Community.
Chief Guest President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mayoress of Colombo, Rosy Senanayake, Chief of Staff to the President and Senior Advisor on National Security, Sagala Ratnayaka, Guest of Honour District Governor of C2, Lion Bannet Gamlath, International Leo Club Program Advisory Panellist Lion Lasantha Goonewardena who was the district Chairman for Leos since 2020, Multiple Council Chairman Lion Anura Wickramanayake, All District Governors, Past District Governors, Multiple District President, District Presidents, Past District Presidents, Vice Chancellors, Principal of Royal College and other Principals, Staff Advisors, Leo Club Advisors, Lions, Leos, ladies and gentlemen.
I would like to start off by acknowledging that this is the first time since the Leo International Association began in 1967, that the Head of State is participating at a Leo event and we thank the President Ranil Wickremesinghe for taking time out of his busy schedule to grace this event. We also salute you for your service and efforts to revive our great nation.
Royal College entered the Leo Community in 2020, amidst numerous difficulties. At the time, the district membership stood at 900. However, within a short period of 3 years, the membership has grown exponentially to 10,000 + members, under the guidance of Lion Lasantha Goonewardana.
Leadership, experience and opportunity
This is what LEO stands for and what Leosism brings to our nation. At present, District 306C2 has 40 Leo clubs, across the island. This includes Leo clubs at multiple universities, many Alpha Leo clubs of leading schools, and community-based Leo clubs, making us one of the largest LEO districts in the world.
We are meeting today at a time of despair for most of our countrymen. The economic challenges are driving many of them, especially the youth, to seek “greener pastures”. With my recent experience as Head Prefect of Royal College, I have realised that one creates one’s own “green pastures”, and that we can leave behind a legacy that is better than the one we inherited.
However, it requires effort, dedication and most importantly teamwork. As a team we can go beyond the scope of any one individual and can generate new ideas through members of the club.
Also, through my experiences as Head Prefect, I have been exposed to a world of possibilities that lie within our youth.
Our youth has much passion and energy that if harnessed effectively, the future of this nation is well set and this, we can achieve through the LEO movement.
As the youth members of Lions Club International, we embody the best qualities of this organisation and are devoted young people who realise the power of action.
Together Leos and Lions form a powerful partnership - one of mutual respect where Leos bring to the table innovative new ideas and Lions bring experience and proven strategies of those who have successfully served the nation before us.
Picture 10,000 young LEO’s with dreams and goals, working together under one vision, to provide service to their communities under a single structural framework. The opportunities are endless and possibilities inspiring.
As a young leader, one of the greatest things that you can provide the people you lead is hope.
Hope that tomorrow will be better than today, hope that the youth have a future in this nation, hope for parents that their children will have opportunities to grow and be successful.
As stated by Napolean Bonaparte: “A leader is a dealer in hope and if the people believe in a better tomorrow, then they will work today to provide for this nation, invest in this nation and develop this nation”.
As this nation looks for the next generation of leadership, in whatever field you may choose, I urge all LEO’s to take up the challenge and responsibility of restoring hope for our youth and our communities using our collective strengths to build back better.
For when the opportunity to contribute and serve presents itself, as it has done today, we need to be brave and not shy away. We must “be the change” we wish to see in this country and this world.
Let me close by congratulating all those being recognised today and all those joining the LEO clubs today. Let us serve together and think of giving back to this nation not as a duty but as a privilege.
