Get ready for a conversation filled with insight, laughter, and inspiration! Here are some questions we asked from him, and his thoughtful answers to them;
1. What project or event in Rotaract stands out as your favorite, and why?
“One of my all-time favorite projects was called The International Runway. It was an international service project organized by the Rotaract Club of ICBT, which I was a part of at the time. The project, which unfortunately stopped in 2020, was a unique fashion show where teams represented different countries and cultures through their outfits.
But what made it truly meaningful was the depth behind it. The costumes were sourced from underprivileged teenagers who had sewing machines and tailoring skills. By collaborating with them, we helped create a business opportunity for these young individuals, turning the project into something far more impactful.
It’s also special to me because I was recognized as the highest-rated participant in the club during that project. Interestingly, the project took place just a day before the country went into lockdown. It stayed in our minds throughout that period, serving as a final, uplifting memory before everything paused.”
2. How Can We Involve Club Members in the Decision-Making Process for Development Activities?
It’s actually quite simple. We don’t need to overcomplicate things with hierarchy, like thinking only the board or the experts should be involved in decisions. While some information may need to be shared at a leadership level, involving club members is essential. They are the foundation of any Rotaract club. Without active members, there’s no club and without clubs, there’s no district. So, they truly are the roots of Rotaract.
So how do we involve them? The answer is easy, just ask them.
Often, when you attend a meeting as a general member, you might hear updates like, “We did this project, or that service activity.” And if you’re sitting at the back with your arms crossed, just listening passively, you may start thinking, “Okay, this is just something to add to my CV.” That’s a missed opportunity. Instead of addressing members as a mass audience, it’s much more effective to engage them through one-on-one conversations or by dividing them into small groups. This allows their voices to be heard and taken seriously by the club’s leadership. When members feel truly seen and valued, they become more inspired and invested in the club’s success. That’s how we build stronger clubs by involving everyone in meaningful ways.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the Rotaract movement on Center Stage 2025!
Hosted By:
Rtr.Upeksha Dissanayake
(General Member 2024-25)
Written By: –
Rtr. Nethuli Mehara
(Junior Blog Team Member 2024-25)
Compiled By:
Rtr. Kavindu Hashen
(General Member 2024-25)
Edited By: –
Rtr. Moksha Munasinghe
(Junior Blog Team Member 2024-25)
