A New Chapter Begins: The 17th Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo Faculty of Arts
The Rotaract Club of University of Colombo Faculty of Arts held its 17th Installation Ceremony, marking the beginning of a new RI year and the transition to a new Board of Officials. The event brought together distinguished guests, Rotaractors, senior members and students to celebrate the work of the past year and welcome the new leadership team.
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp at 7.07 p.m. This was followed by the calling of the house to order by Sergeant-at-Arms Rtr. Nethmini Panditharathne and the flag salutation and Four-Way Test led by Nathalie Karunathilaka.
The event was graced by Chief Guest and Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Guest of Honour and Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof. Iresha Aashman, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown Rtn. IPP. Mahesh Yogarajan, District Rotaract Representative Rtn. Rtr. PP. Dr Jude Shannon Lucian and District Rotaract Chair Rtn. PP. Shehantha Dias.
Looking Back on a Year of Service
The Secretary’s Report gave an overview of the club’s work during the RI year 2025/26. During the year, the club successfully conducted 27 initiatives across Community Service, Club Service and Fellowship, International Service, Professional Development, Editorial, Membership Development, Public Relations and Sports and Recreational.
The club carried out a range of community service projects, including Little Minds, Project P2, Paws & Care, Inspire and Being Human. The club also supported communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. These projects allowed members to work with different communities while contributing to causes that needed support.
The year also included several fellowship, professional development and international initiatives. Projects such as Vision to Venture and Cruising Uni with AI gave members opportunities to learn and develop new skills, while Cultural Fusion 2.0, international exchanges and other collaborations helped strengthen connections with members beyond Sri Lanka.
Looking back on the year, the Secretary noted that every project required planning, teamwork, communication and dedication. Along the way, members gained new experiences, built friendships and developed leadership and teamwork skills.
From One President to Another
Outgoing President Rtr. Mobeetha Muralimanohar reflected on her time in Rotaract and the experiences of the past year. She spoke about the importance of building a club where members feel comfortable, connected and willing to stay involved. She also highlighted how the friendships and memories made through Rotaract are an important part of the experience.
Speaking to the incoming committee, she reminded them that they do not always need to have all the answers, but should continue learning and supporting each other.
“I believe a club is built twice. It is built publicly through projects, but also it is built twice through the people who take responsibility when no one is watching.”
Her speech brought attention to the people behind the projects and the responsibility that comes with being part of a club.
The ceremony then welcomed the incoming President, Rtr. Anya Senadhira. Reflecting on her own Rotaract journey, she spoke about how she initially joined to participate with friends and eventually found herself taking on the responsibility of leading the club.
She thanked her family, the outgoing President and the outgoing Board for their support and for the foundation they had created. Looking towards the new RI year, she shared her intention to build on that foundation through sustainable and high-impact service projects.
She also spoke about the importance of working together as a Board and creating a year that focuses on leadership, service and lasting impact.
She concluded her speech with:
“Let’s lead, let’s inspire and let’s leave a legacy for a lifetime.”
The new Executive Committee and Board of Directors were then introduced, officially beginning their term for the RI year 2026/27.
Messages from the Guests
The speeches by the distinguished guests focused on the role of Rotaract in developing young people beyond the classroom.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake spoke about the importance of university students getting involved in activities outside their academic work. He highlighted leadership, communication, teamwork, professionalism and public speaking as important skills that students can develop through university activities. He also appreciated the club’s work in community service, environmental sustainability and student engagement.
Rtn. IPP. Mahesh Yogarajan spoke about the practical experience members gain through Rotaract. He highlighted areas such as project management, budgeting, fundraising, public speaking and leadership, while also speaking about the relationships and professional connections members can build through Rotary and Rotaract.
Rtn. PP. Shehantha Dias encouraged members to connect with the wider Rotary network and make use of the opportunities it can provide. District Rotaract Representative Rtn. Rtr. PP. Dr Jude Shannon Lucian also reminded the incoming Board that leadership is about taking responsibility and that the impact created through service is more important than simply the number of projects completed.
The event also included a video featuring the incoming President and a video looking back at the projects and memories of the past year. These moments added a lighter and more personal touch to the ceremony while giving members an opportunity to look back on the year they had shared together.
The 17th Installation Ceremony concluded with the new Board officially taking on their responsibilities. After a year filled with projects, challenges, friendships and new experiences, the club now looks forward to another year of service, fellowship and growth under its new leadership.
Written By: –
Rtr. Sinali Ratnayake
(Prospect member 2026-27)
Rtr. Anuk Hapuarachchi
(Prospect member 2026-27)
Rtr. Shenel Fonseka
(Prospect member 2026-27)
Rtr. Malith Gunasekara
(Prospect member 2026-27)
