World Understanding Day Celebrations

Rotary Club of Colombo Celebrates Enduring Friendship with Rotary Club of Karachi at 8° on the Lake

The Rotary Club of Colombo hosted a memorable and heartfelt celebration on 19 February 2026 at the elegant 8° on the Lake, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, honouring more than three decades of friendship and service partnership with its sister club, the Rotary Club of Karachi.

The evening was graced by two distinguished Rotarians from Karachi: Past Trustee of The Rotary Foundation Rtn. Aziz Memon and District RI Convention Promotion Chair 2024–27 Rtn. Abbas Lavingia, who attended the event as official representatives of the Rotary Club of Karachi. Their presence added immense warmth and significance to the occasion.

In a remarkable gesture of solidarity, the Rotary Club of Karachi recently collected USD 26,346 to support Sri Lanka’s disaster‑relief efforts, particularly in the rehabilitation of schools affected by recent calamities. This contribution was formally conveyed in a letter dated 16 February 2026 by President Naila Masood, reaffirming the club’s unwavering friendship and commitment to service.

The goodwill did not end there. During the celebrations in Colombo, Rtn. Aziz Memon announced an additional personal commitment of USD 10,000, further strengthening the impact of the relief initiatives. This supplementary contribution, combined with the funds raised by the Rotary Club of Karachi, will be directed toward school development projects identified as most feasible by the Rotary Club of Colombo.

The two clubs share a long and meaningful history of collaboration, from family and golf exchanges to mutual support during times of crisis. Their partnership was notably demonstrated during the 2021 floods in Sindh and Balochistan, where joint efforts enabled the successful implementation of a Global Grant for Farmers Rehabilitation.

The event at Cinnamon Lakeside celebrated not only financial generosity but also the enduring spirit of Rotary—friendship across borders, compassion in action, and a shared commitment to uplifting communities.

As the Rotary Club of Colombo channels these contributions into impactful service, the evening stood as a powerful reminder that Rotary’s greatest strength lies in its global fellowship and its unwavering dedication to “Service Above Self.”