Past District Chairmen
Recognising the invaluable contributions of District 322’s Past District Chairmen.
Recognising the invaluable contributions of District 322’s Past District Chairmen.
Continuing the legacy of service and community upliftment with renewed vision and commitment to District 322's mission.
This year, we truly lived up to our theme "Shine a Light" by making a significant
impact on the lives of the less fortunate and within our own membership. Celebrating 100 years
of Inner Wheel, I felt that our District 322 on this small island contributed significantly to
International Inner Wheel over the years.
The highlight of the year was the visit of IIW President Trish Douglas. The Conference and
Rally, held at the Heritance Kandalama in November 2023, was graced by her presence. Her warm
and casual personality endeared her to all of us. During her visit, she attended a mental health
project at Angoda Hospital, a tree planting project in Kandy, and two club projects: one by IWC
of Colombo in Galle focused on education for kids with special needs, and another by IWC of
Colombo Mid-Town in Matara where girls received reusable sanitary wear and school supplies. She
also attended the inaugural meeting and presented the charter for the new IWC of Galle.
This year, District 322 was grouped into five groups to carry out projects. Each group received
Rs.150,000 from the district to work on Women's Empowerment and Childhood Cancer projects. The
idea behind these groups was to promote friendship between clubs.
The district also carried out several projects, including donating books and toys to the
children's wards at Angoda Hospital and Lady Ridgeway Hospital, and providing refreshments and
packs of dry rations at a seminar organized for parents of abused children. This was to
commemorate International Women's Day, with most clubs involved in the organizing and
donations.
District 322 welcomed two new clubs this year: IWC of Galle and IWC of Maldives. There was
significant growth in membership all around. I managed to visit all the clubs except one this
year, which I count as an achievement.
There was also a fun selfie competition to add a little lightheartedness. Many flag exchanges
took place both physically and virtually.
All the projects and events, whether at the district or club level, were posted on social media
to raise awareness of Inner Wheel among the general public.
Fifteen members of District 322 attended the centenary convention held in Manchester. All the
district events were well attended, and members mixed and mingled well, making new friends and
strengthening old ones.
A respected leader whose contributions to District 322 continue to inspire the Inner Wheel movement.
Guided the district through challenging COVID times with resilience and determination.
Inner Wheel Year 2020 – 2021 was shaped by the spread of the COVID pandemic in
Sri Lanka. Restrictions on gatherings and travel and periodic country-wide lockdowns made the
task of maintaining the bonds within and across our clubs a serious challenge, both for the
Executive Committee and for the Presidents of the 19 clubs that make up the District.
Yet, as a District, we rose to the challenge to keep the clubs vibrant and relevant in the
service of our fellow citizens.
When circumstances made in-person gatherings impossible, online meetings, seminars and other
events of common interest bridged the gap allowing members to interact, exchange information and
stay encouraged. Some attended the virtual 18th Convention in New Delhi and voted on behalf of
the District.
Faced with growing unemployment and poverty among farmers and daily wage earners, the clubs were
swift to provide dry rations and other support for the worst affected. Orphanages and homes for
elders received our support, as did hospitals across the country. Clubs were encouraged and they
united to help families affected by Cyclone Burevi which devasted villages in the North. Looking
to the future, clubs provided underprivileged women with training, tools and start-up funds to
help them sustain their families through self-employment. In addition, the District Project
"Lead the Change for a Greener Sri Lanka" provided many women with quick growing trees and
plants for the dual purpose of environmental protection and income generation.
Elected for the second time after having served previously as District Chairman
in 2003/4. An environmental friendly theme was promoted through all Inner Wheel Clubs to
identify needy schools around the island and provide Garbage Bins, whilst in addition to
creating awareness of the importance of proper garbage disposal. The Women's Ward in the
Welikada Prisons was also provided garbage bins. Funds were collected to approximately LKR Four
Hundred Thousand by the Inner Wheel Clubs and donated to the Apeksha Cancer Hospital, Maharagama
to purchase the much needed Tomo-theraphy & Linear Accelerator Machines. Wheel Chairs were
donated to the Anuradhapura Base Hospital and a Bursary was offered to a deserving Girl Child
pursuing her higher education. The Covid 19 pandemic gave rise to opportunities to support
deserving families through livelihood projects as well as donating essentials and medical
supplies to meet their urgent needs, projects implemented through IW Clubs of Anuradhapura,
Badulla and Colombo.
The well attended District Conference held at Galle Face Hotel was graced by IIW President
Phyllis Charter. The Daily Mirror gave extensive post event publicity and Derana 24 TV Channel
featured us on a live talk show in the 'Vanitha Varuna' program. The District Rally too
attracted high participation which was held at Eagles Lagoon, Katunayake and organized with the
Valentine Day theme and had several fun events and games, enjoyed by all. The Virtual AGM was
also a 'first' for District 322, following the strict national health guidelines, conducted
using the cloud based Zoom technology.
Led District 322 with dedication and commitment to service excellence.
Served District 322 with vision and strong leadership over two consecutive years.
During her year as District Chairman the IWC of Colombo celebrated their 50th
anniversary in 2015. In 2016 the IWC of Colombo West celebrated their 50th anniversary. She was
the Chief Guest at both functions. The IWC of Jaela/Kandana held their 40th anniversary during
this year and she was the Chief Guest at this function also.
She held her District Rally in Jaffna as no District function has been held in Jaffna before.
Very Unfortunately due to a problem that arose in the IWC of Colombo the District Officers of
2015/16 and the incoming District Officers were sued by a member.
During her year a project on child abuse "Educate to Protect" was done and
children in 19 schools together with their parents were given lectures on what abuse is and how
to safeguard themselves by lecturers from NCPA and the Police. 10,000 students and 2776 parents
attended the lectures across the island.
Chronic Kidney Disease Unidentified (CKDU) patients and their families were advised on dealing
with affected patients. Water storage tanks were donated to some areas. Dry rations and clothes
donated to landslide victims. A cash donation of Rs. 50,000.00 sent to Nepal for the earthquake
affected victims. 11 members attended the IIW Convention in Copenhagen.
During her year with the theme "We for Women" Rs. 5000.00 was given to outstation
clubs for projects for the betterment of women. The IWCs of Jaffna and Colombo Lake city were
formed and the Charter Certificates presented the same year.
The District Rally was held in the Peradeniya Gardens and members travelled to Kandy by train.
24 members participated in the 3rd South Asia rally "Women Power Unlimited" held in Mumbai.
She formed the IWCs of Colombo Nawa Udana and Kotte Nawa Udana during her year
under new generation clubs and they received the Charter Certificates the same year. There was a
growth of 73 members during the year.
A child abuse awareness program was launched and it was carried out through the 22 clubs of the
District. An extension of this program was carried out on International Women's Day for 250
mothers. Relief for the flood victims was given utilizing Rs. 50,000.00 from the district fund.
42 delegates attended the Triennial Conference in Hyderabad, India. She was elected the National
Representative for Sri Lanka in 2015/16.
Young rape victims were assisted to rebuild their lives with the project "Hope
for Tomorrow" and was funded by IWC Kandy. With 3 Districts of India and a club funded an
automatic chappati machine for a school for visually impaired girls.
Educational items were donated to needy children identified by 3 IWCs and English books were
given to school libraries through 3 IWCs. An eye camp screened 675 people for spectacles and
cataract operations. 19 members attended the IIW Convention in Istanbul. The IWC of Battaramulla
was formed and received the Charter certificate. She was elected the NR for Sri Lanka in 2014/15
and was elected the IIW Board Director in 2018/19.
60 girls from 3 provinces (Central, North Central and Southern) were identified
and were given educational Kits consisting of educational materials and other necessary school
supplies to continue their studies.
A cash contribution of Rs. 25,000.00 and a donation of T shirts and caps were handed over to Sri
Lak Saviya Foundation to help 55 flood victim children of Rajagiriya. A sum of Rs. 30,000.00 was
handed over to Rotary District 3220 towards the requirements of flood victims in Batticaloa. A
donation of T shirts, jackets and caps were sent to the East through the IWCs of Batticaloa and
Trincomalee. She was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 2013/14.
Her major project was to rehabilitate 19 widows and her children. Each club was
given Rs. 15,000.00 to find self employment for the widow and education for the children. IWC
Kandy Heritage was formed and received the Charter.
As it was the 25th anniversary of the district, 75 members received 25 year service badges at
the District Conference. 25 IW Members and husbands from District 330 Malaysia were hosted and
25 IW members from District 340, Pakistan met our members the same day. 30 members attended the
Triennial Conference in Varanasi, India. She was elected the NR of Sri Lanka in 2012/13 and was
elected IIW Board Director in 2016/17.
She donated funds to the clubs to carry out their own projects in favor of girl
children. World IW Day was marked by a project at the Welikada prison for the female inmates.
They were taught to make bags to be sold to shops and earn an income. Four Hospital trolleys
were presented to the Prison Hospital.
30 members attended the first South Asia Rally held in Cochin, India. Some members attended the
14th IIW Convention held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. She was elected the National Representative
of Sri Lanka in 2011/12 and was elected the IIW Board Director in 2014/15.
She embarked on a tree planting campaign in Kelaniya, Kosgoda and Kurunegala. The
IW Tsunami house recipients were given dry rations and coconut seedlings to plant in their
compounds and a sewing machine to a poor woman to be self employed.
A wheel chair was given to a disabled woman. 25 spectacle frames were donated at an eye camp in
Kurunegala. 3 water filters were donated to the Kurunegala Hospital. Essential equipment was
donated to the Pediatric Unit ICU of the Cancer Hospital in Maharagama. She was elected the
National Representative of Sri Lanka in 2010/11 and was elected the IIW Board Director in
2013/14.
She rebuilt the Community Centre in Batticoloa that was washed away by the
Tsunami with the funds received from France. 19 boxes of valuable books on IT and English were
distributed to 19 girl's schools in keeping with the IIW – UNICEF project "Educate a girl
child".
IWC Colombo Mid City was formed during this year and there was a 7% membership growth for the
year. She was elected National Representative for Sri Lanka in 2009/10.
She embarked on a project to give sight to the poor and 125 sets of lenses for
cataract patients were donated to Matale Base Hospital and Vijaya Kumaratunge Hospital, Seeduwa.
The Kosgoda Community Centre for Tsunami victims was officially opened during this year.
She was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 2008/09 and was elected the IIW
Board Director in 2011/12.
Maligawatte Maternity Hospital was refurbished. 18 wheel chairs were given to the
clubs to be handed over to the handicapped people. Spectacles were given to the clubs to be
donated to needy people with prescriptions. Two Anesthetic machines were given to Jaffna and
Kurunegala Teaching Hospitals.
Houses were built in Kosgoda and Ambalangoda for the Tsunami victims. This project was continued
by the Tsunami Committee and built a total of 36 houses, a community Centre and a school for IT
and English. She was elected the National Representative for Sri Lanka in 2007/08.
With the donation made to the Federation of the Visually Handicapped it was
possible to transcribe books into Braille for undergraduates. A Perkins Brailler and Braille
stationary for the visually handicapped students of Dharisanam School, Batticoloa donated. With
the proceeds of the coffee morning, a surgical drill was given to the Department of
Neurosurgery, National Hospital in Colombo.
IWCs of Ethugalpura and Kurunegala were formed and received their Charter certificates. The
official web site of District 322 www.innerwheel.lk was launched and the district got wide
publicity with a full page advertisement. She was elected the NR for Sri Lanka in 2006/07.
The contribution to the building fund of the Rotary District Center in
Battaramulla made IW District 322 a Life Member of the Center. A handsome donation was made to
the Mammography Fund of the National Hospital in Colombo. The IW Clubs of Trincomalie and
Kurunegala were formed during this year.
She was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 2005/06 and was elected the IIW
Board Director in 2008/09.
The maternity ward of the Nagoda Hospital, Kalutara was refurbished and a baila
night was held to raise funds for the project. She was appointed National Representative for Sri
Lanka in 2004/05.
During this year the devastating Tsunami struck Sri Lanka and she chaired the IW Tsunami
committee and successfully built many houses, initiated self employment and provided basic
amenities to start life again for the victims of Tsunami.
Focused mainly on the disadvantaged woman. A seminar was held on abuse of women
and drug abuse. "The Welcome House" a centre for women in crisis was refurbished. Members of the
district visited the Welikada prison and the female inmates were donated basic
necessities.
23 members attended the Triennial Conference in Chennai, India during her year. She was elected
the National Representative for Sri Lanka in 2003/04.
The IWC of Colombo South was formed during this year. She compiled and printed
the IW cook book "A Gastronomical Journey Around the World". The proceeds from the sale of the
books were used to uplift the junior school of the visually impaired at Ratmalana. The National
Hospital was given a donation of an Intravenous infusion pump, 6 blood pressure meters and 5
water mattresses to the Neurological Ward.
The Millennium District Conference was attended by IIW President Lilian Pettigrew as the Chief
Guest and several dignitaries from India. Renuka was elected the National Representative in
2002/03 and was elected the IIW Board Director in 2005/06.
She was the District Chairman during the 75th anniversary of IIW. She donated 75 sets of books, stationery and uniforms to 75 children to commemorate the event. A contribution was made towards the purchase of a MRI scanner for the National Hospital in Colombo. A scholarship fund was set up for a bright student of grade 5 up to A/Ls and this student obtained 3A grades at her A/L exam. Kusum was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 2001/02.
A handsome donation was made to "Children's Heart Program" headed by a Rotarian Cardiologist Dr. Nihal Thenabadu. She obtained wide publicity for Inner Wheel Fellowship activities in the media. She was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 2000/01.
She encouraged the clubs to foster children who lost their fathers in the civil
war of the country. The female inmates of the Rheumatology and Habilitation Hospital in Ragama
the only one in the country were assisted in many ways.
IIW President Mrs. Beth Mc Neil who was the Chief Guest at her District Conference was
interviewed on National TV to promote Inner Wheel. She was elected the National Representative
for Sri Lanka in 1999/2000.
Her project for the year was to fence and equip fully the play ground for the
differently able child patients of the Colombo North Hospital.
She was elected National Representative of Sri Lanka in 1998/99.
The IWC of Batticoloa received their Charter during this year. She laid emphasis
on personalized service to assist the down trodden people. Specially designed IW greeting cards
were printed and clubs were encouraged to mail them to foreign clubs to widen our horizons and
to mark World IW day.
She organized a special training program for club Presidents to promote efficient club
leadership. She was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 1997/98. She was elected
IIW Board Director in 2002/03.
Despite her varied activities in the sphere of education she found the time to lead the District efficiently and strengthen fellowship.
The theme for the year was "Understanding" and was encouraged to be practiced in all club activities and projects to promote friendship and fellowship. The IWCs of Badulla and Kandy Heritage were formed during this year. She was elected the National Representative for Sri Lanka in 1996/97.
Pearl encouraged the clubs to engage in personalized service projects in keeping
with the IIW theme "Together". Food and dry rations were donated to the Welikada Female
Prisoners and toys and children's clothing were sent for the children of the prison inmates.
Kurunegala Old Peoples Home was given a sewing machine, 10 easy chairs, vegetables and dry
rations.
Her 14 clubs had 244 members at the time. She was elected the National Representative of Sri
Lanka in 1995/96.
Yvette's projects were based on the theme "Give our World a Future" as the year
1990 was designated as the "Year of the Environment". The IWCs of Jaela/Kandana and Anuradhapura
were formed.
She was elected the National Representative for Sri Lanka in 1993/94 and was elected IIW Board
Director in 1996/97 and became the first IIW BD from Sri Lanka.
Gwendoline completed the project "The Breath of Life" with piped oxygen to 10 Additional beds in Colombo North Hospital. The project was started when Indrani Atthukorale was District Chairman. She was elected the National Representative for Sri Lanka in 1992/93.
Nadine took over at a time when the country was in political turmoil. The IWC of Kurunegala was formed and received their Charter Certificates. She formed the Rotaractor Committee of the District. She was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 1991/92.
The IWC of Mount Lavinia was formed and received their charter during her year. She started the project "The Breath of Life", which was to give piped oxygen to the ICU beds in Colombo North Hospital. She was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 1990/91.
Founder Chairman of District 322 who was instrumental in the formation of the District and initiated the formation of many IW clubs in Sri Lanka. She was elected the National Representative of Sri Lanka in 1989/90.
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