How would it have been to be a part of an installation with a heap of fun, a bundle of supremacy clustered together with the legacy being carried forward?
If installations can be elevated to a whole new level of transcendence, RAC UOC FMF will be its pioneers. On the 11th of August 2017, the fellow club members gathered at the New Arts Theatre of University of Colombo to mark the day of glory and to step into another remarkable milestone of their Rotaract journey towards redefining friendship. While the ladies added glitter to the evening in vibrant shades of purple glory, gentlemen could not get any better than looking smart and neat. Everyone was anxious about the most important occasion of the Rotaract calendar.
After registering around 150 attendees, the arrival of the Dignitaries was marked with the Chief Guest for the evening, President of the Rotary Club of Midtown Rtn. PHF. Selvarajah Maherakanth, Youth Advisor of Rotary Club of Midtown Rtn. Arshad Akbar, Past District Governor Rtn. PHF. Senaka Amarasinghe, District Rotaract Committee Chair Rtn. PP Bobby Srinivas, District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP Anuradha Senanayake and other District Officials, gracing the occasion.
To start the proceedings, the traditional oil lamp was lit by the dignitaries and then, Rtr. Mandree Dissanayake called the house to order. This was followed by the flag salutation, Rotaract invocation, four way test and the Rotaract song.
The gathering was warmly welcomed by the project co – chairperson of the installation ceremony, Rtr. Kalani Perera. Next, the Secretary for the year 2016/17, Rtr. Thilini Leeniyagolla presented the Secretary’s report reviewing the successful completion of the Rotaract year 2016/17. She highlighted the club’s success in carrying out more than 45 projects in different avenues along with new concepts being initiated such as the “Rotaraction”, which was one of the biggest club service projects of the year and “V Connect” which set a digital platform to connect Rotarians, Rotaractors as well as Interactors in Rotary International District 3220. She also proclaimed on all the awards and achievements of the club and a short video clip was played which recapped the memories of the past year.
Next, the President for the year 2016/17 Rtr. Hiruni Perera, addressed the gathering. She made it an opportunity to thank and appreciate each and every individual behind her journey in Rotaract as well as during her tenure as the President. She also spoke of her most admired qualities of the newly elected President, Rtr. Akhila Wijetunga, and assured on his ability to lift RAC UOC FMF to greater heights with his strong leadership skills, passion as well as love for the club and its members.
Afterwards, Rtr. Dinuk Wickramanayake gave a splendid introduction about our President for the year 2017/18, Rtr. Akhila Wijethunga. Starting off from how they got to know each other he encapsulated in his speech some of the exemplary qualities of our President such as dedication, tidiness, ambitiousness, humbleness, friendliness and also his affection towards the nature.
Then the most awaited moment of the evening was marked with the collaring of the President for the year 2017/18, Rtr. Akhila Wijetunga by the outgoing President Rtr. Hiruni Perera.
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| Rtr. Akhila Wijethunga being collared as the President for the year 2017/18 |
Next, it was his turn to deliver his words of joy. Thanking his mentors in life for guiding him throughout his journey, our President for the year 2017/18, presented a very insightful speech. He reminded of the duty of Rotaractors to invigorate on one’s abilities to make a change that lasts on love, kindness, honesty and humanity instead of hatred, violence and betrayal. Nevertheless, his words attracted everyone’s attention.
Next, the Board of Directors for the year 2017/18 was inducted and our President gave a brief introduction to all the members of his Board.
The Board of Directors for the year 2017/18 is as follows:
- President – Rtr. Akhila Wijetunga
- Immediate Past President – Rtr. Christeena Hiruni Perera
- Joint Vice Presidents – Rtr. Malith Mendis, Rtr. Isuri Alahakoon, Rtr. Shenali Fernando
- Secretary – Rtr. Manahari Singarachchi
- Treasurer – Rtr. Mandree Dissanayake
- Assistant Secretary – Rtr. Udanee Silva
- Sergeant- at-Arms – Rtr. Krishmal Fernando
- Co – Editors – Rtr. Sarala Gunawardana, Rtr. Chamini Abeysekara
- Co – Directors Club Service – Rtr. Kalani Perera, Rtr. Akshana Perera
- Co – Directors Community Service – Rtr. Amandi Umagiliya, Rtr. Limashi Kosgodage
- Director Green Life – Rtr. Rushdan Refai
- Co – Directors International Service – Rtr. Pulara De Silva, Rtr. Ayesha Samarathunga
- Co – Directors Professional Development – Rtr. Lakna Rajapaksha, Rtr. Dinithi Cooray
- Co – Directors Finance – Rtr. Uvini Liyanage, Rtr. Chathun Heiyanthuduwa
- Director Member Development – Rtr. Ruchika Senaratne
- Director Sports – Rtr. Chamara Madhusankha
- Co – Directors Public Relations – Rtr. Sandunika Wijebandara, Rtr. Ramith Kalana
- Director Information Technology – Rtr. Shanal Mendis
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| Our Board of Directors for the year 2017/18 |
Next in line, the District Rotaract Representative, Rtr. PP Anuradha Senanayake addressed the gathering. It was a fascinating speech where she elaborated how the theme of RAC UOC FMF, “Teamwork makes the Dream work” can make wonders and how our club has set forth examples under this particular theme by pioneering in successful projects such as V- Connect, Glass Ice and Sandastic. She also appreciated the initiatives taken by the club to elevate the blog to be the vanguards of blogging grabbing everyone’s attention. While congratulating the tremendous efforts put forth by Rtr. Hiruni Perera and Rtr. Thilini Leeniyagolla in bringing the club to what it is today, she wished the newly appointed President and his team to reach greater heights. She also recognized the newly elected President’s efforts to be a true leader by bonding with the fellow members to bring out the best in them.
Following on, the District Rotaract Committee Chair, Rtn. PP Bobby Srinivas was invited to speak a few words to the audience. He started off with the Immediate Past President’s commitment and discipline in making RAC UOC FMF shine bright. He evoked on the support and dedication that will be needed by the newly elected President and his Board in reaping the best out of Rotaract and ended his speech congratulating the Board on their appointments.
Next up on the agenda, was the address by the Guest of Honor for the evening, Immediate Past District Governor, Rtn. PHF. Senaka Amarasinge. It was yet another interesting speech with more opportunities being highlighted on how Rotaract can help us in excelling in life; by grabbing opportunities in public speaking and building up on teamwork. He congratulated Rtr. Hiruni Perera and her Board for all her hard work to bring the club to greater heights and wished Rtr. Akhila Wijethunga and his Board to continue that legacy while being in touch with the sponsoring Rotary club.
Following a fine introduction presented by Rtr. Isuri Alahakoon, the Chief Guest for the evening, Rtn. PHF. Selvarajah Maherkanth took over the podium to inspire the audience through his words of wisdom. He congratulated on the award winning projects initiated by the club during the past year. Most importantly, he shared why one should join Rotaract and how different it is from the rest. While reminding of the opportunities Rotaract lays in front of the individuals to excel in their future career prospects, he concluded his speech wishing the newly appointed Board best of luck.
With all the speeches coming to an end, the dignitaries were presented with tokens of appreciation for their advice, support and mainly for being our guardian angels. Following this, the floor was open for felicitations. Many Rotaractors and Interactors from different clubs as well as from India congratulated us for our 7th installation.
Finally, the 7th installation ceremony of the Rotaract club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance was concluded with the vote of thanks presented by our Secretary for the year 2017/18, Rtr. Manahari Singarachchi. After the singing of the National Anthem all the attendees gathered for refreshments and fellowship.
We, as the members of RAC UOC FMF, would like to wish our President Rtr. Akhila Wijethunga for a successful year together with his Board and we promise to embark on our duties to reap the best for the betterment of one self and the others.
We, as the members of RAC UOC FMF, would like to wish our President Rtr. Akhila Wijethunga for a successful year together with his Board and we promise to embark on our duties to reap the best for the betterment of one self and the others.
Written By:
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Rtr. Meshini Kudahetty Club Member
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