It is indeed my immense contentment and privilege to welcome each one of you to the 17^th Annual General Meeting 2007/08 on behalf of the Patron, Vice Patrons and The Executive Committee, of the OWSC. We envisage presenting the Annual report inclusive of the audited accounts for the period ending 31^st March 2008 as well as a draft account presentation reflective of the current financial standing of the OWSC at the end of the 12 calendar month tenure of office held by the exiting executive committee.

The last twelve months since our AGM, commencing November 2007 ending October 2008 would indeed go down in history as one of the most productive tenures of “executive committee office” to be recorded in the recent past at the OWSC. The uncompromised commitment as well as the dedicated spirit in which the Vice Presidents, Sectional heads together with their Sub committees bound as one in getting about their individual tasks enabled the exchequer to record an extraordinarily  financially productive year. The OWSC as a whole managed to emerge monetarily stronger and triumphant despite the wide spread economic downturn prevalent in both local as well as international business environments. The evaluation of the finance statements presented would reflect upon the club’s financial success underlining the importance of ingredients such as “commitment and togetherness” that effectively underpin the easy accomplishment of many an epitomized objective.

My tenure of office as the President of OWSC, has indeed been the most gratifying and heartwarming period if ever of my life. The OWSC as an institution spiritedly facilitated “The Past & Present Kindly Meet, Each The Other Proudly Greet” - The everlasting lingering lyrics of the majestic song of Wesely. The togetherness in which we grouped under a single insignia  of   Double Blue enabled us to become a formidable team that extracted the co-operation,  admiration and unstinted contribution of talented individuals, resourceful organizations and authorities to realize every entry in a glittering calendar of events  we effectively  strategized at the beginning of this tenure. However, I must emphasize, that the storms which we braved and the accomplishments we throughput would certainly not have been possible if not for the tremendous contribution made by certain individuals (whose names I have withheld) who were the sturdy foothold that unwaveringly stood by my side. The many well thought-out effectively strong but gentle nudges that they made to amazingly realign the direction of the club whenever deemed necessary was undeniably the extraordinary Key Success Factor that underpinned all our achievements.

As I now move on making way for the dynamic, strong and eloquent new President of OWSC, I take this moment to quote our advisory councilor Mr. Richard’s Dwight’s most relatable proclamation etched in my heart as a premium and pertinent example suggestive of the task of Salt,  to slightly amend it from “do your job and disappear”  to signify my past president’s role as  to  “ add flavor & linger tasteful”.

Ora Et Labora!

Rohan L Perera

President