In every organization, a few individuals leave behind a legacy that echoes through generations. For the Leo Club of Kolonnawa, Leo Nisal Dulmith stands out as one of those individuals. Serving as the Club President during the Leoistic year 2017–2018, and now as the District President of Leo District 306C1, his journey captures the true meaning of youth leadership and empowerment.
A Humble Beginning in Leoism
Leo Nisal Dulmith joined the Leo Club of Kolonnawa in 2011, thanks to the encouragement of a past club president, Leo Dhanushka Sandanayake. At the time, he had little knowledge about Leoism, but what started as a simple invitation turned into a decade-long journey of growth, service, and leadership.
Without a clear inspiration to join, Leo Nisal quickly discovered the joy and impact of service. His passion inspired countless others to join, helping the club grow rapidly during his years of service.
Rising to Leadership Through Dedication
Before becoming president, Leo Nisal held several important positions including Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, and Director. Although he did not initially take on core executive roles like Secretary or Vice President, his work as a Director helped him build the foundations for his future leadership.
When the opportunity arose to lead, he seized it. Without waiting for inspiration or role models, he accepted the challenge to serve as Club President, knowing he could make a real difference.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
The year 2017–2018 was not without its difficulties. When Leo Nisal took office, the club had only eight active members. Filling leadership positions and carrying out projects seemed almost impossible.
But he refused to give up. Through tireless effort and personal outreach, he expanded club membership to over 50 active Leos during his term. Every club event, from district programs to internal projects, saw a vibrant and energetic participation that revived the spirit of the club.
He also overcame major reporting challenges, working closely with the club’s Leo advisor and Lions Club partners to submit reports manually during a time when digital systems were not yet common.
Financial challenges were another obstacle. Leo Nisal found creative ways to secure support, reaching out to friends, family, and the broader community to fund projects and ensure the club’s success.
Defining Projects That Built a Legacy
Several key initiatives led by Leo Nisal Dulmith continue to define his Leoistic legacy:
- Elder Care Project: Initiated under his leadership, this project, supporting elder care homes, continues to be a signature service of the club.
- Nana Daru Project: Focused on educational support for a rural school in Galle, providing necessary supplies and building a more supportive learning environment.
- Cyberbullying Awareness Project: One of the first initiatives of its kind in the district, using digital platforms to create awareness about online safety.
- Humanitarian Awareness Project: A powerful social media campaign highlighting humanitarian values and encouraging positive action.
Each of these projects showed that youth leadership is about foresight, compassion, and sustainable impact.
Personal Growth Through Leoism
Being a Club President wasn’t just about titles and events for Leo Nisal. The leadership experiences shaped him deeply, teaching him essential life skills:
- Public speaking and confidence building: From hesitating at his first meeting to confidently leading district-wide initiatives.
- Strategic planning and quick decision-making: Managing time between university studies, professional development, and Leo work.
- Handling pressure and building resilience: Balancing multiple responsibilities without compromising on commitment.
Today, as an Attorney-at-Law, he credits much of his ability to multitask and lead to the skills honed during his years in Leoism.
Achievements Beyond the Club
Beyond his own club, Leo Nisal’s contributions at the district and multiple district levels are remarkable:
- Organized a massive drought-relief project, distributing water bottles across three villages — a project that earned him the Most Outstanding Community Service Project Award.
- Held multiple leadership roles including Zone Chairperson (twice), Region Chairperson, District Treasurer, District Vice President, and finally District President.
- Served at the Multiple District level, strengthening inter-club cooperation and cross-regional initiatives.
He is a strong example of how perseverance, even after setbacks, leads to greater leadership opportunities.
Cherished Memories and Lasting Bonds
For Leo Nisal, friendships formed during his Leo journey are some of his most valued treasures. Whether bonding with fellow Kolonnawa members or building strong ties with Leos from other clubs like Kandy and Trincomalee, these relationships have lasted long after individual terms ended.
Even as the district undergoes restructuring, splitting Kandy and Trincomalee into separate districts, the memories and bonds remain unbreakable.
Advice to Future Leo Leaders
Leo Nisal’s advice to aspiring Leos is simple but profound:
“Enjoy every moment. Face challenges without fear. Organize, initiate, and learn — even from mistakes. These experiences will become some of your best memories.”
He encourages current and future club presidents not to chase perfection but to focus on growth, service, and building their own legacy.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Leo Nisal is proud of the current leadership and direction of the Leo Club of Kolonnawa. With passionate members and dedicated leaders, the club continues to grow stronger every year, carrying forward the spirit of youth empowerment and service that he helped ignite.
In his own words, “I’m really proud and really glad. The future is bright.”
Through leaders like Leo Nisal Dulmith, the spirit of Leoism will continue to inspire, develop, and empower generations of young leaders.