The Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens marked a historic milestone of service, leadership and fellowship with its 25th Installation Ceremony, held on 19th October 2026. The auspicious occasion commenced precisely at 2:24 PM with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, symbolising the dawn of a new Rotaract International (RI) year and a quarter-century legacy. Bringing together past leaders, district officials, Rotaractors and distinguished guests, the ceremony celebrated a remarkable year of achievements while officially handing over the reins to a new Board of Officials.
The Secretary’s Report offered an inspiring look into a record-breaking year for the club. Driven by a dedicated team, the club expanded its membership to 128 members and successfully executed 77 projects, far surpassing its initial target of 40 projects. Collectively, members contributed 25,650 volunteer hours across all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Rotary focus areas. A major highlight was the success of the club’s flagship event, Street Fest 2025, which attracted more than 1,500 participants and generated over 1.6 million in net proceeds. The club also strengthened its position within the district by being named the Most Participatory Community-Based Club at consecutive Rotaract District Assemblies/Conferences (34th and 35th), while achieving a 100% citation completion rate. Its international presence was further expanded through 13 international initiatives, including three twin-club agreements in Ghana, Dubai and Chennai, as well as the hosting of international delegations.
The District Rotaract Representative (DRC) Rtn. PP. Shehantha Dias commended the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens on reaching 25 years of impactful service. Beyond the 77 projects and tens of thousands of volunteer hours, he emphasized that the true strength of the club lies in its internal culture, how members are treated, made to feel safe and empowered to grow.
Highlighting the club as the third-largest community-based club in the district, the DRC noted that its greatest accomplishment remains the family-like environment built on genuine fellowship and camaraderie. Reflecting on the journey, the DRC shared the sentiment, “Regardless of why you joined Rotaract… what I strongly believe is, what matters is why you stay.”
Outgoing President Rtr. Ilham Asmone reflected on a year in which the greatest achievement was not merely the accolades, but the deep sense of family forged through late-night calls, intense planning and shared challenges. He paid tribute to the club’s history dating back to 1998, acknowledging the past leaders and Executive Boards who helped the club endure two revivals. Rtr. Ilham expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the members who served alongside him to protect, build and nurture the organisation. He concluded his term with the reminder, “If you want people to show up for you, show up for them first,” officially completing his tenure as President for the 2025-26 administrative year.
Chief Guest Aparna Thilakarathna commended outgoing President Ilham for his leadership throughout the year and warmly welcomed incoming President Takshila, wishing the new Board every success. She highlighted the unique dynamic between the predominantly Gen-X Rotary Club and the younger Rotaractors, praising the youth for taking complete ownership of digital media, promotional flyers, presentations, videos and project logistics with minimal oversight. She also celebrated the unity of the wider “Kurunduwatta family” and recognized the potential of its young members to continue contributing to district-level leadership and impact.
Incoming President Takshila then unveiled the vision for the year ahead under the guiding theme, “Lead with Impact, Serve with Purpose.” He emphasized that the theme would serve not merely as a slogan, but as a lasting principle to guide the club’s actions throughout the year. Describing the club as a family built on mutual support, commitment and the ability to work through differences towards a shared goal, President Takshila expressed his gratitude to past leaders, incoming Board members, friends and his family. Framing his vision for the new term, he stated, “We want this to be a year of sustainable legacy where every initiative we execute leaves a tangible, lasting impact.”
The newly appointed Executive Committee and Board of Directors are prepared to steer the club into another year of service and growth. Leading alongside President Rtr. Takshila are Vice Presidents Rtr. Bryshane Arshaan, Rtr. Maslamah Jiffry and Rtr. Sean Ryan, Secretaries Rtr. Danidi Liyanage and Rtr. Dhanushi Jayaweere and Assistant Secretary Rtr. Zuhairiya Rizwan. Financial and administrative responsibilities are entrusted to Treasurer Rtr. Sanuja Ekneligoda, Assistant Treasurer Rtr. Abhinanth Madhavan and Sergeant-at-Arms Rtr. Kadheeja Cadar. Storytelling and communications will be led by Editors Rtr. Amodh Gunawardana and Rtr. Sanija Wijesinghe, alongside Public Relations Directors Rtr. Nonimi Nimnadi and Rtr. Sharanya Atapattu.
The club’s avenues will be supported by Joint Directors across key focus areas: Club Service Directors Rtr. Kaveetha Himarangi, Rtr. Kivin Gunasekara, Rtr. Senula Peiris and Rtr. Taaliah Mashish, Community Service Directors Rtr. Anisa Akbar, Rtr. Shafni Jaffar and Rtr. Upadhya Aberathne, International Service Directors Rtr. Niseni Rathnayake and Rtr. Shuaa Fayaz, Professional Development Directors Rtr. Aadhil Fahim and Rtr. Vihasna Siriwardhana, Sports and Recreational Directors Rtr. Akmal Azeez, Rtr. Aqil Sookoor and Rtr. Minidu Sulakshana and Finance Directors Rtr. Sandali Herath, Rtr. Yahansa Sugathadasa and Rtr. Varnada Ranaweerasinghe.
With a strong foundation of fellowship, a proud 25-year history and a dedicated new Board, the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens embarks on its 2026-27 term with a clear commitment to service, leadership and sustainable impact. The 25th Installation Ceremony therefore stands not only as a celebration of the club’s remarkable journey, but also as the beginning of another chapter dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting legacy.
Written By: –
Rtr. Nuha Irfan
(Prospect member 2026-27)
Rtr. Basharath Hajar
(Prospect member 2026-27)
Rtr. Aathika Irshad
(Prospect member 2026-27)
Rtr. Hushma Jawadh
(Prospect member 2026-27)
