Lions Clubs International President Mahendra Amarasuriya of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and his wife, Lion Kushlani, will be special guests May 15-19 at the 85th Lions State Convention.

The convention will be hosted by the Greater Washington Area, which includes Lions, Lionesses and Leos of District 14-M from Fayette, Greene, Somerset and Washington counties, at the Holiday Inn, Meadow Lands.

Amarasuriya is a member of the Galle Lions Club and has served as a district governor and member of the International Board of Directors. He will be the keynote speaker at the International Banquet on May 17.

In recognition of his service to the association, Amarasuriya has received numerous awards, including the Master Key Award, eight International Presidents Certificates of Appreciation, eight International Presidents Awards, Leadership Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed on association members.

He also received the 100 percent District Governor Award, the Extension Award and 15-year Perfect Attendance Award. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

The state convention committee, under the leadership of past District Governor William Y. Hill of Houston, has been planning for the convention for five years. The committee consists of 44 Lions and Lionesses from 23 clubs.

Highlights of the convention include informational seminars, a golf tournament, the state Lions Club parade in downtown Washington and performances by the Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band.

Home