Wednesday 25 February 2009

District Simplified Grants - For Small Projects

We kindly request each Club to forward a small project proposal for possible funding from the District Simplified Grant (DSG) available to our District. The DSG amount awarded towards the Club project will be a maximum of Rs.50,000/- per Club as we hope to pass on the benefit to at least 15 Clubs. The total amount of DSG funds available for 2008-9 is Rs.734, 958/-. Please note: The Club too must include a minimum of Rs.10,000/- towards the project.

Districts must ensure that all expenditures adhere to Foundation policies and guidelines. Click on Read more about the eligibility of expenditures and activities (PDF).

Frequently asked questions Download questions and answers (PDF)

Reporting requirements: A final report is due within two months of the full expenditure of funds. Click on Download the District Simplified Grant report form as a PDF or Word document.

ProjectLINK replaced WCS & 2 RI databases

The new ProjectLINK Submission Form: Project/s Seeking Support is now available for registering international service projects for posting on ProjectLINK. The new form replaces the World Community Service Project Data Form and the Rotary Volunteers International Volunteer Site Registration Form.
ProjectLINK (clik on it) is an online, searchable database listing Rotary Club and District community service projects in need of funding, volunteers, and donated goods. Rotarians can also list projects to find partners for a Rotary Foundation Matching Grant, and model projects that can be used as examples of best practices.

Monday 23 February 2009

104th Birth Anniversary of Rotary

The fact that the 18th Rotary District Conference - "Dream Summit" was successfully completed with 750 "Dream Makers" gives us added impetus to celebrate the 104th Birth Anniversary of Rotary today.

The 104th Birth Anniversary of Rotary is an opportune occasion for silent reflection & resolve to "Make Dreams Real". Long live Rotary!

104 Sets of Library Books for Schools

On 22 Feb., at the time of the 18th Rotary District Conference (A day before Rotary's 104th Birth Anniversary) Rotary Clubs were requested to collect upto 4 sets of Library books each that had been put together and presented to us by The Asia Foundation. The English Library books are to be given to English speaking needy schools. Each set is worth Rs.20,000/- (nearly 50 Books in each set). The total of 5,000 books/ 104 Sets are worth approx. Rs.2 Mil. Clubs paid a token contribution of Rs.1,000/- per set obtained.

18th District Conference - a Grand Success

THANK YOU for your keen participation & valuable contribution towards the "Dream Summit" - The 18th Rotary District Conference. 750 "Dream Makers" helped make it a very successful event.
Unprecedented Conference lead-up publicity, an inspirational RI President's Representative with demonstrated leadership, wisdom & good counsel in IPDG. Aziz Memon, motivational & informative break-out sessions, a fantastic gala beach fiesta/ fellowship, selected plenary session & keynote speakers, varied GSE presentations, great project panel displays, elegant gift pack, an idyllic Conference venue with sumptuous food and a "Thank you Rotary" song truly added colour. Over 90% of the Clubs registered. Except for the Conference opening session (particularly the acoustics) and some time over-runs, there is very little that we would do differently. Thank you District Conference Organising Committee Chairman - PP. Thiru and all the dynamic Conference Committee Members for your tireless efforts in ensuring a successful District Conference "Dream summit".
During the next 4 months, together let us "Make Dreams Real".

Rotary Projects - Display Panel Winners

Congratulations! to all the Rotary Clubs who displayed their Rotary project activities. The International judges - PDG. David Yates, Ann Dr. Samina & PDG. Rekha Shetty while commending the many good Club displays, selected the following as winners at the Conference:

1st Place - RC of Battaramulla (Challenge Shield + Cash prize)
2nd Place - RC of Athugalpura (Cash prize)
3rd Place - RC of Kandy ( Cash prize)

Thursday 19 February 2009

Special Offer for Rotarians - 21 & 22 Feb.

A very special offer to all Rotarians who would like to stay at the Mount Lavinia Hotel during the Rotary District Conference - click on www.mountlaviniahotel.com/
Double Room on Bed & Breakfast basis- US$45 (Per night/2 persons)

Wednesday 18 February 2009

18th District Conference - 700+ Registered

"The Dream Summit" - The 18th Rotary District Conference is scheduled for 21 & 22 February at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Over 650 Rotarians, 25 Interactors & 25 Rotaractors have already registered. Nearly 400 will also attend the Gala Beach Fiesta at the Paradise Beach - Mount Lavinia Hotel.

District Conference Programme

Mount Lavinia Hotel - Empire Ball Room
Dress : National / Lounge

Saturday, 21st February 2009
10.00 - “Make Dreams Real” – Club Projects Exhibition
12.00 - Registration and Fellowship (Note: Does not include Lunch)

13.30 - Rotarians and Invitees take their seats
13.45 - College of Governors, AGs, Dist. Conference Organ.g Committee Chairman, Dist. Secy. & Conference Secy. assemble in the lobby

13.52 - Arrival of Rotary International President's Representative,
PHF. IPDG. Aziz Memon and Ann Dr. Samina

13.57 - Traditional Lighting of the Oil Lamp

14.00 - Opening Session
- 18th Rotary District Conference is called to order
- Playing of National Anthems
- Moment of Silence

- Welcome Address by District Conference Organising Committee Chairman, PHF. PP. Thiru K. Thirunavukkarasu
- Adoption of the 18th Rotary District Conference Programme
- Recognition of Presidents 2008-9, Overseas Rotarians & Rotarians attending the Rotary District Conference for the First time

- Introduction of RIPR by Dist. Secretary, PHF. PP. Taslim Rahaman
- “Rotary Worldwide” by RIPR, PHF. IPDG. Aziz Memon
- Introduction of Governor by Asst. Governor, PHF. Maj. Douglas W.
- “State of Rotary in Sri Lanka” by DG, PHF. Nalin Fernando

15.00 - First Plenary Session
- RI Theme “Make Dreams Real” by RIPR, PHF. IPDG. Aziz Memon
- “District Goals 2008-9” by DG, PHF. Nalin Fernando

- Highlights of some Club Achievements:
Going for 100% Membership Growth - RC of Colombo Reconnections
Going for 100% Attendance Record - RC of Battaramulla
Continuing the EREY Contribution to TRF - RC of Colombo Regency
Going for 100% PHF Club Status - RC of Kandy

- "Sri Lanka - Progress towards Peace & Prosperity" by Dr. Palitha Kohona, Secretary – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Introduction of Breakout Session Chairman & Discussion Leaders
16.30 - Refreshments served at the Breakout Sessions

16.50 - Breakout Sessions/ Presentations
* Imperial Room – Chairman, AG. PHF. Capt. Suranjan De Silva
Rtn. PHF. PP. Gamini Saparamadu (Chairman – Kent Holdings Ltd.) –
“Follow Your Dream”

Rtn. Indrajith Fernando (Director /CEO Bartleet TransCapital Ltd.) –
“Complying with RI Board requirements for a functioning Rotary Club”

Rtn. PHF. PP. Thiru K. Thirunavukkarasu (Rotary District Chairman) –
“On to the RI Convention” – 100th RI Convention, Birmingham, U.K.
Rtr. PP. Husna Rafeek (DRR) – “Rotaract – Rotary in Action”
Int. PP. Mevan Banagala (DIR) – “Interact is Fun!”
Int. Pres. Saashya Rodrigo - Rotary Georgia Scholarship recipient

* Regency Room – Chairman, AG. PHF. Maj. Douglas Wijesinha
Ms. Sunethra Bandaranaike (Chairperson Sunera Foundation) –
“Make Dreams Real for Children”

Rtn. PHSM. Dr. Harsha de Silva (Economist) –
"Sri Lanka: Emerging from a Global Crisis to Prosperity"

Rtn. PHF. PP. Gamini Saparamadu (Chairman – Kent Holdings Ltd.) –
“Follow Your Dream”

Rtn. PHF. PP. Lefty Gunaratne (Director – Sage Training Pvt. Ltd.) –
“Leadership, Emotions and Spirituality”

* Maitland State – Chairman, DS. PHF. Taslim Rahaman
Rtn. PHF. PP. R. Theagarajah (CEO – Hatton National Bank) –
“Make Dreams Real by Helping Others to Help Themselves”

Rtn. PHF. PP. Mangala Yapa (MD/ CEO – Colombo Dockyard PLC) –
“The Rotary Way” - Path to Leadership & Professionalism in Business
Rtn. Indrajith Fernando (Director /CEO Bartleet TransCapital Ltd.) –
“Complying with RI Board requirements for a functioning Rotary Club”

Rtn. PHF. PP. Nalin Jayasuriya (MD/CEO – McQuire Rens & Jones Pvt. Ltd.) – “Building a Positive Personality”


Gala Beach Fiesta - Paradise Beach, Mount Lavinia Hotel
Dress: Beach Wear/ Sarong (Have 6 Rooms to change at the Hotel)

19.50 - Gala Beach Fiesta – Cocktails at the Paradise Beach
20.10 - Club Presidents 2008-9 to Assemble at the Imperial Room
20.15 - Arrival of RIPR, IPDG. Aziz & Ann Dr. Samina with DG Nalin
Introduction of Club Presidents 2008-9

20.30 - Gala Beach Fiesta - Entertainment & Dinner Commences
- Informal address by RIPR. IPDG. Aziz Memon
- Informal address by DG. Nalin Fernando
23.00 - Gala Beach Fiesta begins to fade away


Sunday, 22nd February 2009
Empire Ball Room - Mount Lavinia Hotel
Dress : National / Office Attire

07.00 - Breakfast with College of Governors
07.45 - Breakfast for Club Presidents & Secy.s/ Conf. Committee

09.00 - Second Plenary Session
“Being Happy – An essential tool for success during turbulent times”
by Rtn. PHF. PP. Nalaka Hewamadduma

09.40 - District Business Plenary Session
District Accounts: Rotary Year 2007-08
Resolutions
Open Forum
Address by District Governor Elect - PHF. Suri Rajan
Address by District Governor Nominee – PHF. Imthiaz Ismail

10.40 - Break / Refreshments

11.00 - The Rotary Foundation - Plenary Session
The Group Study Exchange Programme – PHF. PP. K. Arabinthan
In-bound GSE Teams from RI D.7630 - U.S.A & RI D.3140 - India
Out-bound GSE Teams to RI D.3140 - India & RI D.7630 - U.S.A.
District Simplified Grants – PHF. PDG. Lucky Peiris
Matching Grants – PHF. PP. Pat Fernando
Rotary Scholarships – PHF. PP. Clarence Seimon

12.20 - Fifth Plenary Session
“How to be an Effective Rotary Club” by PHF. PDG. David Yates
“Saving Planet Earth” by PHF. PDG. Rekha Shetty

13.20 - Closing Plenary Session
"The continuous Flattening of the Flat World" – PHF. Mr. Nivard Cabraal, Governor - CBSL

Remarks by RI President’s Representative - PHF. IPDG Aziz Memon
Remarks by District Governor - PHF. Nalin Fernando
Recognition of Club Exhibits/ Awards
Recognition of District Conference Committee & Subcommittees
District Conference Evaluation
Expression of Thanks by Conf. Secy. – PHF. PE. Lakshman Galwaduge
Salutation Song - “Thank You Rotary” Children from Welimada
Formal sessions come to a close

14.00 - Sumptuous Buffet Lunch and Fellowship
15.00 - Conclusion of the 18th Rotary District Conference.

Tuesday 17 February 2009

TRF - Annual Program Fund Contributions

"TOP 10"- Per Capita giving Rotary Clubs (As of 31 Jan.):
1. RC of Battaramulla (24 Members)- Per Capita US$208.33
2. RC of Kandy (62 Members) - Per Capita US$99.17
3. RC of Col. Millenium City (15) - Per Capita US$78.09
4. RC of Colombo Central (31) - Per Capita US$73.48
5. RC of Galle (10) - Per Capita US$70.00
6. RC of Col. Mid Town (30) - Per Capita US$51.76
7. RC of Col. North (31) - Per Capita US$41.94
8. RC of Kalmunai (16) - Per Capita US$40.63
9. RC of Trincomalee (33) - Per Capita US$37.52
10. RC of Colombo South (29) - Per Capita US$34.48

"TOP 10 Clubs" in Total contributions to TRF-APF
1. RC of Kandy - US$6,148.57
2. RC of Battaramulla - US$5,000.00
3. RC of Colombo Central - US$2,277.78
4. RC of Col. Mid Town - US$1,552.78
5. RC of Colombo North - US$1,300.00
6. RC of Trincomalee - US$1,238.00
7. RC of Col. Millenium City - US$1,171.29
8. RC of Cinamon Gardens - US$1,033.72
9. RC of Batticaloa - US$1,000.00
9. RC of Colombo South - US$1,000.00
9. RC of Colombo West - US$1,000.00
9. RC of Kelaniya - US$1,000.00

Clubs that achieved 100% of their pledged TRF-APF Goal:
1. RC of Col. Central - Goal US$1,000/-, Achieved US$2,278 (228%)
2. RC of Kalmunai - Goal US$400/-, Achieved US$650 (163%)
3. RC of Battaramulla - Goal US$3,500/-, Achieved US$5,000 (143%)
4. RC of Galle - Goal US$500/-, Achieved US$700 (140%)
5. RC of Katugastota - Goal US$500/-, Achieved US$525 (105%)
6. RC of Cinamon Gardens - Goal US$1,000/-, US$1,033 (103%)
7. RC of Kelaniya - Goal US$1,000/-, US$1,000 (100%)

Monday 2 February 2009

18th District Conference - 600+ Registered

"The Dream Summit" - The 18th Rotary District Conference is scheduled for 21 & 22 February at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Over 600 Rotarians have already registered and 400 will also attend the Gala Beach Fiesta at the Paradise Beach - Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Sunday 1 February 2009

The Greatest Asset of Rotary - Membership

"Top 10" Clubs in Membership Growth (As per RI records, based on Membership reports updated by Clubs: 1 July, 2008 to 1 Feb., 2009)
1. RC of Colombo Reconnections (from 15 to 29) + 14
2. RC of Kandy (from 62 to 73) + 11
3. RC of Kuliyapitiya (from 47 to 55) + 8
4. RC of Colombo Central (from 31 to 38) + 7
5. RC of Ratnapura (from 11 to 16) + 5
6. RC of Kalmunai (from 16 to 20) + 4
7. RC of Wattala (from 24 to 27) + 3
8. RC of Gampola (from 10 to 12) + 2
9. RC of Panduwasnuwara (from 20 to 22) + 2
10. RC of Rangiri Dambulla (from 10 to 12) + 2


"Top 10" Clubs in Percentage Growth (since 1 July, 2008)
RI President D.K. Lee has challenged Clubs to grow by minimum 10%
1. RC of Colombo Reconnections (from 15 to 29) + 93%
2. RC of Ratnapura (from 11 to 16) + 45%
3. RC of Kalmunai (from 16 to 20) + 25%
4. RC of Colombo Central (from 31 to 38) + 23%
5. RC of Gampola (from 10 to 12) + 20%
6. RC of Rangiri Dambulla (from 10 to 12) + 20%
7. RC of Kandy (from 62 to 73) + 18%
8. RC of Kuliyapitiya (from 47 to 55) + 17%
9. RC of Wattala (from 24 to 27) + 13%
10. RC of Panduwasnuwara (from 20 to 22) + 10%

"Top 10" Clubs - Highest number of Members (as on 1 Feb., 2009)
1. RC of Colombo - 103
2. RC of Colombo West - 92
3. RC of Kandy - 73
4. RC of Kuliyapitiya - 55
5. RC of Pamunugama - 46
6. RC of Batticaloa - 40
7. RC of Colombo Uptown - 39
8. RC of Colombo Central - 38
9. RC of Cinamon Gardens - 35
10. RC of Trincomalee - 33
10. RC of Wariyapola - 33