About Us
Lions Club of Ratnapura – District 306 D7
💎 History of the Lions Club of Ratnapura
Proudly Serving the Community for Over 50 Years
Established on May 15, 1974, the Lions Club of Ratnapura stands as one of the most distinguished and active service clubs in Sri Lanka, operating under District 306 D7. Rooted in the vibrant heart of Ratnapura — famously known as the City of Gems — the club has spent over five decades dedicating itself to selfless service, visionary leadership, and sustainable community development.
As part of the global Lions movement founded by Melvin Jones in 1917, the club aligns with the international mission: “We Serve.” Through this timeless motto, the Lions Club of Ratnapura has become a trusted and respected force for good within the region.
📌 What We Do
The club's activities are wide-ranging and impactful, addressing key needs in the community such as:
Healthcare – Free medical camps, eye care programs, and blood donation drives
Education – Scholarships, school supply donations, and infrastructure improvements
Environment – Tree planting campaigns, clean-up projects, and awareness drives
Youth Empowerment – Leadership workshops, Leo Club engagement, and career guidance
Emergency Relief – Mobilizing aid during floods, pandemics, and natural disasters
👥 Our Legacy
Over the years, the club has grown in strength, not only in numbers but also in the diversity and dedication of its members — professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders — united by a single purpose: to make a lasting difference.
With a proud history and a forward-thinking vision, the Lions Club of Ratnapura continues to inspire generations of service-minded individuals across Sri Lanka.
🎯 Our Heart
Mission:
To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding.
Vision:
To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.
🗣️ Message from the District Governor
“Building a Better Future Together” is our theme this year. I believe in the power of teamwork and encourage all Lions to focus on nurturing the next generation, promoting education, and strengthening community ties. Let us care for one another as family and lead with unity, purpose, and service.
Lion Gaya Upasena PMJF / PMAF / PLSF
District Governor 2025–2026
🗣️ Message from the First Vice District Governor
Integrity and leadership are the twin pillars of Lionism. Let us serve with honesty and transparency, and lead with empathy, courage, and collaboration. Together, we can uplift lives and communities.
Lion Chandika Dedigama
🗣️ Message from the Second Vice District Governor
I congratulate the Lions Club of Ratnapura for over 50 years of dedicated service. Under new leadership, I’m confident you will continue to shine in your commitment to community welfare and impactful service.
Lion Viduranga Maddumage MJF, MAF
👤 Club President’s Note
I am honored to serve as the 52nd President of this remarkable club. I call on all members to embrace the 7-Point Program introduced by our District Governor and to work in unity to strengthen service, leadership, friendship, training, ethics, and governance. Let’s draw inspiration from our founder, Melvin Jones, and serve with pride, purpose, and passion.
Lion Dr. Chaminda Jayawardena – President 2025/2026
🧑💼 Leadership Team 2025–2026
Board of Directors – Lions Club of Ratnapura:
President: Lion Dr. Chaminda Jayawardena MJF
Secretary: Lion Pamal Ruwansiri PMJF / PMAF / PSLF / JP
Treasurer: Lion Bandula Wijesinghe MAF / SLF / JP
Directors:
Lion Kumara Uduwage
Lion Palitha Kahandagama MAF / JP
Lion Lalith Abeysinghe MAF
Lion Bandula Alwis
Lion Nimal Dayawansa
Lion Palitha Jagoda MJF / MAF
Lion Samantha Dandeniya MAF
Lion Ruwan Kumara MAF
Lion Manjula Samaranayake MAF
Lion Y. Premarathne MAF
Lion Jagath Rambukwella
Lion Sujath Ratnasekara
Lion Asoka Pelpola
Lion Harendra Fernando
Lion Dr. Kanchana Upasena MAF
Lion Sujeewa Hettiarachchi
Lion Sewwandhi Thennakoon MAF
Lion Dimuthu Sanjaya MAF
Lion Rohan Siriwardena MAF
Lion Sanjaya Silva MJF / MAF
Lion Dhanushka Wijerathne MAF
Lion Dinuka Dasith MAF
Lion Chalani Shayamali MJF
Lion Bathiya Sammana
🏅 Past Presidents – Lions Club of Ratnapura (2000–2025)
2000–2001: Lion Ravi Abeykoon
2001–2002: Lion Bandula Wijesinghe MAF / SLF / JP
2002–2003: Lion Palitha Jagoda MJF / MAF
2003–2004: Lion Samitha K. Attygalle
2004–2005: Lion Priyantha De Silva
2005–2006: Lion P.A. Nandasena MJF / MAF
2006–2007: Lion L.H.D. Shantha Lal – MJF
2007–2008: Lt. Lion A.V. Dasanayake
2008–2009: Lion Manjula Samaranayake MAF
2009–2010: Lion Sujath Ratnasekara
2010–2011: Lion Jagath Rambukwella
2011–2012: Lion Y. Premaratne MAF
2012–2013: Lion Harendra Fernando
2013–2014: Lion Asoka Pelpola MAF
2014–2015: Lion Bandula Alwis
2015–2016: Lion M.A. Wijethunga MAF
2016–2017: Lion P.A. Nandasena MJF / MAF
2017–2018: Lion Samitha K. Attygalle
2019–2020: Lion Mrs. Malini Premarathne
2020–2021: Lion W. Maddumage MJF / MAF / JP
2021–2022: Lion W. Maddumage MJF / MAF
2022–2023: Lion Pamal Ruwansiri PMJF / PMAF / PSLF / JP
2023–2024: Lion Manjula Samaranayake MAF
2024–2025: Lion Samantha Dandeniya MAF