Established in the year 1969, Rotaract Club of Colombo is the first and the oldest Rotaract club to be chartered in Sri Lanka. Completing nearly half a century in the Rotaract journey, September 19, 2020 marked the day that the club celebrated its 51st installation ceremony.
Mr. Hanif Yusoof, Group Co-Founder and CEO of Expo Lanka Holdings PLC and Rtn. PHF. Dr. Rohantha Athukorala joined in as the Guest of Honor and the Chief Guest. The ceremony was streamed live via Facebook where RACUOCFMF was represented by Rtr. Tharindi Bopitiya, Rtr. Dilani Perera and Rtr. Kavisha Dahanayke on that momentous day.
The event began with the ritual of lighting the oil lamp. Once the dignitaries were headed towards the head table, the crowd stood up for the national anthem. The sergeant at arms then called the house to order and started off the event with the formalities following the Flag salutation, Rotaract invocation, Four-way test and the Rotaract song.
Then, Rtr. Dilan N Christian addressed the gathering and along with that, the secretary’s report for the year 2019/2020 was presented. It is remarkable that the club has hosted over 20 projects on both district levels and club levels. “The Charity Bus” and “Christmas with a difference” are two of their signature projects which has paved the way to a higher number of initiatives in both the community and club service avenues for the past year under the guidance of the Immediate Past President Rtr. IPP. Imran Akbarally.
Following the secretary’s report was the speech of the Outgoing President Rtr. IPP. Imran Akbarally. He started off quoting a famous saying by Albert Einstein, “The World we have created is a product of our thinking, it cannot be changed without changing our thinking”. Later tokens of appreciation were presented to the outgoing Board of Directors.
‘Every end is a new beginning…’ As the Outgoing President handed over the duties and the responsibilities of RAC Colombo by collaring Rtr. Dushan Kumarasinghe as the President for the year 2020/2021, the club stepped into yet another joyous year under a new leadership. The fellow clubs then extended their felicitations.
Thereupon, the newly appointed President took the lead as he started off his duties by sharing a few words emphasizing on “Quality over Quantity”, stating that even the small projects must be carried out with high quality. Following his speech was the introduction of the newly appointed committee for the year 2020/2021.
The Executive Committee and Board of Directors for 2020/21 are as follows:
- President – Rtr. Dushan Kumarasinghe
- Immediate Past President – Rtr. Imran Akbarally
- Secretary – Rtr. Isanka perera
- Treasurer – Rtr. Chavindri Perera
- Sergeant at Arms – Rtr. Sujan Suresh
- Director Club Service – Rtr. Anzel Azmi
- Director Community Service – Rtr. Mohammed Sulaiman
- Co- Director International Service – Rtr. Chedliya Ishak
- Co- Director International Service – Rtr.Marlon Keppitipola
- Director Public Relations – Rtr.Sam Samararatne
- Director Club Membership – Rtr. Mohammed Zahia
- Director Professional Development – Rtr. Mohammed Monty
- Director IT – Rtr. Zaharan Ifthikar
Following the formal proceedings, the ceremony was ignited by the much-needed entertainment session with the melodious voices of 5 young female vocalists named “Voiced Out” who moved the audience by their beats.
Afterwards, the crowd was addressed by the District Rotaract chair Rtr. Amjath Yousuf. He emphasized on what it is to be a Rotaractor and its significance as a movement in the world. “What Rotaract is about, is being diplomatic and what is it to be a Rotaractor, is to be a mediator” he said. Further he appreciated the statement made by the newly appointed President of RAC Colombo Rtr. Dushan Kumarasinghe, “Quality over Quantity” saying that it’s not the number of initiatives that is important, but the impact of those initiatives on the community and club members.
Up next was the speech by District Rotaract representative Rtr. Kasun Sigera. He pointed out that the clubs must focus on what Rotaract needs to be in the next 50 years and with the saying, “Starting something is easy but keeping it going is tough”. Also, he stated that this movement is in the process of rebranding itself to be a professional movement where he further emphasized on working together and making sure that the Rotaract legacy continues to serve not only the local community but to each and every community in the world.
The highlight of the day was the launching of the club’s website which was rebranded in line with the club’s new theme for the year 2020/2021. The founder of RAC Colombo Mr. Rusly Hussain marked the launch of the rebranded website.
To visit the RAC Colombo Website, Click on:
https://www.rotaractclubofcolombo.org/
Then the gathering was addressed by the Guest of Honor, Chief Guest, Rtn. PHF. Dr. Rohantha Athukorala and finally the glorious event came to a closure with the vote of thanks delivered by the newly appointed Secretary Rtr. Isanka Perera.
The Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance (RACUOCFMF) extends its warm wishes to Rtr. Dushan Kumarasinghe and his Board of Directors for a successful year ahead!
