Miles of Smiles

The project “Miles of Smiles” was initiated under the category of “spotlight on children”. This project is implemented in three phases in order to address the needs of three identified categories of underprivileged children who are facing various social issues in today’s society. Namely; orphaned children, street children and children who are deprived of basic needs.

The three phases in which the project will be implemented can be summarized as follows;

The first phase was conducted at St Josephs’ Child Development Center in Negambo on 6^th October 2018. We organized an art competition in the morning, conducted few games in the afternoon and finally a concert in the evening which included items presented by both our club members and the children from the orphanage. In addition to these events a morning snack and afternoon meal was provided.

The second phase of our project happened on the 28^th October 2018 around Colombo urban areas. Street children was the main focus of this phase and was implemented by providing street children with various necessities for their day to day living such as food, slippers, toys and other stationary items.

As the final phase of our project it is planned to conduct a medical camp at Sisilton Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, Balangoda on the third week of November.

“Admits the busy and mean society of ours are the hidden blossoms of our country that never bloom and are left to wither away. Whether they are orphans, street living children or children with minimal facilities they too deserve the right to a happy life. As the project name suggest we as Leos try our level best to make miles of smiles on the faces of these children who suffer due to the atrocities of today’s society.

Rang Dey '18

 A Holy Festival organized by the Leo Club of University of Colombo is a public relation project for the year 2018/19  came to an end with a remark of flying success. It took place on the 21st of October 2018 at GH Buddhadasa Ground, Baththaramulla from 9 a.m. onwards which was carried out until 5.pm as a full day event filled with lots of excitement and activities promoting public relations, by the gathering of the youth and young blood, Leos and Lions active engagement and participation.

As a highlight of the day, Rang Dey’18 Holy Festival went beyond from a traditional Holy Festival as it was coupled with many more ice breakers, fun activities and exciting events along with a kite Festival which added more colors to the events success.
It was supplemented by the upbeat DJ music spread to all four corners of the ground making all the participants dance to its beats and tapping along. 

Everyone had a great time making memories which was captured by the lenses of many photographers such as let me know, FMF, Chemex and N lab production, helping our dear participants to cherish those beautiful memories for a life time. We would like to pay our sincerest gratitude to Red Bull and Maggie who played a key role acting as the Official Beverage Sponsors of the event and everyone who helped us to make this event a huge success.

At the end of the day, strangers who came from around the country went home as new friends and family dearly holding colorful memories, beautiful smiles and laughter thrilled with pure happiness for having an amazing day as a break from our busy lives.

“Car Wash 2018”

Leo club of University of Colombo is one of the dynamic and outstanding club performing in Leo District 306 C1. It encourages youth to develop leadership qualities by participating in social service activities which will be conducted in the fields of healthcare, children, differently abled, literacy and education, vision, self-development and more.

Project “Car Wash” organized by the Leo Club of University of Colombo for the second consecutive year was initiated with the intention of raising funds for the upcoming club service projects of the club as well as to motivate club members by providing financial assistance to certain extent for every project too. Since the club members carry out various types of social service projects on behalf of the club this was a great opportunity to demonstrate them that the club has not ignored their commitment.

This year the mega fund raiser, project “Car Wash” was held on 22^nd  of September 2018 from 9.30 am onwards in front of BRC grounds. It is a great pleasure to mention here that this was the initial fund raising project of our club for the leostic year 2018/2019, which ended successfully.

Car wash 2018 was completed remarkably with the participation of club members as well as the other participants. While the participation of District Governor Lion Dr. Sarath Wijechandra increased the value of the project, the participation of Immediate Past District President Leo Pasindu Bhanuka Premarathne and the District Assiatant Treasurer Leo Harishan Alahakoon enhanced the successfulness of the project.

Prarthana ’18

-Towards the Peaceful Society-

After completing a successful year with full of achievements we started another golden journey as a fresh leoistic year of 2018/2019, we as UOC LEOs initiated the Project called “Prarthana” and we are happy to mention here this is the very first project of our club for the leoistic year 2018/2019 and through this first phase our main intention was to obtain blessings for the success of future projects as well as for the club members of the club from all four religions before we start another successful journey.

Project Prarthana organized by the Leo Club of University of Colombo under the category of Peace, Religious and Cultural Activities. Project Sarthakathwaye Prarthana which was the first phase of the series which was held on 05^th of August 2018 at several religious places. Those are, Sri Subramaniam kovil, Wellawatte, St. Marry’s Church, Bambalapitya, Gangaramaya Temple, Hunupitiya , Jummah Masjid Mosque, Jawatte. We were able to obtain blessings from all those places for the beginning of the successful journey.

Then the 02^nd phase of “Prarthana” was held on 12^th of September 2018 at the Faculty of Management and Finance University of Colombo premises and we named it as “Sanhindiyawe Prarthana”. Through this project we were able to organize a multi-cultural event and bring young crowd from all over the country who are related to different cultures such as Tamils, Sinhalese, Catholics, and Muslims etc. Also we were able to bring a large audience into one floor and give them an understanding about what really other cultures are and what really other cultures do and how to feel the delicacy of other cultures with harmony and peace.

Further we moved on to the 03^rd phase of the “Prarthana” which was held on 24^th of September 2018 at the Sri Praghnananda Piriwena, Maharagama and we named it as “Sadaham Prarthana”. This project was mainly focused to distribute scriptures with evening “Gilanpasa” to devotees those who obtained sil at the temple not only that which will also focus the engagement of young crowd towards religious activities. Apart from that our main intension was to enhance the knowledge regarding the religion and make the thoughts nice and positive.

With the LEO District 306 C1 we are looking forward to make another remarkable year with innovative ideas and full of social services to create a better future for the community and our club as well. As a result of that we believe we can achieve the best of the best than the previous year. To achieve that goal as the Leo Club of UOC, we took the initial step called “Prarthana” for the unique beginning.

Our dreams are big. We have enough courage to chase them and we all are work hard to “redefine the success”.     

3rd Anniversary Celebration of Leo Club of University of Colombo

Celebrating the three glorious years of success on the 4^th of august, the Leo club of University of Colombo faculty of management and finance has come to a significant milestone throughout the Leo club history. Being awarded as the most outstanding club in the Leo district 306 C1 in the previous year adds more colors to the 3^rd anniversary celebration which was taken place at the faculty premises. The anniversary and award distribution ceremony were held successfully with the participation of the charter members, the newly appointed club president and her board of directors and the members of the club. The occasion was witnessed by the initial Past President Leo Nimesh Jayasinghe, to whom the club owes a debt of gratitude for the significant contribution devoted during his timeframe.

 

                                                                                                                               

The beginning of the celebration event was marked by warmly welcoming the distinguished guests on behalf of the club by the newly appointed Vice President Leo Amila Prasad Illesinghe. Thereafter the immediate past president for the leoistic year 2017/18 Leo Tharindu Jayasinghe address the gathering by sharing his wonderful journey throughout his four years of being an active leoism. Furthermore, he mentioned a brief description about the achievements gained by the club during his period of time. Moreover, he invited for the initial club president in the leostic year of 2015\16 Leo Nimesh Jayasinghe to share his valuable thoughts with the audience. After the inspirational speech by the past president, the most awaited moment of the event was taken place, which was cutting the anniversary cake.

Then it was time to express the sincere gratitude for all the past presidents and the secretaries for their significant contribution towards the development of the club. Tokens of appreciation were presented to Leo Migara Dinendra, Leo Thanusha Munasinghe, Leo Hansi Jayathilake, Leo Nimesh Jayasinghe and Leo Berny Wickramasinghe and Leo Tharindu Jayasinghe. As club members, we have learned a one thing from these three years of existence that is great achievements comes from great sacrifices. Therefore, we strive, we thrive and we believe in UOC Leos.

4th Annual Installation Ceremony’18

The Leo Club of University of Colombo pulled up a great show by conducting its 4^th Annual Installation Ceremony on 15^th of September 2018.The ceremony started at 1.00 p.m. onwards from registration. After the arrival of the chief guest District Governor -Dr. Sarath Wijechandra MJF MAF JP and Guest of Honor- DP Leo Thilina Wijayamuni De Zoysa the meeting was called to order by the chairman Leo Tharindu Jayasinghe. Going along with the formal order the welcome speech was done by Club Vice President 2018/ 2019 Leo Amila Prasad. The past Club president 2017/2018 Leo Tharindu Jayasinghe inspired the gathering by his heartwarming and energetic speech.After the induction of the new members District Governor -Dr. Sarath Wijechandra MJF MAF JP installed the new office bearers accordingly. Then the agenda was for the lighting lamps by the all the dignitaries.

The Club president 2018/2019 Leo Isuri Kotuwewatta deliverd her speech by describing her futute plans then Chief Guest-District Governor -Dr.Sarath Wijechandra MJF MAF JP for the day enlightened the gathering with his wonderful speech .And also the Special Guest PDP/ Multiple District Vice President– Leo Dilruk Tissera and Guest of Honor- DP LeoThilina Wijayamuni De Zoysa addressed the gathering.

The highlighting moment of the event was launching the website of the Leo Club of University of Colombo. The club had launched a website which could access outsiders and also the Leos. The club directory which includes the past year 2017/2018 activities and distribution of the society and also club evaluation was presented by the Club President 2018/2019 Leo Isuri Kotuwewatta to the District Governor -Dr. Sarath Wijechandra MJF MAF JP and all other distinguish guests.

Leo Chamodi and Dancing crew of Financing and management Faculty entertained the gathering.After giving the token of appreciation to all the distinguish guests, past presidents, council officers, visiting Leos and Lions gave their felicitation to the new board of directors 2018/2019 and the club. The ceremony was attended by around 150 club members and members from other clubs as well. The 4th annual installation ceremony ended with the Club Secretary 2018/2019 Leo Ayodhya Samali delivering the Vote of thanks.

“Alert’18”

“Alert’18”
 “Aware and Prevent for a Happier Life”

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites.

Both the number of cases and the prevalence of cancer have been steadily increasing over the past few decades. There are said to be over 200 different types of cancer and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.

We, Leo Club of University of Colombo focus our attention on awareness of this Fatal Disease, Cancer for the betterment of Sri Lankan Society. Since 1 of 8 cancer patients can be cured completely. Only with the early detection we can eradicate the risk of cancer.

Therefore, we wishes to conduct Cancer Awareness Project with namely “Alert’18-Aware and Prevent for Happier Life” with 5 related phases in island wide. These all phases are conduct by Resource Personnel such as Doctors.

In this project we give our attention on different community groups in our society.

Phase 01

We planned our first phase was conducted in a school at Kegalle. We selected Kandegedara

 Kanishta Vidyalaya, Dewalegama, Kegalle to conduct the initial phase. After taking account of the possible dates, Principle allowed us to conduct this program on 2nd February 2018.

As the initial step of the opening ceremony lightening of the oil lamp was done by with the participation of the Doctor Chamila Priyadarshani and other members. After we conducted the opening ceremony we conducted the awareness program to the students.

Oral Cancer,Includes cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. After host the presentation about oral cancers, doctor spent her valuable time to conduct the check-up program. All the boys were attending to this and many students were addicted to eat betel nuts. Then doctor instructed them to not eat those and some ways to get rid of that bad habit.

 Distribution of leaflets and booklets

Breast Cancers

The most common invasive cancer in women, and the second main cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer where Risk factors can be genetic, but some lifestyle factors, such as alcohol intake, makes it more likely to happen.

While conducting the presentation by the doctor, she allowed all the participants to ask questions regarding cancers if they have any issues and many participants took the advantage of the chance. We were randomly distributed a sample feedback form to take suggestions and their feedbacks relating to the project after the end of the both Awareness &Check-up.

In the end, one of their staff members delivers their comments about our project and informed us that they had organized refreshments for us and take a part of it.

Phase 02

Second phase of our project was held on 16th of February 2018 at  Kahangama Bauddha Maha Vidyalaya, Kahangama, Rathnapura. Leo sandeepana addressed the audience by welcoming the all participants to the project and the project Chairperson Leo Gayanith Sachindara addressed the audience by describing what is “Alert’18”. After that awareness program commenced with the involvement of students and parents.

As phase 01 we conducted awareness programme by providing information about oral cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and distribute leaflets and booklets among participants.

Phase 03

Alert'18 phase 3 was held on 19th February 2018 at Wattappola Central Collage, Pilimathalwa. At the event day school vice principal firstly addressed the audience then we initiated our program.
 As the initial step Leo sandeepana address the audience by welcoming the all participants. Then project Chairperson Leo Gayanith Sachindara address the audience by describing what is “Alert’18”. Then Club President Leo Tharindu Jayasinghe explained who we are and the objectives of our project. After that awareness program commenced by the Doctor  Bandula with the interaction of students and parents.

As previous projects provide some knowledge about cancer for the participants. With respect to the other cancer types there were many questions from the audience regarding this cancer. We were randomly distributed a sample feedback form to take suggestions and their feedbacks

Phase 04

We decided to conduct 4th phase of our project on 24thof February 2018  at CCC House Maharagama. 

After the arrival of chief guest, Leo Pasindu Bhanuka Premarathne President of District 306C1 we initiated the event by inviting all the patients to the dining area since they are supposed to take lunch at 11.30 a.m. While they are taking lunch we gathered to the Art room to discuss rest of the event. At that moment Leo Ashani addressed the audience and invited District President to address the participants. 

We were able to talk with those little kids and they were so happy to have us there on that day. They were so friendly with us and share their feelings with us. After lunch we organized an entertainment event where the singing crew prepared a series of songs to entertain the participants. At the beginning of the event children presented few songs along with the others. The event was held for approximately 1 and half hours and while it going on we distributed the feedback forms to the parents of the children. They enjoyed the program, by forgetting their pains and sorrows. As a matter of fact it was an emotional event for both of us and them. That one and half hours became the most unforgettable hours in most of ours mind.

At 2.30 p.m. we served yoghurt and snacks to the children. They were so thankful to us for the unforgettable evening they have. With all those memories on mind we wrapped up the event.

Phase 05

Fifth phase of this project, we selected a Kandy Superintendent Police Office to conduct the program. As the initial step Leo Sandeepana addressed the audience by delivering the welcome speech to the  participants. Then project Chairperson Leo Gayanith Sachindara addressed the audience by describing what is “Alert’18” then our  Club President Leo Tharindu Jayasinghe explained who we are and   the objectives of our project. After that awareness program commenced by doctor Iranga Madushan and Doctor Madhawee Gunethilake about Pap smear test and breast cancers. There were  many questions  regarding  breast  cancer  and  Pap  smear  test.  Then  dental  Surgeon Dilini Rathnayake delivered her presentation about oral cancers.

The police office staff provided refreshment to the participants.
After the awareness program there were two teams conducted the checkup series.

The awareness program “Alert’18” was completed successfully than we expected with the participation of more than 750 people.  It was a great opportunity and a privilege for us to conduct this valuable program covering different district community, to educate the society about cancers and the ways of preventing from it.

Alert’18 was really a great success to everyone who were connected with us a team in all possible ways. We, Leo club of University of Colombo are thankful to all the participants who spent their valuable time to contribute to the success of this project. At the end of the each phase we were able to get blessings by participants and all of them were encouraged us to conduct more projects like.

We were really appreciate time and effort of every single person who contributed us.
  

“The Elicit”

“The Elicit” 

Phase 01

To be a good leader there should be a good leadership, experience and opportunity. On the other hand Leoism stands for all those three things. However people have stereotyped Leo as something which only encourages community service. But Leoismis beyond that.“The Elicit” is the best example to prove that. 

“The Elicit” is the initial research based project of the Leo Club of University of Colombo with the intention of discovering the impacts of the social media to the interpersonal communication skills of the society. The first phase of this enviable project was held on Friday 26^th of January 2018 from 12.15 pm onwards in the new computer laboratory of the Faculty of Management and Finance.

The supreme objective of this project is to produce knowledge relating to the impact of social media usage on interpersonal communication skills of the youth based on the information collected throughout the research. 

As the initial step we had to select a suitable topic for this research. From all those options we have selected Impact of social media on interpersonal communication. With the instructions given by the lecturer we had to obtain some information from the articles in the internet. After collecting the relevant information we formed our hypothesis as impact of social media on interpersonal communication is negative. After completing the formation of the hypothesis the next step was preparation of the questionnaire to gather the information from the sample. 

To launch the initiate phase of the research we chose the New Computer Lab of the Faculty of Management and Finance because we needed to find a venue which is enriched by IT facilities. Even though firstly we decided to print questionnaires, according to an idea suggested by our club president we decided to create a google form and a QR code (Quick Response Code) to use the new technology for data collection. With that we would be able to reach a wider audience and we got the opportunity to diffuse the Google form through the all social media.

To attract a wider audience, we have displayed posters around the faculty premises and in that poster we have mentioned the UR code also. It provides the opportunity to the audience to directly link to our google form. In addition, to invite our members to the event we created WhatsApp messages and those were shared in our LEO official group. Moreover fliers were shared through social media like Facebook and WhatsApp. We shared all those messages and flyers before two days from the launching date.

On the event day morning all the preparations were done before the project commenced. Sharing the google link to the network, placing the QR codes templates, and preparing to the presentation were done. We launched the research at 12.15 p.m. in the New Computer Lab of the Faculty of Management and Finance with a huge number of students including Leos, Leo prospects and Non-Leos.

It was a brand new experience for our club as well as to the Elicit committee. Therefore it provided us an extensive knowledge on how to drive a research and implement a project strategically, work with superiors such as officials of the club and senior lecturers. Moreover it helped us to develop our IT skills and we were able to learn how to enhance our leadership skills and we understood the power of teamwork throughout this project as well.

Phase 02

The research report publication was done on 8th February 2018 day at the Faculty of Management and Finance as a second phase of this project.According to the agenda the event was started by the chairperson, Leo Amali Poornima. Throughout her speech she mentioned about the background of the project and the objectives of it. Further she drew the attention about the first phase of this project.

After her speech, program was addressed by the Club President Leo Tharindu Jayasinghe. In his speech he talked about the importance of this valuable project. After the Club President’s speech, Chairperson Leo Amali Poornima handed over the research article to the President.

Later on, committee member, Leo Poornima ccontinued the presentation about the analysis of the results of the questionnaire. Throughout her speech she mentioned about the general information of the respondents who participated to the research. Moreover she talked about their usage of the social media.

Thereafter, Leo Anjana continued the analyzing session and she draw the attention about the Interpersonal Conflict Resolution, participants 'Preference for Online Communication vs. Offline Communication, Comparison of Social Media Preference in participant’s generation and elder generation in the youth’s perspective and she mentioned some solutions to get ride from the conflicts which are occurred  due to the social media.

“The Elicit” phase 2 is the publication of the research article and it should be mentioned that “The Elicit” is the initial research and development project undertaken by our own club, Leo Club of University of Colombo and the Leo District 306 C. It was a brand new experience for our club as well as to the Elicit committee. Therefore It provided us an extensive  knowledge on how to drive a research to implement a project strategically, work with superiors such as officials of the club and senior lecturers, also it helped us to develop our IT skills and We were able to learn how to enhance our leadership skills and also we understood the power of teamwork throughout this project.