Rotarian K.R. Ravindran honoured by Loyola College, India

Loyola College, India, ranked among the top five institutions in India for degree programs in commerce, arts, natural sciences and social sciences, has recognised one of Sri Lanka’s top Rotarians and business personalities, K.R. Ravindran, with the distinguished Alumni Award 2017.

Ravindran is the only Sri Lankan to hold the office of the President of Rotary International, the only service organisation that has a non-voting seat at the United Nations representing 1.2 million members across the world, whilst he is also the CEO of Printcare Plc.

Rotary was responsible for driving a private-public partnership globally and driving the eradication of polio. The global polio eradication initiative was formed way back in 1988 in partnership with Rotary, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the world’s governments. 

Rotary singlehandedly contributed $ 1.4 billion as well as countless volunteer hours from its members around the world. As of today only three countries remain challenged - Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan -  and that is currently being worked as from the 1980s there has been a 99.9% reduction in cases worldwide.

Ravindran said: “I am humble as I accept this award from my alma mater, but now in Sri Lanka we must move on to the next challenge which we have identified and work has already started, which will be announced in the near future.”

The District Governor of Rotary 3220, Dr. Somawansa Thero, said: “Whilst congratulating Past International President Ravi, this year’s theme is making a difference and I am proud to announce that another milestone project will be launched next month in Sri Lanka in line with the theme. It is the first human heart valve bank at Lady Ridgeway, partnered by the Ministry of Health,” said the Thero, who helped numerous children through his efforts in early education. 

The Rotary Chairman of PR, Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, said: “Rotary built 25 schools in the Northeast and was responsible for 25,000 children going back to school after the deadly tsunami which struck Sri Lanka, apart from the polio eradication and human heart valve bank initiatives. Given that Sri Lanka as a nation is ranked a top country in the World Giving Index, we urge more people to join Rotary and serve the community.”