All new beginnings require that you unlock a new door. Rotaract Club of Australian College of Business and Technology (ACBT) led down a new trail with their 7th Installation Ceremony, which was held on the 6th of November from 4 pm onwards.
The stirring event was inaugurated with the lighting of oil lamps by all dignitaries, and this was taken up by the Routine Rotaract formalities; The Flag Salutation, Rotaract Invocation and the Four-Way Test.
Rtr. Reon was next on stage to glad-hand all the distinguished guests and all member and non-member participants. Following his welcome speech was the secretory’s video report for the year 2020-21, which showcased the ultimate results of a successfully completed year.
After the short video, the Outgoing Secretary Rtr. Apeksha Perera was on stage to share her thoughts on how the Rotaract year of 2020-21 was indeed a combination of many emotions, ups and downs, adjustments and compromises, cherished memories, growth and development. She mentioned that the year would not have been possible without the strength, courage and wit of everyone else in the club in accomplishing her own responsibilities.
Next, the man of the hour, Rtn. Rtr. Meshach Lindon was on stage to address the club as the President for the one final time. He started his speech with the quote by Simon Sinek “Words may inspire, but actions create change”. He mentioned how the Rotaract Club of ACBT has worked in line with the theme of the 2020-21 Rotary International, which was “Rotary opens opportunities” and how it allowed them to take a stance to rise as individuals and as a club and to focus on enhancing member experience as well as the focus on the strategic growth of the club.
Next was the most awaited moment of the day. The Outgoing President Rtr. Meshach Lindon passed out the collar to the Incoming President, Rtr. Venisha Dewasurendra, the 7th President of the Rotaract Club of ACBT, for the year 2021-22
After that, the Incoming President shared her thoughts on the stage. She introduced the new theme for the year, “Changing lives, making strides”. She shared her thoughts about Rotaract stating that it is all about tabling the passionate ideas and dreams into a platform that transforms those ideas into reality. She also recalled the advice of the PP. Afraa Mohomad, upon her election as President, which was that Rotaract is not about the awards, but about the memories and the friends you make, the service that you render that no award can be compared to. She ended her speech with the kind advice to all club members to not make Rotaract your obligation or duty, but to make it your passion.
Next, Rtr. Apeksha Perera introduced the new board of directors for the year 2020-21.
The Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the year 2021-22 are as follows;
- President – Rtr. Venisha Dewasurendra
- Immediate Past President : Rtn. Rtr. Meshach Lindon
- Vice President : Rtr. Binushi Wijekumar
- Secretary : Rtr. Oshada Wijenayake
- Treasurer : Rtr. Manelkar De Silva
- Sergeant at Arms : Rtr. Dinal Gunathilaka
- Director Club Service : Rtr. Dewmith Dias
- Director Club Service : Rtr. Reon Leonard
- Director Community Service : Rtr. Vitini De Alwis
- Director Community Service : Rtr. Wethmina Kavishma
- Director Environmental Service : Rtr. Himeth Banagoda
- Director Environmental Service : Rtr. Binari Bulathgama
- Director Professional Development : Rtr. Melisa Maas
- Director Professional Development : Rtr. Ryan Carson
- Director International Services : Rtr. Binari Rathnayake
- Director International Services : Rtr. Shahla Saheed
- Director Public Relations : Rtr. Kavishankar Perinpanayagam
- Director Public Relations : Rtr. Zeina Hameem
- Director Digital Communication : Rtr. Sanjula Pieris
- Director Digital Communication : Rtr. Gavin Perera
- Director Digital Communication : Rtr. Aveen Rishmitha
- Director Sports : Rtr. Shehan Kalupahana
Next on the agenda, two Rotaract members to get the audience murmuring along with their consonant tune.
After that, the speech of the District Rotaract Chair and Club youth adviser, Rtn. PP. PHF. Marshad Barry was followed the address by the District Rotaract Representative, Rtn. Rtr. PP. Akhila Wijethunga. Also, the Principal of the Australian College of Business and Technology Mr. Chandana Aluthge, presented his speech virtually before the event was taken up by the President of the Rotary Club of Colombo MidTown.
After that, the Outgoing President Rtr. Meshach Lindon was on stage to award the tokens of appreciation to everyone who held hands throughout their journey.
Following that, felicitations were presented from all the Rotaractors. Finally, the Incoming secretary, Rtr Oshada Wijenayaka gave the vote of appreciation to bring the event to a closure.
The Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance (RACUOCFMF) would like to extend its warm wishes to Rtr. Venisha Dewasurendra and her Board for their upcoming journey they just embarked upon!
