The Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of Central Campus was a momentous occasion that took place at the Royal College Union Skills Centre on the 22nd of October, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history. The event commenced with the house being called to order by the Sergent at Arms, Rtr. Sawithmie Kulathilaka. The traditional oil lamp ceremony took place at 4.10 pm, followed by the conventional Rotaract formalities. Rtr. Lihansa Edirisinghe and Rtr. Nuwandi Fernando joined this ceremony representing the FMFers at this memorable moment.
Rtr. Malshi Wijesekara gave the welcome speech, setting a positive and enthusiastic tone for the event. The Secretary’s report was then addressed by the outgoing secretary, Rtr. Chiara Jayasekara. She highlighted the club’s accomplishments over the past year, emphasizing several successful projects that had a significant impact on the community. One of the club’s most significant initiatives was a project to save over 100 stray dogs within the radius of Kottawa to Nugegoda. This initiative not only provided a haven for these animals but also raised awareness about the plight of stray dogs in the region. Another noteworthy project was “Cleanse the Shore”, a beach cleanup conducted at Mount Lavinia and Wellawatta beaches. This initiative demonstrated the club’s commitment to environmental conservation and served as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect our natural resources. The club also undertook a project under the Professional Development avenue titled “Building Your Network”. This initiative aimed to prepare individuals for the corporate world, highlighting the importance of networking and professional growth. “Revive” was another impactful project carried out at the Dehiwala Zoo. The club members volunteered to feed the animals and assist the laborers in their day-to-day work, showcasing their dedication to animal welfare and community service. In collaboration with Embark, the club conducted “Paws Furever”, a project where they volunteered to help with the adoption process of dogs. This initiative further emphasized the club’s commitment to animal welfare and showcased their ability to collaborate effectively with other organizations. The club also celebrated some fun moments, becoming the champions in a tug-of-war competition. They also embarked on two district visits to Hill County and Southern, which were described as “one hell of a joy”.
The outgoing president, Rtr. Dunith Gurusinghe, addressed the gathering one last time as president. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those present and acknowledged that while they were not able to conduct as many projects due to challenging circumstances, they maintained their standards and delivered quality work. He wished all the best to the incoming president and her board of directors for the upcoming year. The most awaited moment of the event was when Rtr. Chiara Jayasekara officially assumed duties as the President with outgoing President Rtr. Dunith Gurusinghe collaring her.
The new President Rtr. Chiara Jayasekara addressed the gathering and as the Incoming President of the Rotaract Club of Central Campus delivered an inspiring speech, expressing excitement for the journey ahead with the club members. The president expressed gratitude towards the outgoing president and the board of directors for their exceptional work in the past year. She reflected on her journey from a general member to the student coordinator, club editor, and secretary to the president and also expressed that she aims to inspire and mold fellow club members, fostering growth, dedication, and shared commitment. Looking ahead, the president said, “We will also prioritize inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that our club is a place where each and every member’s voice is heard and where everyone’s unique strengths and backgrounds are valued”. She expressed her excitement to work with the dedicated board members and club members to bring this vision to life.
In conclusion, the president thanked everyone for entrusting her with this role and committed to giving her best. She also took a moment to thank her parents and brother for their support, even though they couldn’t be present at the event. The president concluded by expressing gratitude towards friends, past presidents, the Board of Directors, and everyone who has supported her in this journey. Finally, she encouraged everyone to embrace the journey ahead with enthusiasm and dedication, believing that together they all can make a difference.
Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the year 2023-24 are as follows.
President – Rtr. Chiara Jayasekara
Immediate Past President – Rtr. Dulith Gurusinghe
Joint secretary – Rtr. Malshi Weerasekara
Joint secretary – Rtr. Sandali Abeygunawardena
Treasurer – Rtr. Rishad Nizar
Treasurer and Director of Club Service – Rtr. Niduwara Jayasekara
Sergeant At aAms and Director of Club Service – Rtr. Savithmie Thedara
Editor and Director of International Service – Rtr. Harinya Kannangara
Vice President and Director of Community Service – Rtr. Raveesha Sathsarani
Director of Sports and Recreation – Rtr. Nilo Gautham
Director of IT and Digital Communication – Rtr. Ruchira Ranawaka
Following the incoming president’s speech, the District Rotaract Representative, Past President Rtr. Sathma Jayasinghe addressed the gathering. She expressed her happiness to be part of such a significant initiative. In her speech, she emphasized the unique growth of new Rotaract clubs through new initiatives, experiencing protocols and standardizations, and growth through collaboration. She explained that growth in Rotaract is not typical; it involves hands-on experiences and often requires members to put themselves in challenging situations. She referred to this as “redefined growth.” She concluded her speech by congratulating the outgoing president and his team and wishing the incoming president and her team all the best for their term.
The speech was followed by an inspirational video about sharing happiness with everyone. Following the District Rotaract Representative’s address, the Guest of Honor, G.S Sylvester, took the stage. He expressed his satisfaction with seeing a small board and emphasizing the importance of community service. He highlighted that community service allows individuals to be active members of society. He discussed three key benefits of community development: psychological, social, and cognitive benefits. He explained that happiness cannot be bought with money, illustrating the psychological benefits of community service. He concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of being a Rotaractor, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The audience was entertained by Rtr. Sonesh with a beautiful song.
The Chief Guest, Christopher Joseph, delivered a speech that was both inspiring and thought-provoking. He expressed his deep appreciation for the members of the organization, commending them for their significant contributions to society despite the prevailing economic crisis. He highlighted the team’s ability to make a positive impact on society, even in the face of adversity. He encouraged them to participate in projects that would positively impact society. His words underscored the importance of collective action and collaboration in driving social change. As he concluded his address, he offered his warmest congratulations to the new team and expressed confidence in their abilities and wished them success in their roles. Finally, the tokens of appreciation were distributed to all dignitaries, and Felicitations were given out by guest clubs, the event was concluded with refreshments.
It was truly an honor to represent RACUOCFMF at this event and we warmly congratulate the incoming president Rtr. Chiara Jayasekara and her board of directors for a fruitful year ahead. The Installation Ceremony was not just an event; it was a celebration of dedication, commitment, and teamwork that has driven the Rotaract Club of Central Campus to make a difference in society.
Written By: –
Rtr. Lihansa Edirisinghe
(Junior Blog Team Member 2023-24)
Written By: –
Rtr. Nuwandi Fernando
(General Member 2023-24)
Edited By: –
Rtr. Sandasi Senaratne
(Blog Team Member 2023-24)
