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President: Rtr. Shaheda Akbar
Immediate Past President: Rtr. IPP. Mishkaa Hallaldeen
Vice Presidents: Rtr. Sakeenah Ameen and Rtr. Zahraf Feroze
Joint Secretaries: Rtr. Mohamed Ahqem and Rtr. Rushaida Huzair
Treasurer: Rtr. Rihaya Ameen
Sergeant-at-Arms: Rtr. Ahamed Nazeem
Editors: Rtr. Bilal Zufar and Rtr. Safiy Sihan
Club Service Directors: Rtr. Ilham Asmone and Rtr. Thakshila Warnakula
Community Service Directors: Rtr. Rayyan Rushdhi and Rtr. Rumira Piyasiri
Professional Development Director, Rtr. Apoorva Suraweera
International Service Director: Rtr. Hafsha Ishan
Sports and Recreational Directors: Rtr. Akmal Azeez and Rtr. Rimaza Ruwaz
Public Relations Directors: Rtr. Dinsara Hettihewa and Rtr. Reshma Nizam
Finance Director: Rtr. Dinadi Himansa
Rotary Interact Coordinator: Rtn. Rtr. PP Asfer Aslam The incoming president’s speech was followed by the District Rotaract Representative, PHF. Rtr. Past President. Shanel Mendis taking the stage. He congratulated immediate past president Rtr. Mishkaa Hallaldeen and her board for a job well done in the past year in truly impacting society and the Rotaract Community. He praised the outgoing board for paying homage to the foundation of Rotaract, which is service to the community, and even though it was the end of their leadership, it did not mean the end of their journey in the club and that the continuation of their services was vital to the club’s growth. He voiced out the challenge of selecting the right kind of people for the club who could make a real difference in the community and focusing on retaining them, emphasizing ‘Quality over Quantity’ all the while not forgetting to view the Rotaract experience as something enjoyable and memorable and not stressful and to always have fellowship in the moment. He also spoke of the legacy left behind by the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens, where it has produced many Rotaractors, including district officials, and asked for everyone’s cooperation and support in continuing this legacy. He ended his speech by wishing the incoming Executive Committee and Board of Directors all the very best for a fruitful year and ensuring that help is always at hand when needed. After his speech, special gratitude was extended to their benefactors, Rayyan Solar Enterprise and REM Solar, without whom this event would not have come to fruition. Next to take the stage was the Guest of Honor, Assistant District Rotaract Chair Rtn. Rtr.PP Nimesha Jayamanne. She shared her perspective that even though one joins Rotaract initially for the purpose of gaining fun and entertainment, the reason for persisting in the club is due to the lifelong friendships that you are able to forge, which was also the reason she remained in the club. “Friendship is a great foundation for service, and service is a great foundation for friendship,” quoted by Rtn. Rtr. PP. Nimesha Jayamanne, was used to admire the close-knit family that was the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens, and the awards and recognitions they received in the past year were a testament to the great feats they were able to accomplish owing to their beautiful kinship. She ended her speech by congratulating both the outgoing president and her board for the completion of yet another successful year and for the appointment of the incoming president and her board.
The last to address the audience was none other than the Chief Guest, President Rotarian Dulani Nissanka. Her speech, both awe inspiring and mind-opening, began with commending the remarkable work done by Rtr. Mishkaa Hallaldeen and her board in the past year and shared her mutual understanding of facing challenges, which is not only limited to the club but can be witnessed in any running organization and life alike, and that challenges, if faced bravely, would pave the way for doing much better, which is exactly what the outgoing board had done that was visible from the numerous accolades the club received, despite the many emotional obstacles they had to endure. The main purpose of what Rotaract really is—service to the community and making a big impact on society—should be done from the heart and not just as a necessity for ticking boxes with the aim of receiving recognition. “If you do things right, awards will come your way. Having synergy is what will help us create a much bigger contribution to the people that need our help the most than if we were to work alone. Rotaract is a family.” These words uttered by her cemented the very purpose and strength of Rotaract clubs everywhere, and that is friendship, camaraderie, and solidarity. She concluded her speech by wishing the very best for the incoming president and her team, encouraging them to do their best for the community in which opportunities to do so are innumerable as Sri Lanka is currently facing very trying times, and urging them to “work hard, play hard, and leave a legacy when passing the club to their successors.”. Concluding the ceremony on a happy and hopeful note, tokens of appreciation were handed over to all present dignitaries, and fellow guest Rotaract clubs, including our own, were called upon to give their felicitations, and the evening came to an end with the serving of refreshments. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This beautiful quote by Hellen Keller describes the great revelation we had at the end of this festive evening. We express our heartfelt gratitude for allowing us to be a part of this joyous occasion and honor at having represented the RACUOCFMF in this event. On behalf of all of us at the Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo Faculty of Management and Finance, we heartily congratulate the outgoing president, Rtr. Mishkaa Hallaldeen, and her board for a job well done and making a lasting impact on our dear community, and we wish all the success to the incoming president, Rtr. Shaheda Akbar, and her board to experience yet another fruitful year and to take their club to even greater heights unimaginable. The 23rd Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens was a jubilation of the accomplishments and great feats achieved through the club’s teamwork over the past years and a solemn prayer of hope for a brighter future ahead in the upcoming years.
Written By:
Rtr. Lakshini Haturusinghe
(Prospect Member 2024-25)
Edited By: –
Rtr. Sumaiya Sadeek
(Blog Team Member 2024-25)