Milestones
The Rotary Club of Kandy marks its journey with significant milestones that reflect our enduring commitment
to community service and the lasting legacy we’ve built through dedicated efforts.
2018
President Discusses Oral Cancer Project on TV
President Ranjith Gunathilake went on national television to talk about the club’s project to address oral cancer with the support of TRF, the Rotary Clubs of Alnwick and Honolulu Sunset and Project Sri Lanka (UK).
2016
75th Anniversary with Tree Planting and Charity Project
The Club launched its 75th anniversary celebrations by planting a Rotary Friendship Tree in the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. A project was also held at the Provincial Secretariat under the aegis of the Chief Minister of the Central Province and the Governor of Rotary District 3220. School bags were distributed to seventy five poor school children, limbs and wheel chairs were gifted to the physically disabled and hearing aids were given to the hearing impaired.
2015
A Philanthropic Leader and an Arch Klumph Society Member
PDG Suri Rajan became the District’s 1st Arch Klumph Society Member
2014
A Role Model and a Leader as the District Governor
Club Member Rtn. Gowri Rajan became the first woman in the District and in Zone 4 to become a District Governor.
2013
Gift of Hearing Project with Danish Donor
The multi-year signature project the Gift of Hearing was launched with the support of a private donor from Denmark
2009
The Second Club Member to Become District Governor
Rtn. B D R Suri Rajan became the 2nd club member to hold the office of District Governor.
2008
The First Woman President and 100% PHF and EREY Club
We elected our 1st female President and the Club became a 100% PHF and EREY Club.
2007
A Legacy of Hope and Education for Tsunami Orphans
The Grant a Smile project was launched with support from overseas Rotary Clubs to provide for 700 tsunami orphans. The project now continues as a scholarship fund for needy students from grade school to university and has doctors to its credit.
2007
A Story of Resilience and Recovery in Potuvil
We participated in the District’s School Re-awakening project in the wake of the 2006 Boxing Day tsunami building a school in Potuvil in the Eastern Province.
2004
A Recognition for Rotary Club Kandy’s Hearing Care Project
The Club was awarded Candle 65 in Rotary’s World Candle Series for its hearing care project financed by a 3 H Grant of US $ 192,000 and carried out in partnership with Rotary Clubs in Sweden.
2001
The First Club Member to Become District Governor
Club member Rtn. Dr. V. Vijayakumaran was the first club member to serve as District Governor.
1998
Joining Hands with Rotary International to Support Small Businesses
A 3-H Grant of USD 100,000 from Rotary International financed one of the Club’s oldest signature projects “Micro Loans for Small Business Development”. We partnered with the Rotary Club of Singapore on this project.
1992
A Collaborative Project with NORAD and The Rotary Foundation
The Centre for Handicapped was set up with the support of NORAD, The Rotary Foundation, the Rotary Club of Enkonping (Sweden) and the Rotary Club of Kandy.
1974
An Orchid Named After the Founder
An orchid created in memory of Rotary Founder Paul Harris (Dendrobium memorial Paul Harris) by club member Rtn. Eric Garth was unveiled at the installation of President G. H. B. Ekanayake on the 13th July 1974.
1961
A Symbol of Culture and Heritage
The banner of the Rotary Club of Kandy was designed by the Club’s Secretary Rtn. Siri Patinayake. It incorporates the Octagon of the Temple of the Tooth and a drummer with the drum (Anda Bera) traditionally used to announce royal edicts.
1942
A Historic Event in 1942
The Charter ceremony was held under the patronage of District Governor Sri Chittapalam Gardiner on the 24th February 1942.
1941
A Historic Document from 1941
The Club received its Charter from Rotary International on the 24th September 1941.
1941
The Beginning of Rotary Club of Kandy
A first gathering of interested citizens of the World Heritage City of Kandy met to consider the possibility of starting the 4th Rotary Club in Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) under the leadership of E. T. Dawson, the Government Agent in Kandy at that time.