The location selected this year for the 32nd Regional Convention was at the Hotel Topaz in the beautiful hill capital Kandy from the 22nd to 24th June 2007.

Travelling by bus to Kandy, from Colombo - where many clubs are located, was organized by the Region and as a result the Convention was very well attended with 145 participants from all districts in the island. With the weather being unpredictable and many traffic hold-ups, participants started trickling in from around noon on the 22nd till mid-night.



The main sessions commenced on the 23rd June at 09:30 am. The Chief Guest AP Lee Joo-Min, ICM/APE Rita Hettiaratchchi, Keynote Speaker Mr. Kushil Gunasekera, RD Anton Kandiah, RDE Enrico Brown, IPRD Felician Perera, Regional Secretary Rienzie Diaz, Regional Treasurer PICM Elizabeth Dwight ASD’s Jean Godlieb & Norman De Zilwa, District Governor Gavin Godlieb and the National General Secretary of the National Council of YMCAs YM Chrishantha Hettiaratchi were led in procession by a group of dancers and drummers to the main Convention hall

The solemn flag ceremony followed the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the distinguished guests. Thereafter, the National Anthem and the Y’s Men’s Pledge was sung and the prayer recited by all present. 2 minutes silence was observed in memory of deceased members. After the Bible reading by the Regional Secretary, the Bible was handed over to the Regional Director and the delegates joined in singing the hymn “Love lifted Me”. The appointment of the Convention Scribe and the Y’s Guy was followed by the roll call of the delegates present.



The Business sessions commenced after a short break for tea, with the Regional Director welcoming all delegates and guests to the Convention especially AP Lee Joo-Min who had graced the occasion. The Keynote Speaker Mr. Kushil Gunasekera addressed the delegates with a power point presentation, showing the work done by his organization. In his address he was thankful to Y’s men International for the assistance given to his Foundation for the construction of houses for Tsunami victims in Weligama. A brief address was made by AP Lee Joo-Min. At this point the Regional Director invited the National General Secretary to participate in the signing and exchanging the “Principles of Partnership” between the National Council of YMCAs and Y’s Men International, Sri Lanka Region. The balance agenda of the business sessions was conducted cordially and the delegates adjourned for lunch.

The evening programme commenced after tea with a training programme given by the AP which was well received by the audience. The second business sessions commenced with the hymn “I need thee every hour”. A very interesting power point presentation of his visit to Africa was given by the BF delegate. The announcement of the incoming Regional Board members, the incoming speech of the new Regional Director, the announcement and presentation of the Regional awards was followed by the valedictory address of the outgoing Regional Director, which brought to a close the evening sessions.



An entertaining evening was planned by the committee and participation of all the delegates in the items selected for each team was presented with great enthusiasm. It was also a surprise when the AP too gave an item. The in-house band provided music for dancing that went on past mid-night.


The Sunday morning service commenced with Mass conducted by Fr. Christopher Silva. He stressed on the values of family life and on the attributes of speaking out our thoughts. The new board was then installed into office by the AP.


After the tea break the evaluation of the convention was given after which the Gavel, badge and Bible was handed over to the Incoming RD. The vote of thanks was followed with the singing of the “Hymn for Sri Lanka” and the official closing of the Convention. The delegates joined in singing “Auld Lang Syne” prior to departure after lunch on the 24th of June.


Some of the highlights from the convention were the recognition of Sri Lanka Region’s member Rita Hettiaratchchi as Area President Elect for 2007/08 and that of the announcement Sri Lanka being selected as the venue for the 23rd Asia Area Convention in 2009. That Sri Lanka has been bestowed the honour of hosting this event is of great pride and prestige to the Region.