Creating Hope in the World: The Rotary International President’s Visit to Sri Lanka
Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally’s impending four day visit to Sri Lanka, scheduled form 23rd of January 2024, promises to be a momentous occasion for both Rotary International and the vibrant Sri Lankan community. Rotary International, a renowned humanitarian organisation with 35,000 clubs across more than 220 countries, plays a crucial role in various charitable activities globally. Hailing from the Rotary Club of South Queensferry in Scotland, McInally’s rich history as a Rotarian since 1984 and his various leadership roles within Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland underscore his commitment to service.
The upcoming four-day visit is poised to strengthen ties and foster collaboration between Rotary International and the enthusiastic Rotary community in Sri Lanka. McInally will commence his visit by addressing the dynamic youth organisations of Interact and Rotaract at Cinnamon Grand Hotel. Subsequently, a pivotal moment of President McInally’s visit is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Health, underscoring Rotary International’s commitment to supporting health initiatives in Sri Lanka. The following day, a visit to the National Hospital to hand over Emergency Medical Equipment and support the Cancer Screening Project further emphasises Rotary’s dedication to addressing critical healthcare needs in the country.
An intercity meeting will facilitate direct interaction between President McInally and Rotarians of the District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives, fostering connections and strengthening ties between Rotary International and the Rotary community in Sri Lanka and Maldives. The visit’s highlight is a Charity Banquet Dinner scheduled to commence at 6.30 PM at Shangri-La Hotel, celebrating Rotary’s values and shared commitment to meaningful service.
President McInally’s approach to increasing membership emphasises active engagement from Rotary International, regional leaders, and district teams with clubs. He aims to grow Rotary in both membership and the ability to provide meaningful service through enhanced engagement. Recognizing Rotary’s adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic, McInally envisions a future where Rotary continues to grow and increase engagement by blending technological advancements with past best practices.
For the 2023-24 Rotary year, McInally’s theme is “Create Hope in the World,” focusing on restoring hope to help the world heal from conflicts and achieve lasting change. His visit to Sri Lanka is expected to bring new hope to the country and further strengthen the ties between Rotary International and the local community.
