LEO SPIRIT

VOLUME 04- ISSUE 04 - OCTOBER 2022

LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE

Thoughts of Club President - P2

VictoriousTMoments
A B L E -O P3F

- P4
CONTENTS
Leo Tree Plantation - P5|P6
VICE Minds
Future PRESIDENT'S
- P7|P8MESSAGE - P2
8TH CLUB
Strive'22 ANNIVERSARY - P3
- P9|P10
9TH CLUB INSTALLATION
Giants behind the success -story
P4 -
Interview - P11|P12|P13|P14|P15
CLUB DIRECTORY - P6
Road side Heroes - P16
PAST CLUB PRESIDENT'S DIARY - P7
ගෙවත්තෙන් මුළුතැන්ගෙට - P17
"ගෙවත්තෙන් මුළුතැන්ගෙට" -
Random Acts of Kindness-
P18|P19|P20 P12
DEVIL'S
Editor's Note - P21 WALK - P10
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS - P22
BY ARNOLD
CATCHAFIRE - P24
SCHWARZENEGGER
SMART MEALS - P25
EDITOR'S NOTE - P28
THOUGHTS FROM THE
VICE PRESIDENT OF
LEO DISTRICT 306 C1
LEO THIMIRA UYANHEWAGE

It is with absolute delight and gratitude, I pen this

message to the “Leo Spirit” Newsletter of Leo Club
of Thalangama Malabe and I really appreciate all
the Leos involved in this great initiative. The
success journey is the process of working through
each step to arrive at the next one, with each step
motivating and inspiring others.

Thus my Journey of Leoism started back then as a

member at the Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe and
after years of hard work I was appointed as the
President of the Club, which motivated myself to
work with full potent to the extent possible.

Leoism precisely refers to socialization and I

believe that the process of learning is the
appropriate and essential behavior that shapes
one’s personality and as Leos it is our utmost duty
to groom the quality of leadership and unity with an
intense motive to serve the society.

It is the platform that encourages youth to develop

leadership qualities by participating in social
service activities thus by providing vast range of
opportunities for young enthusiastic leaders to
develop themselves.

In this regard, I anticipate that the Official

Newsletter will embody the best qualities of our
incredible Leo Movement while providing a platform
to exhibit the talents of our impulsive young adults.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 2

 We started with a few but now we are many, not only in numbers but
also in talent and creativity.
Dear Leos of Thalangama Malabe, Thank you for making a difference.
Your hard work and efforts are always appreciated.

PAST LEADERSHIP

LEO MEWAN JAYASINGHE LEO POORNA SENADHEERA LEO LION NIPUNA KULARATNE LEO SITHIRA HAPUARACHCHI
2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018

LEO YASIRU PERERA LEO THIMIRA UYANHEWAGE LEO VINURI SETTINAYAKE LEO MALINDA JAYAWARDHANA
2018/2019 2019/2020 2020/2021 2021/2022

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 3

 9th Annual Club Installation Ceremony
of
LEO CLUB OF
THALANGAMA MALABE
9th Annual Installation Ceremony of Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe was held on Sunday, 27th September
2020 from 9.00 AM onwards at Lions Club House, Battaramulla.

District President of Leo District 306 C1, Leo Kojitha Gamlath PFLM, Multiple District President of Leo
Multiple District 306, Leo Rahul Attanayake PFLM, District Chairman For Leos, Lion Danushka
Sandanayake MAF graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, Guest of Honor and Special Guest
respectively.

Lions District Cabinet officers, Leo District and Multiple District Council officers, Past District Presidents and
Past Multiple District Presidents, Lions, Leos representing 306 C1 and other Leo Districts, Parents and
guests graced this occasion.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 4

For the past 8 years, many young people have benefited from membership in the Leo Club of Thalangama
Malabe. Some of these benefits are tangible, others are intangible.

Making new friends and viewing the world through another’s perspective are two of the benefits of Leo
service. As community volunteers, Leos often develop confidence and organization skills through this
hands-on experience. Leo club and district officers help young people develop these skills.

Another benefit of Leo club membership is experiencing teamwork. Membership in a Leo club also
develops fellowship and camaraderie. As members of a worldwide organization, Leos have international
benefits as well. Leos often participate in the Lions International Youth Camp and Youth Exchange
programs.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 5

CLUB
DIRECTORY 2022/2023

Many senior members have helped the Leo Club

of Thalanagama Malabe to reach greater heights
over the last eight years. They have also provided
the necessary leadership and support for the new
team to maintain the club at the same level. This
year's exco includes many new Leos who have
just been with the Leo Movement for around one
to two years. With the help and direction of senior
members, our new Leos made the club directory
for the Leostic Year 2022/2023, even more, better
than previous years' directories. Personally, I feel
it is something that past leaders would like to hear.

Leo Anusha Maduranga, the Club President,

entrusted Leo Akla Hettige with giving her the
opportunity for making the club directory for the
Leostic year 2022/2023. As the vice president of
the Club, I'd like to take this as an opportunity to
appreciate my fellow dearest leos for a job well
done on the club directory for the Leostic year
2022/23. Especially to Leo Upuli Jayasundara and
Akla Hettige for accepting the challenge and
finishing it within the given deadline.

There are numerous things to consider while

creating a good club directory, including
designing, planning, collecting messages for the
directory, obtaining sponsors, and so on.

Our leos have worked tirelessly throughout the

day and night to do this, and I am grateful for all of
your support and affection towards the club, which
has resulted in outcomes like these.

LEO PRAVEEN APONSO

VICE PRESIDENT II

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 6

PAST CLUB PRESIDENT'S DIARY
GIANTS BEHIND THE SUCCESS STORY
Leo Vinuri Settinayake
Club President
Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe
2020/2021
Name - Vinuri Jithmini Settinayake
School - Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya,
Nugegoda
Profession - Senior Executive - Corporate
Secretarial - Hemas Holdings PLC
Tell us about how you started your Leo
Journey.
I joined Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe as
member in October 2014 and it has been 8
years since I started this journey.
As a member I volunteered to write a letter to
the Nalanda College Astronomical Society for
a project and then they identified that I will be
a good fit to take the office of the Club
Secretary for the following year.
I held the offices of the Club Secretary in
2015/16, 2016/17, Club 2nd Vice President in
2017/18, again the Club Secretary in 2018/19
which was a remarkable year.
LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 7
INTERVIEWED BY : LEO PRAVEEN APONSO
Then the 1st Vice President in 2019/20 and
finally the Club President in 2020/21.
Currently I am serving in the board of
Directors in the Club.
I have held the positions of District Council of
Leo District 306 C1 twice. I was the District
Bulletin Editor, Activity director of Youth
Empowerment, Career Guidance and R&D
projects in year 2019/20 and District
President's Program Coordinator - Head of the
Editorial Panel in 2021/22. At the same time I
was appointed as the Multiple District
Assistant Secretary in 2021/22.
What do you think of your decision of
becoming a Leo back in 2014?
It was one of the best decisions I took and
one of the major turning points in my life. I
never thought of becoming an active member
and holding offices were never in my agenda.
I have got many things in life by becoming in a
Leo. Leoism has given me many opportunities
and experiences to groom me as a leader and
this volunteer movement shaped my personal
and professional life.
It was all unexpected and happened suddenly.
I never thought of becoming a volunteer
leader and when I turn back, I feel like, “what
a journey it is”.
Contd.
PAST CLUB PRESIDENT'S DIARY
GIANTS BEHIND THE SUCCESS STORY

What are the unforgettable moments in your Leo Career?

There are many. Becoming the Leo Club Secretary in 2015/16 was one of memorable ones because
it was the first time I was appointed as an Executive officer of the club. Receiving the awards as the
Most Outstanding Leo Club Secretary of Sri Lanka in 2018/19, Top 12 Leos in 2019/20 and Most
Outstanding Leo Executive in Sri Lanka in 2020/21 while I was the Club President, were
unforgettable moments in my Leo Career. Also installing as the 7th and the 1st female Club
President in 2020/21.

Especially my marriage with Immediate Past Multiple District President Leo Lion Dilshan Peiris in
2021. We met during his District Presidency of Leo District 306 A1 and got married when I was
serving as the Club President, and he was serving as the Multiple District Vice President.

What is the most memorable and positively impactful project you organized during your
presidency Please share your thoughts and memories about that project with us.

During my presidency I organized only Two projects and those were “Obe Awadhanaya Pinisayi”
and “Leos for a Hope.” Leos for a Hope was organized by us to donate few medical equipment,
clothing materials for infants and stationary items to Ward No. 03 at De Soysa Hospital for Women
in Colombo based on their request. It was a request made by one my good friends, Dr. Amanda De
Almeida who was working there then. Most of the expectant mothers were unable to afford to buy
clothes for their newborn. We were able to donate Ward Round Trolley, IV Stand, Drug Containers,
Baby Napkins, Baby Caps and Mittens, Magazine Holders, Bedside ticket folders, Plastic Drawers
and etc.

Contd.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 8

PAST CLUB PRESIDENT'S DIARY
GIANTS BEHIND THE SUCCESS STORY

At first, we couldn’t afford the quoted prices of the trolleys we received from some of the vendors
therefore we had to look for other options. My Secretary Leo Chanuth had contacts to get the
trolleys done for an affordable price, so we were able to do it in large scale.

And the most special thing was that myself and Leo Supipi Seneviratne got the opportunity to visit
the ward with the nursing sister to see the newborns and to meet the mothers who were expecting
quadruplets and quintuplets.

You may have experienced various challenges as a club president, past district and multiple
council member. What advice do you have for new Leos on how to deal with challenges?

I became the Club President in year 2020/21 and it was a real challenge because most of the
projects were done virtually due to the pandemic. We were able to conduct very few projects
physically because of the COVID situation and the health restrictions. While serving as a District
and Multiple council officer it was not the same, but I had quite challenging tasks. What I always
follow is “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Always work as a team
and you will overcome many obstacles. And specially, take the challenge. Do not take your step
back. Do not ever think that you can’t. Always think that you can do it and there is a way. Then only
you will learn.

Contd.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 9

PAST CLUB PRESIDENT'S DIARY
GIANTS BEHIND THE SUCCESS STORY

What did you achieve by becoming a Leo?

I got to meet my second family, Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe. Got friends for life. I developed
my leadership skills and was exposed to a new environment. Got many opportunities and
exposures. Met wonderful personalities buy becoming a Leo. Most valuable thing is the friendship
we have.

The biggest issue that many Leo Clubs have is that despite having a large membership, only
the same people attend to monthly meetings, organize projects and so on. Did you confront
this difficultly as a past club president? And how did you solve it? If not, provide some
suggestions to the present Leo club presidents on how to overcome such problems, which
will also affect club administration.

This is quite difficult to handle. It is not just the membership; it should be a quality membership.
That is why we always advise to have a specified period for Leo Prospects. The communication is
very important to handle the membership. When I was the Club President, I always had the
members connected. We faced lots of difficulties as we couldn’t meet because everything was
virtual.
On the other hand, everyone should feel that their work is valued. The members must be
appreciated for their work done. No one should be ignored or feel neglected. Then they tend to
leave. So should come up with several things to develop and strengthen the bond between the
members.

Contd.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 10

PAST CLUB PRESIDENT'S DIARY
GIANTS BEHIND THE SUCCESS STORY

Club administration is a crucial part which the Club Secretary and President takes care of. I have
come across many issues while working as the Club Secretary for 3 times during the past 8 years.
Absenteeism should be strictly maintained and then only you will have a control. Also, the relevant
messages must be circulated in a timely manner. Organizing some fun activities after every
meeting, movie date or dinner out at least per month, will strengthen the bond can be suggested
and then only everyone will feel the need of being here.

Please tell us about the support you received from your parent Lions club and the club
advisors during your presidential year.

There is no Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe without them. Our parent Lions are our strength and
pillars of success. We are fortunate to have such leaders as our sponsoring Lions. They always
check on us and support in everything we do. Nowadays we don’t see Lions interact with the
younger generation but for us it is different. They invite us for their projects, and we get along with
each other so well.

During my Club Presidency, the advisor’s visited all our meetings and events and we maintained a
very good relationship. I don’t think that we have a generation gap though they are much older. If
we have achieved something as a Club, a part of the credit should go to them because it was them
who were behind us all the time. .

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 11

 3RD PHASE

CONTINUOUS
PROJECT

ගෙවත්තෙන් මුළුතැන්ගෙට - Phase III

The Garden is a love song, a duet between a human
being and Mother Nature.

The 3rd phase of the project ගෙවත්තෙන්

මුළුතැන්ගෙට, was successfully held on Friday, 30th
September 2022 from 11.00 AM onwards in
Homagama area. The aim of this project was to
distribute fruit plants and seeds to the residents of the
area.
Let's grow! Let's change! Let's get through the tough
times!.

"We also urge everyone not to damage the

environment so that the sustainability of
plants is maintained."

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 12

 AGRICULTURE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(IT)
The annual Leo Walk organized by the Leo
Multiple District 306, Sri Lanka is a project
that creates awareness about the Leo
Movement and it is the theme of he walk as
well.
This is a venture of Leos of Sri Lanka to
deliver their messages in both powerful and
creative way to the fellow Sri Lankans and
to the world at large.
The Annual Leo Walk was held
successfully on October 8, 2022, at 1.00
p.m. at the Viharamaha Devi Park in
Colombo. The Leo Multiple District 306, Sri
Lanka, organized this project.
EDUCATION
This year's Leo Walk was named as the
"Devil's Walk." Given the title “The Devils’
walk” the name Devil itself represent the
youth of Sri Lanka the resilient spirits that
never give up and look for solutions, stands
up for what is right. Sri Lanka has
encountered numerous obstacles in recent
years, including Covid-19, persistent food,
LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 13
TOURISM
SPORTS
fuel and electricity shortages, and the
economic crisis. As a result, many young
Sri Lankans have travelled to other
countries, and the majority of young
people are attempting to travel abroad.
Nonetheless, Sri Lanka is a land rich in
natural resources. So the main goal of this
initiative was to send a meaningful
message to the youth about six key
industries: agriculture, tourism, education,
sports, information technology, and
energy.
The six industries were represented by six
Leo Districts: Leo District A1, Leo District
A2, Leo District B1, Leo District B2, Leo
District C1, and Leo District C2. There are
about 11,000 Leos in Sri Lanka, and each
one is unique in its own way, with its own
ENERGY
set of ideas. As a result, the Leo Multiple
Council 306 decided to gather all of those
ideas in one location, the Viharamaha
Devi Park Colombo.
 AGRICULTURE

TOURISM
Agriculture - Leo District A1
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

With an ongoing global food crisis, the importance of self-sustenance as well as

harvesting with the needs of future generations has become more prominent. Not
using technology and advanced equipment has been a major difference in Sri Lanka
compared to developed countries.

SPORTS
(IT)
EDUCATION

ENERGY

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 14

 AGRICULTURE

TOURISM
IT - Leo District A2
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Today, the inbuilt ingenuity of Sri Lankans are expressed through our cutting edge
innovations in the ICT sector and Sri Lankan ICT metal is behind the innovations that
power international stock markets, telecommunication and transportation systems in
Europe and the UK. Our ICT services are the 4th largest export earner of the country.

SPORTS
(IT)
EDUCATION

ENERGY

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 15

 AGRICULTURE

TOURISM
Education - Leo District B1
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

With a literacy rate of 93% Sri Lanka stands well ahead of its neighbours in terms of
access to quality education for both men and women. However, there are significant
areas to be improved amongst the standard and relevance of the textbooks provided
for students. Critical areas like creativity, leadership, ethics, communication and
application of technology which makes education more practical and applicable in real
life can be areas to improve further.

SPORTS
(IT)
EDUCATION

ENERGY

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 16

 AGRICULTURE

TOURISM
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Tourism - Leo District B2

With an economy heavily dependent on tourism for foreign direct investment and
cashflow, promoting the beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka is key to lift the veil of
misinformation and sensationalized media articles.

SPORTS
(IT)
EDUCATION

ENERGY

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 17

 AGRICULTURE

TOURISM
Energy - Leo District C1
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The current economic and financial crisis has drawn attention yet again to the
increased need and capacity of Sri Lanka to turn towards solar power, tidal power and
other renewable energy sources to meet our energy requirements. Many would argue
that it is a crucial for poverty alleviation, economic growth and improved living
standards thereby, being of critical importance in the next 20 years if the country is to
improve

SPORTS
(IT)
EDUCATION

ENERGY

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 18

 AGRICULTURE

TOURISM
Sports - Leo District C2
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Sport around the world is no longer for amateurs. It’s big business, and also builds a
nation’s competitiveness, national pride, ability to face challenges, teamwork,
leadership skills, and innovation, lowers health costs, and much more. Success in
sports is a key factor in building a nation’s global brand, leading to enhanced prospects
for investment and tourism. It’s time Sri Lanka took a rational approach to sports as a
whole, instead of the piecemeal approach. The unknown rural talent should be

SPORTS
discovered as well.
(IT)
EDUCATION

ENERGY

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 19

 DEVILS' WALK

SPORTS
TOURISM

LIVE IN CONCERT
The Leo Multiple District 306 then
organized a musical concert for the
Leos after the Leo Walk took place.
What an evening it was, from classics
to baila beats!

Thanks to our excellent singers and

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
our own band. Most of the
performances in this concert were
done by Leos, which was a fantastic
experience and an opportunity to
showcase youthful talents. Here is a
AGRICULTURE

glimpse of this unforgettable evening!

(IT)
EDUCATION

ENERGY

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 20

 SPORTS
TOURISM

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
AGRICULTURE

As an organizing club, Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe of Leo District 306 C1, we
would like to take this as an opportunity to thank the Leo Multiple District 306, Sri
(IT)
Lanka and all of the valued sponsors, including Independent Television Network
LTD (ITN) - The Official Media Partner Tetos- Powered By, Official Print Media
Partner - The Morning News.lk, real one, Thala - Official Electronic Media Partners,
EDUCATION

Ramada Hotel - Official Hospitality Partner, Coca Cola, Prima - Official Food and
Beverage Partners.
ENERGY

A special thanks also goes to project Co-chairmen Leo Sadun Perera and Leo Inod
Perera for organizing such a fantastic event. We would like to take this opportunity
to thank all Leos of Sri Lanka, Lions, Sri Lanka Police and all of the officers, as well
as all of the stakeholders, key sponsors, and parents who assisted and supported
us in making this event a success.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 21

What is Random Acts of Kindness?

The purpose of including this segment into the Leo Spirit Newsletter is to inspire people to join the
Kindness Revolution which is a spontaneous gesture of goodwill towards someone or something -
Our fellow humans, the animal kingdom, and the kingdom of nature. This will give us a deeper feeling
of meaning and purpose in our life as a whole.

Did you know?

Kindness can be acting out all of those lovely, 'soft' words that are in our vocabulary, words such as
caring, thoughtful, loving, sympathetic, gentle, considerate, warm, compassionate, understanding,
forgiving, friendly, tender, amiable, genial, unselfish, generous, helpful, supporting, and nurturing.
These are words that acknowledge, respect, join, and unite, words that build bridges between us.
And oh, how the world needs such words! Wouldn't it be wonderful to sprinkle more of these words
and actions in our home, our work, our community? Humankind is capable of such beautiful things,
and how sad it is that we lose sight of this all too easily. Will you help to warm your home, your work,
your community, by using a greater number of such soft words and actions?

Kindness is the
language which the
deaf can hear and
the blind can see.
-Mark Twain

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 22

What is True Kindness?
"TRUE KINDNESS IS BEING KIND WITHOUT EXCEPTION."

It means being nice to the lonely old man in his geri chair, it means being compassionate to the
woman in a nursing home, and it also means treating the person you don’t like the way you want
to be treated. It’s easier to be kind to friends and family, but true kindness is all-encompassing; it
includes everyone. Here are a few people who we sometimes forget to treat the way we would
want people to treat us.

Older People
Older people have more life experience than us. However, sometimes people forget that, and
don’t treat these people, who have been around longer than many of us, with the respect they
deserve. True kindness is showing everyone, even those not in your age bracket, the same level
of respect and compassion

Little Children
Little children may not be able to answer back if treated unpleasantly, but that doesn’t mean they
don’t have feelings. Kids are people too, and deserve to be treated pleasantly.

Those Not ‘Our Type’

Have you ever heard that phrase? “Not our type?” It starts in upper elementary school, gets
stronger in high school, and still dominates years and years later. But, surprise! All people are
the same type: human! So everyone deserves to be treated with kindness.

Homeless People
Homeless people are simply part of the wall paper in some cities – but it shouldn’t be that way. A
person should never be treated like a part of the scenery. Focus – see the people around you,
and shower them with kindness.

.
LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 23
Have you heard of "Catchafire"?
"WHERE TALENT MEETS PURPOSE"

Catchafire is a New York City-based, for-purpose social

mission business, and a certified B-Corporation. The
company is transforming the nonprofit sector by
mobilizing skills-based volunteers to produce tens of
millions of dollars in donated time each year.

Catchafire makes it easy for anyone to use their talents

for good and provides nonprofits with access to high-
quality talent. Nonprofits that work with Catchafire’s
skilled volunteers solve some of their biggest
challenges, save tens of thousands in professional fees,
and build lasting relationships with talented supporters.
Professionals who volunteer with Catchafire make new
connections, build their resumes, and give back in a
highly leveraged way that truly matters.

Founder Rachael Chong seeks “a world where it is

commonplace to give back”. When Rachael began her
career out of college, she was frustrated that she
couldn’t find the right volunteer opportunities that both
fit her schedule and encompassed the skills she wanted
to volunteer. Having worked in microfinance, she also
learned how powerful pro bono work was for nonprofit
organizations. Catchafire launched as a solution to
these two problems on the simple idea of “matching
talent to purpose”.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 24

 SMART MEALS
Chaiwala
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

Tea has always been an embodiment of Sri Lanka’s culture and this rings true even today. ‘Chaiwala Colombo’, the
newest addition to the growing food truck culture, celebrates this very way of life by providing freshly brewed, hot tea
and snacks at an affordable price for all. Everything on offer is homemade and in limited quantity in order to keep
their items fresh.

You may recall not too long ago Chaiwala Colombo, a humble tea truck launched their initiative with a bang. It was
quite literally a sensation online, long lines of people waiting to get their hands on a cup of tea. Many of them were
braving the awful April weather.

In the past year we have witnessed numerous startups such as this come and go, and while they showed great
promise the pandemic was harsh on everyone and we were slightly doubtful on how they were going to manage to
stay afloat, especially considering how the entire business model relied on hospitality and enjoying a cup with a
friend in the outdoors.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 25

 Regardless, Chaiwala continued to build their brand
and kept getting bigger and bigger. There was a lot
of buzz about how Chaiwala Colombo has made a
breakthrough launch in Sri Lanka and being the
pioneers in introducing the authentic street food chai
concept in the island.

Chaiwala Colombo founders – an airline pilot and

five of his best friends were on an ambitious mission
to create a successful business with a plan to take a
Sri Lankan brand globally. It would appear that
they’ve in fact taken a few more steps in the right
direction.

Within just a very short period of time, largely thanks

to a massive community that came together to
support the initiate the brand is now located in five
different locations – at Marine Drive (Caligo Sports),
Havelock (Blues basketball court), Dehiwela (Frazer
Avenue – pick up point) and now at One Galle Face
(food court on LG20).

Dropping by at the launch event in One Galle Face

on 20 November, it was evident to all present that
Chaiwala is quite beloved and there’s plenty of chai
enthusiasts ready to support the brand as they move
forward.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 26

The guys behind the scenes at Chaiwala Colombo shared that all though the journey has not been easy with
enormous challenges faced with the Covid-19 pandemic continuously hindering momentum, they shared that they
weren’t deterred and knew they had to keep moving on, with all the support from their fellow islanders, they were
able to reach these heights. They also shared that they have since seen many other brands coming up in this way
and or are trying to follow the same footsteps, and they said that they greatly encourage and admire these brands
and wish them all the best.

With regards to their decision to open up a stall at One Galle Face specifically, Chaiwala Colombo Director Shehan
Sameen stated: “With our vision to take a Sri Lankan brand global, this is a micro level stratagem to have our
presence strong locally to cater to all levels of customers and this is why we have an outlet now in OGF, with many
more to come.”

If you are a tea enthusiast, or even if you have tried Chaiwala Colombo’s tea before or not, now you know where to
find them. We were sure to try one of their signature items, the Tandoori Chai, which has become one of our
favourites since we first had it, and it’s just ideal for any time of the day. If you are ever around, strolling through
One Galle Face, don’t forget to stop by Chaiwala Colombo.

Leo Dilruksha Prakash

Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 27

LEO SPIRIT
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE
VOLUME 04• ISSUE 04 • OCTOBER 2022

EDITOR'S NOTE
Welcome to the Fourth Volume of LEO SPIRIT, the official newsletter
of Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe. It is with immense pleasure and
honour I take over the responsibilty of being the Editor-In-Chief of the LEO PRAVEEN APONSO
official Newsletter published by our club. I would make this a great EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
opportunity to thank our Club President Leo Anusha Maduranga for
giving me the opportunity to lead the editorial team of The LEO
SPIRIT newsletter.

I am glad to be surrounded by an energetic team in making "LEO

SPIRIT" a reality. Cheers to a long journey.

THE TEAM GET IN TOUCH

https://www.leosoftm.com/

lcthalangamamalabe@gmail.com

LEO VINURI SETTINAYAKE

https://www.facebook.com/leosofthalangamamalabe/
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

thalangama_malabe_leos

@LCofMalabe

https://www.linkedin.com/company/leo-club-of-
thalangama-malabe-ii/
LEO DILRUKSHA PRAKASH
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
@thalangama_malabe_leos

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA

MALABE | PAGE 28