A Lion from Sri Lanka to lead the International Lions Movement

A Challenge to Change:

What appears to be a fairy-tale, but true, yet almost unbelievable, a lion from this tiny emerald island reached the pinnacle of the International Lions movement, when on the 6th of July, our own lion Mahendra Amarasuriya was inducted as the President of the Lions Clubs International at a glittering ceremony in Chicago, USA, the same city where it all began 90 years ago.

What a proud moment it was not only for Lions but to all Sri Lankans as a nation, where one, our own Lion was elected to give leadership to the world's largest service organisation spread over 203 countries with a membership of over 1.3 million. It is heartening to note, though small in size, Sri Lanka has a membership of over 11,500 lions in all six districts and ranks 19th among the 203 member countries.

Fate has also decreed a Sri Lankan to be the International President when we celebrate our golden jubilee or the 50th Anniversary of lionism this year and unknown to many the International President himself will mark 40 years of his lionistic career.

Lion Mahendra hails from a family of philanthropists, his father, the late Thomas Amarasuriya played a key role in the Buddhist revival, contributed towards the education in the country by building schools. He was also a President of the Senate (now defunct).

A product of Royal College, Colombo and a graduate of the University of Ceylon, Lion Mahendra is the Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon, rated as the best bank in Sri Lanka.

In an illustrious career spanning over forty years he has held top position such as the Deputy Chairman of the Hayleys Group, Chairman, United Motors Ltd, International Chamber of Commerce, Employees' Federation of Ceylon, Employees' Trust Fund and also is a board member of many other blue chip companies.

A business magazine Lanka Monthly Digest describes Mahendra Amarasuriya as someone who "epitomizes an image which has become a rarity in the nation's beleaguered business and political landscape - one in which professionalism and ethics are paramount." Another business colleague says "He has been successful primarily because his integrity is unquestionable and he is honest to a fault."

Forty years ago lionism in Sri Lanka was still in its infant stage, with only a few clubs in Colombo and major outstation cities. It is around this time in 1967 the Lions Club of Galle, the first Club in the south was formed and Mahendra Amarasuriya joined as a Charter Member.

It did not take long for the leaders to see the potential in young Mahendra and he was invited to serve in the Cabinets of several District Governors. In the year 1978/1979 District 306A elected him as their Governor.

The exposure and experience he gained as a District Governor, the acceptance and knowledge he acquired paved the way for him to enter the International circuit of the lions movement. He was elected as an International Director in 1991 being only the second Sri Lankan Lion to be elected to this position after Lion Chuck Wijenathan. As an International Director opportunities were created for him to visit many foreign countries and he chaired two area forums, in Pakistan and Nairobi.

If getting a seat on the International Board was difficult, especially for a small nation like Sri Lanka, International Presidency looked a Himalayan task. But Mahendra Amarasuriya had conquered the peak. The Sri Lankan Flag is firmly placed at the top.

His theme this year "Challenge to Change" and has a vision to re-brand lions clubs to be more relevant to the twenty first century. He has outlined nine core programmes for the year 2007/2008.

1. Challenge to re-brand Lions Clubs

2. Challenge to grow by an additional 200,000 quality members

3. Challenge to develop quality leaders for the twenty first century

4. Challenge to extend 1250 new clubs with a mix of older and younger members of both sexes.

5. Challenge to enhance the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) funded by increasing Melvin Jones Fellowship to 350,000.

6. Challenge to raise campaign Sight First II funding to achieve an initial target of US$ 150 million and a stretch target of US$ 200 million.

7. Challenge to revive and develop the Leo Movement to its maximum potential.

8. Challenge to expand the Lions Quest Programme to 50 countries.

9. Challenge to re structure the public relations efforts globally and establish a new brand image for Lions Clubs.

He has Challenged the Lions to Change. A Challenge to take Lionism to new heights, perhaps in a new direction. Lions in Sri Lanka have to take the challenge and effect that change and show our gratitude to a Lion who took Sri Lanka to International stardom in Lionism.

All good wishes to Lion Mahendra and that charming gracious lady Kushlani for the most memorable year in your lionistic adventure.

Lion Merril Jayakody
District 306 C 1.