The 3rd Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Central was held on the 31st of July 2020 and Rtr. Tishani Ranawana, Rtr. Dinul Fernando, Rtr. Sanjana Wanigasekara and Rtr. Kethni Wijesinghe of RACUOCFMF witnessed this ceremonial beginning of a new era via Facebook Live.
To commence the day’s proceedings, the dignitaries were invited to light the traditional oil lamp and take their respective seats at the head table. Subsequently, the Conventional Formalities; the National Anthem, Rotaract Invocation, Flag Salutation, Four Way Test and the Rotaract Song were courtly concluded.
Momentarily, the gathering was warmly welcomed by the Project Chairperson, Rtr. Hasanthi Premathilake before the standard flow of the ceremony and it was followed by the presentation of the Annual Report for the year 2019/20 by the Joint Past Secretaries, Rtr. Senuri Hettihamu and Rtr. Chathuni Jayaweera. It was revealed that the Club has successfully executed 30 diverse projects and received a number of awards and recognition for their exceptional service. At the end of the address, a memorable video capturing the beautiful moments of the past year was screened.
Afterwards, the Outgoing President Rtr. Mano Mudunkotuwa took the spotlight and addressed the gathering emphasizing the importance of building connections with members. He also conveyed his sincere gratitude to all individuals who supported him throughout his journey and signed off on a high note as the 2nd President of RACCC.
Next up in the agenda was the introduction of The Incoming President for the year 2020/21, Rtr. Dananjaya Siriwardana, which was immediately followed by the most awaited moment of the ceremony, the collaring of the Incoming President Rtr. Dananjaya Siriwardana by the Outgoing President Rtr. Mano Mudunkotuwa which elegantly signified the handing over of duties and responsibilities of continuing the Colombo Central journey forward.
The newly appointed President paid his gratitude to all those who guided him to reach this achievement in his journey. “Every one of us has joined the Rotary family for a purpose. Make this the first step you take to change the world. It is not easy as that. In order to bring the change, everyone should believe in you. In order to achieve that, you need to climb up to the leader for the change. Be the leader. That is where you can make the change. But always remember your purpose. The time you suffer is the best teacher. I will make sure RAC Colombo Central will always be there to support you to achieve your goals.” was the message he gave out to the fellow Rotaractors. On a final note, he introduced his phenomenal Board of Directors for the year 2020/21.
The Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the year 2020/21 are as follows;
- Immediate Past President – Rtr. Mano Mudunkotuwa
- President – Rtr. Dananjaya Siriwardana
- Vice President – Rtr. Chathuni Jayaweera
- Joint Secretaries – Rtr. Sandamali Fernando, Rtr. Hirodya Hasarangi
- Treasurer – Rtr. Amila Chamaka
- Sergeant at Arms – Rtr. Kaveendra Karunananda
- Editor – Rtr. Rasindu Kavintha
- Director Club Service – Rtr. Ayodya Kottearachchi
- Joint Directors Community Service – Rtr. Divya Kalansuriya, Rtr. Radhini kaluhendiwela
- Joint Directors International Service – Rtr. Iruma Rathnayake, Rtr. Pavan Gunawardana
- Director Professional Development- Rtr. Pasan De Silva
- Director Digital Communication – Rtr. Nathindu Dias
Afterwards, the District Rotaract Representative Rtn. Rtr. PP Kasun Sigera addressed the gathering and accentuated the significant impact the club has created on the Rotary family as well as the community within a shorter period of establishment. “It is not the awards that count in our lives. Our designations are very temporary. It is the impact that you leave in a person’s life which is cherished forever.”, he said. He further emphasized on the gravity of standing tall amidst all the challenges and concluded his speech by inviting everyone to rally around the beautiful movement and do what is right, stand for what is right and strive as one.
Next, Rotary President Rtn. Thushi Ganeshan addressed the gathering and appreciated the projects executed by the Club and extended his jovial wishes to the newly appointed team.
As the saying goes “All good things must come to an end.”, the memorable event came to a closure with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Rtr. Sandamali Fernando followed by an unfeigned message from the Charter President Rtr. Eranga Premathilake where he stated, “RACCC is not just a Club, it’s a brand!” Just like that, yet another remarkable evening for the Rotaract Club of Colombo Central came to a halt.
The Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance (RACUOCFMF) would like to extend its warm wishes to Rtr. Dananjaya Siriwardana and his Board for their upcoming journey they just embarked upon!
