President, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka felicitate Rotary’s Centenary
The President of Sri Lanka, Her Excellency, Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse both sent warm felicitations on the occasion of Rotary International’s Centenary on Wednesday 23rd February.
In a letter to District Governor Lucky Pieris, Kumaratunga says, “I am happy to be associated with Rotary International’s Centenary Celebrations this year. In Sri Lanka Rotary has been active since 1929 and is the oldest of all service organizations. Rotary enjoys a worldwide reputation for its selfless humanitarian service to mankind and its collective efforts to build goodwill and peace in the world.”
“We in Sri Lanka know them best for their successful campaign to eradicate Polio, a task they undertook in 1995 with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health. We are indeed very appreciative of their hard work in this direction; we have had no new Polio cases reported in recent times. It is safe to say our nation is now Polio free and for that we are indebted to Rotary.”
I am aware that Rotarians across the country worked tirelessly in the immediate aftermath of the recent catstrophe and continue to do so, by providing new homes and vocations to the displaced, living up to their motto of ‘Service above Self’
“Sri Lanka’s Rotarians were the first to offer to repair and refurbish the schools which were damaged by the tidal waves. They are now in the process of rebuilding 25 of our damaged schools. This gracious gift to Sri Lanka’s children will long be remembered”
“I sincerely wish Rotary International and especially you the Rotarians of Sri Lanka a great Centennial Year and success in your current and future endeavours” said Kumaratunga.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse too sent a message of felicitation to District Governor Pieris.
“I am aware that Rotary is deeply committed to do its utmost in assisting the Government in its efforts at rebuilding the nation in the aftermath of the tsunami.”
“I also fully appreciate your endeavour to eradicate the dreadful Polio disease from the surface of the earth by the end of year 2005”, he added.
Sri Lanka’s newspapers carried full-page supplements highlighting Rotary’s achievements throughout the century and included messages from the President, Prime Minister, R.I. President Glen Estess and District Governor Pieris.
There was however no celebrations by the Rotarians of Sri Lanka. All events planned for the day were cancelled as a mark of respect to all those who paid the ultimate price in the recent tsunami tragedy.
Instead the Rotarians gathered in great number at an Inter City Meeting to commemorate the landmark event. The evening began with a minute’s silence for the victims of the tsunami and District Governor Lucky Pieris then addressed the gathering.
Comparing Rotary to a great river he said, “Even the world’s mightiest rivers have humble beginnings. They start as tiny springs, bubbling cheerfully to the surface, or perhaps as a single melting snowdrop…”
“As the rivulet trickles down, it brings new life to everything it touches. Soon, other tiny streams join its path and together they unite as a river, ever more confident and forceful.
One hundred years ago, a river called Rotary was born. A lonely lawyer named Paul Harris invited three close business associates for an evening meeting. They shared similar backgrounds and missed the friendliness and trustworthiness of dealing with people they knew. That night, they decided to form a club where they could meet and deal with each other in friendship and trust. That decision was the spring that started a mighty river!”
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of all Rotarians who had served for more than 25 years.
“As with many waterways, whose names are universally recognized, the tributaries that feed them often remain unknown,” said District Governor Pieris.
“Today, we have had the opportunity to recognize some of those special people who have contributed their mite to this great movement of ours. Theirs has been a silent steadfast support for over 25 years. On behalf of all Rotarians, I say a humble “thank you” to all these special people” said Pieris.
There was also time for just a little enjoyment when District Governor Pieris invited all the Centennial Presidents to join him in the cutting of a huge Birthday Cake to the singing of “Happy Birthday Rotary”.
