By Umer Nangiana


One of the oldest and the biggest community clubs in the town, Lanka Lions Doha recently elected their new president along with the body of officer-bearers to run the affairs of the organisation for another year.
During their 28th Annual General Meeting, the Lanka Lions Doha in a graceful ceremony elected Lakmal Ehelamalpe as the new president of the club. He would be assisted by Vice President Rajeeva Fernando, outgoing president Roshan Lokubalasooriya, General Secretary A M Liyanage and Assist General Secretary Ishan Mindika.
The other office bearers elected included Treasurer Rukshan Karunaratne, Assistant Treasurer Lakshitha Abeysekara, Sports Secretary T B Herath, Assistant Sport Secretary, Thakshila Paranahewa, Public Relation Officer Nuwan Douglas Samarakoon besides the Executive Committee Members Nelum DImangu, Andrew Homes Thilina Karavita and Shaman Punchihewa.
“I would need continuous support from all of you just has you have been extending to the past president and together we would make Lanka Lions Doha an ever more active and vibrant club,” Lakmal, the newly appointed President, told an audience of ladies and gentlemen of the club.
He vowed that he will “spare no effort” to introduce more activities at the club and would make them more inclusive besides taking measures to increase the membership of the club, which was primarily established as a cricket club.
“I am thankful to you for showing trust in me and I would do my best to deliver on your expectations,” said Lakmal in his address to the audience.
As Lanka Lions Sports Club, the organisation was formed in 1983 by a group of Sri Lankans, to play cricket representing the club. From the inception Lanka Lions have made remarkable progress and have gained popularity among the other expatriate associations and clubs as well.
It carries out different activities for its members and the community at large besides celebrating different occasions of national importance with the Sri Lankan diaspora in Qatar. During the past years, Lanka Lions diversified from sports to undertake many community projects for the benefit of the Sri Lankan community residing in Qatar.
The Lanka Lions conduct several fun-filled events and activities for theirs cubs. These range from colouring competitions to swimming classes.
Earlier, Lakmal as General Secretary of the club also presented the annual report of the club for year 2014-15 comprising details about the activities carried out by the club last year.
During the year, the club welcomed Sivakumaran M (Siva), the founder president of Lanka Lions during his short visit to Doha. Siva had formed Lanka Lions as a cricket club at the initial stage which was the only Sri Lankan cricket club engaged in major tournaments in Doha.
Lanka Lions also conducted Summer English classes for Sri Lankan community members for the 8th consecutive year at Stafford International School Doha during holy month of Ramadan last year. This programme is a regular project carried out by Lanka Lions as part of its corporate social responsibility giving a helping hand to needy and under privilege people in our community living in Doha.
The Lanka Lions annual outing was held on October 5 at Wakra Beach. Families joined the trip by shuttle bus starting from Stafford International School Doha. The party began at the night with cool tempo by Shalin Weerawardena and Clans.
Lanka Lions president and its committee members participated in an event to bid farewell to the Head of Mission at Sri Lankan Embassy Mrs Khan held at Hotel Gulf Paradise Qatar in August 2014. Mrs Khan was a distinguish diplomat who extended her fullest support and cooperation towards Lanka Lions events during her stay.
The most exciting event of Lanka Lions’ during the last year was its Nite and Dinner Dance celebrating three decades of its existence in Qatar. It was held in Giwana Ballroom of Radisson Blu Hotel and popular western bands from Sri Lanka performed.
Lanka Lions President and its committee members also participated in the Sri Lanka 67th Independence Day celebrations at Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar on February 4, 2015.
The club also held “Nidahas Udayana 2015” at Hotel Radisson Blu on February 6, 2015, which was also supported by Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar and the Sri Lankan Coordinating Committee (SLCC). Sahan Ranwala and his team performed on stage with traditional Sinhala folk tunes and melodies as part of the cultural show held to commemorate the National Independence Day.
Besides many other events, Lakmal said the club also distributed traditional “Kiribath” at Sinhala Hindu New Year festival in Doha as part of its annual project that is organised by Sri Lanka Embassy and SLCC. Lanka Lions distributed around 150kgs of traditional “kiribath”, 30kgs of grams, and 50kgs of bananas to people gathered to celebrate.