At a ceremony to mark October as the membership growth month, as declared by the Lions Clubs International, at the Moratuwa University last week, banker Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya urged Leo members to fulfil their duty to their motherland wherever they may be.

Lion Amarasuriya, the first Sri Lankan to become the President of the Lions Club International was the chief guest at the ceremony. One hundred and fifty new members were inducted.

He spoke of the several challenges, which the international community had to encounter.

"The newly inducted Leos belong to different Leo Clubs in Sri Lanka and they should feel that they are members of one of the most prestigious organisations of the world," Amarasuriya said.

Leo Thasun Amarasinghe said, as 150 new Leos were inducted, the day had become very special.

The ceremony was organised by Leo districts of 306 A2 and 306 C2. It was attended by Lion dignitaries including Leo Dumindu Jayakody, district president of 306 A2 and Leo Sachitra Danedra district president of district 306 C2, District governor District 306 C2 Lion and Lion Nimal Bulathsinhala MJF JP.

The new Leos were inducted by Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya. The multiple district website www.leomd 306.org was also officially launched.

Multiple District President Leo Sadeepa Palliyaguru said "Leo Programme is an official programme of the Lions Clubs international, the largest non-governmental voluntary service organisation. It is committed to develop leadership skills while serving the community".

He said, the objectives of the Leo programme was to provide the youth of the world with an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community.

There are six Leo districts in Sri Lanka with more than 150 Leo clubs from Jaffna to Matara. Leo movement is widespread with clubs more than 104 nations across the globe.