SCU marked an important milestone in its student leadership and community engagement initiatives with the inaugural installation ceremony of the Leo Club of SCU, held on 20 September 2026. The ceremony formally established the club, inducted its charter members, and installed its inaugural office bearers, creating a new platform for students to develop leadership skills, strengthen teamwork, and engage in meaningful community service.
The Leo Club of SCU is sponsored by the Lions Club of Colombo Tea Tasters Excellence, which serves as its parent Lions Club and supports the establishment and development of the new club. As a charter club, the Leo Club of SCU did not have an Immediate Past President to conduct the traditional handover of the presidency. Accordingly, the installation and bestowal of the presidency upon the newly installed President, Leo Prathap Aravinth, was conducted by the meeting chairperson and Club Advisor, Lion Thilaka Jayasooriya, representing the sponsoring Lions Club.
The ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests and representatives from the Leo and Lions movement, together with members of the SCU community. The Chief Guest was Lion Heshan Padukka PMJF PMAF, 1st Vice District Governor, while Leo Lion Ravindi Hettiarachchi PFLM, District President, attended as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished guests included Lion Bhanuka Premarathne MAF, District Leo Chairperson, and Leo Lion Charith Maduranga, District Vice President.
Representing SCU’s academic and administrative community were Prof. Yasas Jayaweera, Chief Operating Officer / Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Gayana Fernando, Head, School of IT; Dr. Nipunika Vithana, Head, School of Business; and Mr. Anuruddha Abeysinghe, Staff Advisor. Their presence highlighted the importance of institutional support in encouraging student leadership and extracurricular engagement.
The installation ceremony featured several significant traditions, including the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, the official club banner reveal, the unveiling of the club’s official logo, and the launch of the Leo Club of SCU website. The charter members were formally inducted, while the inaugural office bearers were installed by the Chief Guest. Appointment letters were also presented to the inaugural committee, officially recognising their respective positions and responsibilities. Emphasising the importance of environmental sustainability, the ceremony also featured a plant distribution initiative for participants, encouraging them to embrace greener practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Following its establishment, the Leo Club of SCU continued its community engagement efforts by organising a blood donation campaign on 21 October 2026 at the SCU premises. This initiative demonstrated the club’s commitment to humanitarian service and its intention to translate the values of leadership and volunteerism into practical action.
The establishment of the Leo Club of SCU represents an important opportunity for students to develop their leadership potential while contributing positively to society. Through its commitment to service, collaboration, and community involvement, the club aims to create meaningful experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
SCU congratulates the Leo Club of SCU on its inaugural installation and commends its members for taking these important steps towards leadership and community service. The club’s establishment and subsequent blood donation campaign reflect the value of empowering students to become responsible leaders and active contributors to society.
