The 4th Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Central was held on the 5th of September 2021 through Facebook and YouTube live.
The Installation Ceremony was commenced after the house was called to order by the Immediate Past President Rtr. Dananjaya Siriwardhana followed by the Flag Salutation, Rotaract Invocation, and then the gathering was addressed by the Co-Chairperson of the Installation Ceremony.
Proceeding that the joint secretary for the past year Rtr. Sandamali Fernando emphasized the achievements of the club amidst the pandemic and how the club moved away from conventional means with new strategies to adjust to the ‘New Normal’. The focus for the year 2020-21 was to turn inactive members into active members and she disclosed the success of the past projects in line with the theme. A presentation of the secretary report for the year 2020-21 was beautifully edited and displayed to the audience.
Following the secretary’s report the outgoing president Rtr. Dananjaya Siriwardhana expressed his gratitude for the club members and congratulated the incoming president and board. The first female President of Rotaract Club of Colombo Central Rtr. Hasanthi Premathilaka was introduced as a person with a childlike mind but a very responsible individual. Following that the members of the club described her in one word such as unstoppable, punctual, caring, lovely, etc.
Next on agenda, Rtr. Hasanthi Premathilaka was collared and this was followed by her speech praising the past executive committee and how she wishes to bring a positive change to the society through the Rotaract Club. Afterwards, the Board of Members for the year 2021-22 was introduced.
The Executive Committee and Board of Directors for 2021/22 are as follows;
- President – Hasanthi Premathilaka
- Immediate Past President – Dananjaya Siriwardhana
- Joint Secretaries – Savindrie Jayawardana and Mahela Weerasekara
- Vice Presidents – Pasan De Silva and Hirodya Hasarangi
- Treasurer – Ayodya Kottearachchi
- Sergeant-At-Arms – Chan Surendra
- Editor and International Service Co-Director – Dilushi Rachel
- International Service Co-Director – Mithma Amarathunga
- Public Image Director – Parami Jagoda
- Club Service Director – Ishan Douglas
- Community Service Directors – Nathindu Himansa and Tharoon Madusanka
- Professional Development Directors – Chathumi Rambukwella and Prasadie Karunarathne
The District Rotaract Representative Rtn. Rtr. Akhila Wijetunga addressed the gathering and he explained that a Rotaracter is not merely one who does projects but is an individual who faces challenges successfully and adapts to them. He also praised the past year’s board for doing a great job amidst COVID and congratulated the incoming president.
Next, the audience was entertained by Rtr. Ishan Douglas, who sang Heavens by Bryan Adams with his mesmerizing voice and amazing guitar skills. This was followed by a speech by the District Rotaract Chair Rtn. Marshad Barry, who wished a job well done for the past board and praised some of their past projects. He also stressed the importance of a Rotaracter to change and add meaning to someone’s life.
Afterwards, we had the Chief Guest for the event President of the Rotary Club of Colombo Central Rtn. Abbayan Vinodhan, who warmly wished a good year ahead for the current board and the club members. He also congratulated the outgoing board and ended with John F. Kennedy’s quote ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’
Lastly, the Vote of Thanks was delivered and the 4th Installation Ceremony was concluded by the President.
The Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance (RACUOCFMF) would like to extend its warm wishes to Rtr. Hasanthi Premathilaka and her Board for their upcoming journey they just embarked upon!
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