Joint Bulletin #1

Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile

EDITORS NOTE………

It gives a great pleasure for us to publish this newsletter. The idea of a joint newsletter was first incepted when the Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Miles, Hong Kong

completed its international understanding trip to Sri Lanka, with the Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

being the hosts. Thus, here is the first edition.

We believe that through the newsletters the relationship between the two clubs and the two cultures will enhance

more day by day and the friendships we built will grow from strength to strength. We would be able to share what we do, not only with each other but with the family of rotary, which

spreads through the entire globe. Viva La Rotaract.

Rtr. Jennie Wong ,President, Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile

Rtr. Sandamali Devadithya, Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa

INSIDE………..

FOSTER INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING OVER CONTINENTS

HANDZ: THE INTELLECTUAL TASK

FORCE

KGM AND R.I.DISTRICT 3450 TO REBUILD SOCIAL HARMONIZATION IN A MODERN HONG KONG COMMUNITY

SOME THINGS YOU CANNOT FIND

IN WIKIPEDIA ABOUT HONG KONG

SRI LANKA – A LAND LIKE NO OTHER

E – News A joint bulletin by

The Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

&

The Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile, Hong Kong

MAY 2011


FFOOSSTTEERR IINNTTEERRNNAATTIIOONNAALL UUNNDDEERRSSTTAANNDDIINNGG OOVVEERR CCOONNTTIINNEENNTTSS Thomas Chan, International Service Director, Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile and Rtr. Dulitha

Wanniarachchi, Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS IN POLLONNARUWA

Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile completed international service trip to Sri Lanka from Dec 27, 2010

to Jan 3, 2011, in collaboration with the host club, Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa in RID 3220.

With the sponsorship from Rotary Club of Kowloon Golden Mile, two community service projects have

been successfully implemented in the Polonnaruwa Kuruppu Handiya village.

In deploying theses projects the KGM teamed up with the ‘HandZ’ (one of the best community service

projects initiated by the Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa.)

KGM’s funds to construct drinking water facility and lavatory

By providing funding to construct the drinking water facility and lavatory in their town hall, the villagers can

make full use of the place to conduct various educational, cultural and religious events. This well equipped

centre will promote unity and harmony within the villages, and provide necessary infrastructure which

were seriously lacking in the past.

Drinking Water facility was declared open by the presidents of the two clubs and the first stones were laid

for the lavatory for the Community Centre of the village. Preceding these events there was a very warm

welcome by the villagers and their society for both Rotaract clubs of KGM and UoM and we were escorted

to the community centre with a procession. There was a colorful ceremony

including dances of pre-school children in the village.

The donation of six laptops and over 300 elementary English

books to the Lankapura

education zone in

Polonnaruwa, comprising of

At Pollonnaruwa


6692 school children in 17 schools, helps to connect the underprivileged students to the world

and provide opportunities to those who are hard-working and eager to learn. The laptops were awarded to

the very top students in Polonnaruwa and the books were distributed among schools to build up their local

library.

Amidst difficulties caused by rain the rotaractors from both clubs were so enthusiastic in taking part of the

event and so were the school children, principals of respective schools as well as the Directors of the zonal

education offices. Ceremony was once again filled with colorful events where there was traditional

Kandyan Dancing.

INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN KGM ROTARACTORS & COUNTERPARTS FROM SRI LANKA

Rotaractors from KGM participated in a joint meeting with RotaractMora in Colombo before leaving to

Pollonnaruwa for the above mentioned community service projects. Members from both clubs enjoyed

music and songs along the journey to Pollonnaruwa. A camp fire was also organized as the rotaractors

began to count down for the dawn of 2011 in Kandy. A visit to the temple of Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord

Buddha was also arranged.

Delegation also visited Sigiriya, Pinnawala Elephant orphanage and other sites in Kandy such as the

University of Peradeniya. Rotaractors from University of Moratuwa guided the counterparts from Hong

Kong in these places as it fostered cultural exchange.

Back in Colombo, the delegation spent a day at a Children’s home, bringing smiles to the faces of the little

children who were less fortunate. A farewell dinner was arranged in the beach side as the two clubs

marked a new beginning of a relationship in the family of Rotaract.

Video of the whole project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBxFIBZk-ns

Celebrating the New Year

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBxFIBZk-ns


Smiles at the children's home Leisure time at Colombo

Organizers at Sigiriya Two Presidents

MORE MEMORIES

The joint meeting


HHAANNDDZZ:: TTHHEE IINNTTEELLLLEECCTTUUAALL TTAASSKK FFOORRCCEE

HandZ, a community service project initiated by the Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa is not just

another community service project. HandZ is unique in its own way and in recognition of its virtues HandZ

has been selected the “Rotaract Outstanding Projects: South Asia Districts Winner” by the Rotary

International.

HandZ does not believe in material donations itself for we believe that they will tend to weaken the ability

of the community to stand up on their own feet. Which is why the donations we do is such that it will

compliment the service rendered by our volunteers; and the day-to-day life of children and villagers for a

better future.

One of the most effective yet inexpensive methods that we found to address the quality of life issues of

beyond the suburbs is to uplift the education levels of the community through focusing on the next

generation; children of schooling age.

For this noble feat, it was recognized that the North Central province of the country is the most suited to

focus our initial efforts on. Situated almost 200km away from Colombo, the North Central province is one

of the largest provinces in the island with the majority of its population being based in agricultural villages

with low average income levels and minimum education facilities.

It has been a year of successful endeavors for the Handz with its annual theme being on Rural Education

Development. With the multiple phases conducted under the Handz project portfolio, the Rotaract Club of

University of Moratuwa was able to directly impact over 1000 school children with its educational

seminars, workshops, counseling and mentoring programs. The programs were not only meant to uplift

their educational standards but also their mentality and motivation. The library facilities of 19 schools that


cater to over 4000 children were uplifted with nearly a 1000 books being donated.

Furthermore, through its efforts, Handz with the collaboration of another project under the International

Understanding umbrella; namely the Sri Lankan visit of Rotaractors of Kowloon Golden Mile (KGM), Hong

Kong reached out to hundreds of families through contributing to their children’s education with book

donations, laptop donations, and also through the provision of water/ sanitary facilities for the village

community center.

Through HandZ, we believe that we have contributed immensely to the communities and individuals in

need of our help. In spite of the heavy schedules of the university, we found time to lend our hands to

those who needed our support to stand on their feet. This is just the beginning and we have already made

a memorable difference in a community which is also a part of us. In years to come, we believe that HandZ

would climb up the ladder and make a difference in all the lives that crosses its path.

KKGGMM AANNDD RR..II..DDIISSTTRRIICCTT 33445500 TTOO RREEBBUUIILLDD SSOOCCIIAALL

HHAARRMMOONNIIZZAATTIIOONN IINN AA MMOODDEERRNN HHOONNGG KKOONNGG CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY Jennie Wong, President , Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile 2010-11

Hong Kong is facing various social problems such as long working hours and aging population. Lacking

communication leads to family tragedies up to an alarming level. In November and December 2010,

Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile organized a two-day project named “Care of Our Neighbors, Share

Our Love” including group games, magic shows and a half-day outing in a local farm to encourage parent-

children communication; then an elderly-children Gala Party on the second day to bring happiness and

harmony to the neighbourhood. This project is selected to be sponsored by DSG (District Simplified Grants)

in RID 3450.


In the upcoming World Rotaract Week, RID 3450 also integrates the youth and elderly in one

community service project from February to April 2011, with the active participation of Rotarians and

Rotaractors. A series of cultural exchange events will bring forward the idea of social harmonization to

various age groups in Hong Kong. The three events from 26 February to 2 April 2011 are

Traditional Food and Handicraft Making: Make traditional local snacks and handicraft with the guidance of

staff and students of Shine Skills Centre, which provides vocational training for disabled in Hong Kong.

World Rotaract Week (WRW): Celebration among Rotarians, Rotaractors, volunteers and project

participants. Hand-made special souvenirs will be sent to needy in Mongolia as distant blessings.

Treasure Hunt: Led by Rotaractors and Rotarians, groups of elderly and children will participate in a

Treasure Hunt on a cultural trail to experience local history and encourage “team building” and “the

inheritance of intangible culture” among different age groups.


SSOOMMEE TTHHIINNGGSS YYOOUU CCAANNNNOOTT FFIINNDD IINN WWIIKKIIPPEEDDIIAA AABBOOUUTT

HHOONNGG KKOONNGG Simon Kwong, Professional Development Director, Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile 2010-11

From Wikipedia, you will know that HK was a British colony until 1997 when

sovereignty was handed over to the People’s Republic of China; HK now has

a population of over 7 million, among which 95% are Chinese and 0.2% are of

South Asian origins including Sri Lanka; most of the local people practice a

mixed of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism with 8% of the population are

Christians; HK has a humid subtropical climate with hot and rainy summers

and cold and dry winters; etc…This article is about some things you cannot

find in Wikipedia about HK.

HK’S UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

HK now has 9 public universities and numerous tertiary institutions, providing around 15,000 graduates

with bachelor degree each year. While most of our university students are brilliant in academic

performance, there are recent concerns that they are not mature and tough enough to survive in the

working environment after graduation.

The story of ‘Mr. Juicy Tea’, a graduate who have obtained a master degree in statistics in a local university,

occupied the headline of a local newspaper last

week. He had a notorious record of failing to get

a job after 200 plus interviews. A human

resources manager after interviewing him

commented that he was in total lack of social

skills, self-confidence and direction in career

development. The assistant of the said human

resources manager asked him ‘coffee or tea?’

before the interview. He said, ‘I want a cup of

juice.’ When further asked ‘Sir, we just have

coffee or tea…’ , he replied ‘then tea please,

err… do you have juicy tea?’

It is hoped that he, and indeed other university

graduates, know what’s wrong with that

attitude.


HK’S WOMEN

HK was one of the earliest Chinese societies which embraced the principal of equality between men and

women. The “Sex Discrimination Ordinance” was enacted in 1995 prohibiting discrimination on the basis of

sex, marital status and pregnancy and promoting equal opportunities in education, career development

and social status between men and women. Usually having better skills in handling inter-personal

relationships and more details-oriented, many HK women are

enjoying better career development than their male

counterparts and are occupying important positions in the

government, in the business sector and even in international

institutions. One successful example is Ms. Margaret Chan – the

present Director General of the World Health Organization who

was the Director of Health of the HK Government before she

took up that post.

However, some of the HK women are also being criticized as too

materialistic, sarcastic, picky and even ‘bitchy’. They are

categorized as ‘Kong Girls’ – an over-generalized and prejudicial

stereotype of all Hong Kong women. While some of the HK girls

dislike the label as expected, some of my friends are proud of

being dubbed a ‘Kong Girl’ (for unknown reasons). Anyhow, I

can assure you that none of the girl members of Rotaract Club

(KGM) have the said characteristics of ‘Kong Girls’ and all of

them are independent, caring, tough and kind.

HK’S ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

Being the largest IPO (initial public offerings) centre and the freest economy in the world last year, HK has

everything to be proud of as an international financial and trading centre. However, being the city with the

highest Gini Coefficient in Asia and one of the most expansive cities in the world, HK has everything to be

shameful of being one of the hardest places to live for the under-privileged.

The HK government is always being criticized as doing little, if any, to reduce the ever widening income gap

between the rich and the poor and implementing policies heavily titled in favour of the land developers in

HK. The richest men in HK are all land developers, including Mr. Li Ka Shing – the richest person in Asia and

the 14th richest person in the world. He is the head of a large business conglomerate with business in

shipping, telecommunication, retailing, property, and anything you can think of which is related to our daily

life. Some HK people suggest that “HKSAR” (the short name of “The Hong Kong Special Administrative

Region”) should be renamed as “LKSAR”, i.e. Li Ka Shing Administrative Region to show who is the real ruler

of HK.


Recently, Hong Kong has won the laureate again. A survey conducted by an international urban planning

consultant firm declares that HK beats London, New York and San Francisco as the world’s most

unaffordable city in buying a flat - ‘unaffordable’ in terms of the median house price relative to the median

income of Hong Kong people. We simply

have to work for the whole life for a small

flat!

Hong Kong has just passed a law on

minimum wage and is debating a

competition bill in the legislature. Let’s

wait and see how they are going to change

the socio-economic landscapes of Hong

Kong.

Time’s up for this issue. Do let me know if

anything you want to know about HK that

you cannot find in Wikipedia. See you next

time!

SSRRII LLAANNKKAA –– AA LLAANNDD LLIIKKEE NNOO OOTTHHEERR Rtr. Sandamali Devadithya, Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa

Early morning, the sun worships the sacred Samanala peak three times before waking up this beautiful

island. At the Samanala peak starts several water streams including the vein of the country the Mahaweli

River. These streams flow down the mountains, against the barriers of rocks and trees finding its way

towards the ocean, making up huge rivers which add more colour to the beauty of the

island. Covered all around by the seas of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is

known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean.” It is indeed a pearl,

with tall waterfalls, seen as if coming from heaven; the

mountains, holding up the pride of the nation; beaches all

around, giving the sense of serenity;

and of course the trees and the

animals to complete the picturesque

view.

Samanala Peak


Over the past years Sri Lanka was on world news due to the terrorist activities. But now after

thirty years the people in Sri Lanka live freely with no threats of bomb

explosions or terrorism. During those hard time people in Sri Lanka stood

as one, helping others and giving strength and support to gain that victory

to Mother Lanka.

Though each individual may hold different

personal view as a nation Sri Lanka is united. It

was very much evident during the recently

concluded Cricket World Cup 2011, where Sri Lanka was a co host. Cricket is the life

of Sri Lanka. Play grounds, vacant lands and even roads which are not busy are

always occupied by children and adults playing cricket. At the exciting finals of the

world cup, when Sri Lanka got defeated disappointment was evident in the country.

But nevertheless the Runners Up team was welcomed and honored with so much love

where we showed the world the spirit of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has a magnificent history of over 2500 years. The stories of Kings and Queens

which we listened to in our childhood days will never be forgotten. When travelling in

Anuradhapura and Pollonnaruwa the dagabas, ruins of castles, huge water tanks show

the skills and the technology ancient Sri Lanka owned. It gives an innocent pride to hearts

of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka owns a rich culture. The biggest cultural event is the Kandy Perehara, a pageant to

respect the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, happening in the month of August. The dancers and

drummers with a unique Kandyan style, baby elephants walking playfully, the magnificent tusked elephants

dressed in beautiful costumes is indeed very beautiful sight which must be witnessed.

The people in Sri Lanka are blessed with humanity. Whenever there is a disaster or even a small trouble, all

people in Sri Lanka get together to help the community in need. Whether it is a sad occasion or a joyful

event, the neighbors are seen getting ready to share the sorrows or joy. In Sri Lanka rarely anybody feels

alone. Hospitality has been practiced by Sri Lankans over the years. No guest will leave without

being treated like a king. But the best thing of Sri Lankan people is their smile. Sri

Lankan people are always in smiles and that smile reflects what Sri Lanka is all

about.

Captures from the Kandy Perehara

Captain of the cricket team, warmly welcomed

Ancient Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan leopard

Joint Bulletin #1

Documents

Transcript of Joint Bulletin #1