PAST DISTRICT CHAIRMEN
DISTRICT 322
2015/2016
Radha Sundarampillai
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.
2016/2018
Vijayaluxmy Ketheeswaran
2018/2019
Nirmalie Gunatilake
2019/2020
Diana Rahaman
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.
2020/2021
Kamila Rasheed
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.
2021/2022
Sharmila Cassim
2022/2023
