ANNUAL DATE: Members and participants of the event pictured with Lanka Lions President Lakmal Ehelamalpe.

Participants were entertained with a musical treat and members feted for their contribution to social causes. By Umer Nangiana

One of the oldest community organisations in town, the Lanka Lions of Sri Lankan expatriates recently celebrated its annual Lanka Lions Nite for the 27th consecutive year held at a local hotel.
The musical extravaganza starting late in the afternoon also featured a dinner dance open to the members of the Lanka Lions Club and other participants. Head of the mission at the Embassy of Sri Lanka to Qatar and other dignitaries were present among the guests at the occasion.
Like every year, the participants were entertained with a musical treat performed by the popular Sri Lankan music band ‘Black’ led by Ranil Amirthiah along with artist Clifford Richard.
The Annual Dinner Dance is the flagship event of Lanka Lions to promote fellowship and friendship between members and well-wishers of the club in a formal atmosphere amidst the festivities annually.
On the occasion, the club also honours its sponsors with Appreciation Awards and recognises the loyalty of members with Service Excellence Awards.
Lakmal Ehelamalpe, President of Lanka Lions, thanked the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar Dr W A Karunadasa and embassy dignitaries for their support extended to the club.
“I count myself a blessed person who was fortunate enough to receive the sincere generosity of our valued sponsors, laudable commitment of my beloved members and the executive committee (EXCO), sincere loyalty of all the guests who are here tonight to make this event a great success,” said Lakmal.
“I am pleased to give my kind remembrance to everyone for his or her patronage extended to us in numerous ways to move this respected club forward in difficult times through challenges. All of you are our valued core-partners in our progress and the success story of Lanka Lions. Tonight is yours,” the president told the audience.
Addressing the audience, he said, the club members have partnered well, and together they have arrived at new destinations and have achieved some significant milestones. Among these, they expanded their services to different demographical segments of the society, which will benefit the communities in general.
They also held social welfare activities for under privileged and needy people of their society, educational programmes for kids, sporting events for youth, events that cultivate peace and harmony among community groups and entertainment events for every one of the society at large.
The outlook for Lanka Lions, Lakmal said, was bright and exciting. “We are just on the verge of turning 33, still very young by reference to definition of old age. So, I am confident that you will continue with this momentum and embrace the passion for excellence, taking Lanka Lions to even greater heights in coming years,” the president addressed the audience.
“Our excellence is recognised by our peers in whole Gulf. Tonight, we have esteemed multi-national sponsors from Arabian Gulf and participants from our core-community groups. We Sri Lankans are from an island blessed with rich culture and great piece of glamour of mankind and humanity. We Lanka Lions members being true children of Sri Lanka society follow the teachings of goodwill and sensitivity towards fellow beings,” he added.
The club was established in 1983 by founder president M Sivakumar. Since then, it has been served by many different heads irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliations.
“I do not profess to have the ability to see through the crystal ball. But one thing I know. Today, there is not only an imminent need for Lanka Lions to be a world-class Sri Lankan club, but, also to remain as number one among core-existence in Doha,” said Lakmal.
Lanka Lions was founded with an objective of bringing the Sri Lankan communities together under one umbrella to share their cultural and social values to greater heights organising social and sporting events.
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.