Vishwa Lokugamage was installed as the 24th President of the Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown in a colourful installation ceremony recently.

The Chief Guest on the occasion was the High Commissioner for Australia in Sri Lanka, Kathy Klugman and the Guest of Honour was District Governor Nalin Fernando.

Among the other dignitaries present was a whole galaxy of Past District Governors, District Officials, Rotaractors and Interactors.

The highlight of the evening was the formal induction of President Vishwa by outgoing President Anton Nelson.

It is a pleasant coincidence that new President Vishwa is attached to Ceylon Oxygen Limited as Head of Sales. Since his entry into ‘Uptown’ in 2002, Vishwa has been as vital to our club as oxygen is to all of us.

Vishwa has the unique record of holding the post of Secretary twice in addition to the posts of Assistant Secretary, Vice President, President Elect and Chairman TRF Committee. Indeed he has been a member of the Board of Directors in every one of the last five years.

Vishwa thanked the members for the confidence they had shown in inviting him to lead the club. He said the club will continue with its successful ongoing projects of previous years whilst focusing on a few new areas as well.

The very popular Interact Quiz will be held once again and this year the programme will be extended to Rotaract too. The Rotaract Basketball tournament will be held this year too.

The Thalassaemia project begun last year will continue and the club will aim to increase the awareness of Thalassaemia through effective media campaigns

The club will also continue its work at the Uthayapuram School in Kallar Batticaloa and plan regular visits to upgrade the facilities at the school. The club intends to adopt three children through the Prison Welfare Project and also conduct regular Executive training programmes.

Chief Guest Kathy Klugman congratulated the club on its good work to uplift the rural communities and said there was potential for joint programmes with Australian Government agencies.

District Governor Nalin Fernando stated that the club was very rich in talent and experience and was a key player amongst the Rotary Clubs in the country. He congratulated outgoing President Anton on a very successful year and said he was confident that Vishwa would continue to lead the club to greater heights.

The formal meeting was followed by fellowship, dinner and dancing.