The Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts marked off yet another glorious year with their 14th Installation Ceremony which was held on the 19th of September in the New Arts Theater, University of Colombo from 6.30 pm onwards. The occasion was graced by the Chief Guest President of Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown Rtn. Delan Silva, Guest of Honor Mrs. Shehara Gamage, IT business partner at Unilever Sri Lanka, and District Rotaract Representative Rotaractor Rtr. PP. Sathma Jayasinghe. Representing FMF, Rtr. Dion Gomes, Rtr. Lochana Perera, Rtr. Subhanu Dissanayake, Rtr. Janindu Sethmin, Rtr. Yasara Wijeratne, Rtr. Bihanga Balasooriya, Rtr. Hashini De Silva made appearances to witness the memorable ceremony of the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts.
The Installation Ceremony kicked off with the house called to order by the Sergeant at Arms, Rtr. Abeetha Kodikara. A solemn and significant moment followed at 7 p.m. with the traditional Oil Lamp Ceremony, setting the tone for the evening’s proceedings. The event continued with the customary Rotaract formalities, aligning with tradition. It was then followed by the Secretary’s Report, presented by the outgoing secretary, Rtr. Tharushika Peelikumbura. The report shed light on the club’s remarkable achievements over the past year, a testament to their unwavering dedication. These accomplishments included the induction of 60 new members and the successful completion of 24 diverse projects spanning various avenues.
These projects covered a wide spectrum, showcasing the club’s commitment to service and community engagement. In the Community Service Avenue, initiatives like “Save the Paws” (feeding animals), “Supipena Kekulu,” “Mau Diriya” (a nutrition project for pregnant mothers), and “Mind First” made a significant impact. The Club Service Avenue saw the successful organization of events like “Salty Escape” (the club picnic), the “13th Installation Ceremony,” “O’ Spooky,” “Baila Night,” “O’ Santa” (a Christmas event), “Ambalame Thala,” and “Be Mine Maybe.” Under the Professional Development Avenue, projects like “Spread Grace,” “Beyond the Labels,” and the leadership seminar “Ignite” were pivotal in fostering personal and professional growth. In the International Service Avenue, “Kuppiya 5.0” and “Naayek” exemplified the club’s global reach and impact. The Public Relations Avenue featured “Skill Up,” contributing to skill enhancement within the community. Lastly, the Sports and Recreation Avenue saw enthusiastic participation in events like “SLAMM,” “Project Piyaman,” and “Yaluwa.”
Next, the outgoing president Rtr. Gethmi Adikari addressed the gathering one last time, in her speech she emphasized the following, The beginning of the Rotaract year was exciting as it was the transition period from the online stage to the onsite stage or the new normal scenario. The biggest challenge faced by her was that the executive committee and the board of directors hardly knew each other as the university had been closed to students due to the pandemic. She further added that handling the presidency of a university club was a different experience where you get the opportunity to make new connections and meet new people from different social strata. She also emphasized the fact that Rtr. Jehan De Silva is the only boy president the club has had for the last 13 years. Finally, she signed off by thanking everyone who helped her throughout her tenure as president and wished the new executive committee and the board all the very best for a successful year ahead.
Then, the most awaited moment of the event showed up as the Outgoing President Rtr. Gethmi Adikari collared Rtr. Jehan De Silva as the Incoming President for the Rotaract years 2023-24. Following the collaring, the new President Rtr. Jehan De Silva addressed the gathering. Rtr. Jehan De Silva started by giving a glimpse of his life journey and mentioned that joining Rotaract was a turning point in his life as he received the opportunity to work with different people. He also learned the art of handling people with different ideas. His plans in the months to come will mainly focus on education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Finally, he expressed his gratitude to the people who were behind him at difficult times and guided him through the challenges thrown at him.
Finally, it was time! Time to introduce the leading crew of the ship for the upcoming year.
The Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the year 2023-24 are as follows.
President – Rtr. Jehan De Silva
Vice president – Rtr. Hiruni Ramasinghe
Vice president – Rtr. Induwara Siriwadana
Secretary – Rtr. Baagya Piyamudalige
Assistant Secretary – Rtr. Lihini Jayawardene
Assistant Secretary – Rtr. Nirodha Hettiarachchi
Treasurer – Rtr. Dhanuji Amaranayake
Assistant Treasurer- Rtr. Nirodha Hettiarachchi
Sergeant at arms – Rtr. Abheetha Kodikara
Co-Editor – Rtr. Sajani Jayasinghe
Co-Editor – Rtr. Kusali Rupasinghe
Co-Director of Club Service – Rtr. Hasini Perera
Co-Director of Club Service – Rtr. Savini Dulma
Co-Director of Community Service – Rtr. Amandi Ranawaka
Co-Director of Community Service – Rtr. Manthini Attygala
Co-Director of International Service – Rtr. Ranosha Dissanayake
Co-Director of International Service – Rtr. Thusini Gajanayake
Co-Director of Professional Development – Rtr. Abheetha Kodikara
Co-Director of Professional Development – Rtr. Sandamini Bhagya
Co-Director of Public Relations – Rtr. Raziya Lareef
Co-Director of Public Relations – Rtr. Sayuri Wijesinghe
Co-Director of Membership Development – Rtr. Charitha Ranathunge
Co-Director of Membership Development – Rtr. Harshi Bandara
Co-Director of Environmental Service – Rtr. Buddhi Munasinghe
Co-Director of Environmental Service – Rtr. Lochana Pramudi
Director of Sports and Recreation- Rtr. Induwara Siriwardana
Afterward, the District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP Sathma Jayasinghe addressed the gathering, in her speech, she emphasized that Rotaract is about laying down a foundation of trust between ourselves and one another. She explained the importance of trust within the club and that rotaractors should make mistakes and learn from them, to develop leadership and connect with people from all levels of humanity.
The speech was followed by a Sinhala medley that was performed by the Rotaractors to entertain the audience. Next, The Guest of Honor Mrs. Shehara Gamage addressed the gathering. In her speech she emphasized the importance of volunteering, she shared her personal experiences of volunteering and how it made her more empathetic and gave her the ability to fit into other people’s shoes and understand the situation. She ended her speech by saying “Your opportunities are extremely limitless, volunteering helps you to explore the unexplored”.
“Let your light shine before others”, The chief guest Rtn. Delan Silva started off his speech with this quote from the bible. Mr. Delan continued explaining the importance of the work done by the club and how the power of our actions affects others. He explained that rotaractors are not just leaders but beacons of positive change. He ended his speech by congratulating Rtr. Jehan and his board and advised them to continue to inspire others to make the world a better place.
Finally, the tokens of appreciation were distributed to all dignitaries, and Felicitations were given out by guest clubs. The event was concluded with refreshments and continued fellowship.
It was truly an honor to represent RACUOCFMF at this event and we warmly congratulate the incoming president Rtr. Jehan De Silva and his board of directors for a fruitful year ahead.
Written By: –
Rtr. Dion Gomes
(General Member 2023-24)
Written By: –
Rtr. Lochana Perera
(General Member 2023-24)
Edited By: –
Rtr. Sandasi Senaratne
(Blog Team Member 2023-24)
