Behind every project lies countless hours of planning, teamwork, and dedication, all driven by a passion to make a difference. These efforts, though selfless in nature, deserve to be celebrated. For every chairperson, every team, and every member who pours their heart into an initiative, recognition is not just appreciation. It is motivation to strive even higher. The Rotaract year 2024 – 25 marked a remarkable success, with over 50 impactful projects carried out under the leadership and dedication of more than 100 chairpersons.It is this spirit that gave birth to Elevate’25, the very first awards ceremony of RACUOCFMF.
Held on the 16th of August at the CIDA Auditorium, the evening marked a historic milestone in the club’s journey, bringing together Rotaractors and distinguished guests to witness a night of celebration and recognition.Among the esteemed guests who graced the occasion were:
- Immediate Assistant District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP Gajaba Senaratne
- Respected Club Advisor Mr. Sanju Wickramasinghe
- Assistant District Rotaract representative Rtn. Rtr. PP Praneeth Madusanka
- Assistant District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP Yasiru Athugaldura Arachchi
- Guide Club Coordinator Rtr. Divyangi Thathsarani
- District Assistant Treasurer Rtr. IPP Kaveesha Dodanthenna
- Club Secretary for the RI Year 2024-25, Rtr. Shenaya Fernando
The evening unfolded with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, symbolizing wisdom and hope, and was followed by a heartfelt welcome address by the President of RACUOCFMF, Rtr. Piyumi Tharangika.
After the heartfelt welcome, it was time to move into the very first award segment of the evening. This was a special moment created to shine a light on the people who keep RACUOCFMF moving forward with their dedication, effort, and leadership. The segment honored our Chairpersons, along with the Monthly and Quarterly Recognitions, individuals whose hard work and commitment have left a real mark on the club’s journey.
The certificates were proudly presented by Assistant District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP Yasiru Athugaldura Arachchi and Rtr. IPP Kaveesha Dodanthenna.As each name was called, the applause that echoed through the auditorium showed the pride and admiration everyone felt for these hardworking individuals who continue to give their very best.
To bring a spark of energy to the evening, the first entertainment segment lit up the stage with a vibrant dance duet that truly mesmerized the audience. Following the performance, the ceremony had the honor of welcoming the Chief Guest, Immediate Assistant District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP Gajaba Senaratne, to address the gathering.
His presence and words of encouragement were truly inspiring, reminding everyone of the values that continue to guide and strengthen RACUOCFMF.
The evening then moved on to its second award segment, dedicated to celebrating leadership, creativity, and outstanding contributions within the club. This segment recognized individuals whose talent, commitment, and innovation continue to inspire those around them.
The certificates and awards were presented by Assistant District Rotaract Representative Rtn. Rtr. PP Praneeth Madusanka, Guide Club Coordinator Rtr. Divyangi Thathsarani, and Rtr. Shenaya Fernando, the Club Secretary for the RI year 2024–25.
Excellence in creative writing was recognized across Sinhala, English, and Tamil. In Sinhala, Rtr. Fathima Azma won the Most Creative Sinhala Article award, while Rtr. Inosha Nimsarani was recognized for the Most Creative English Article. In Tamil, Rtr. Shara Lahir took home the award for Most Creative Tamil Article, reflecting the club’s commitment to nurturing diverse literary talent.
The Digital Communications team was celebrated for their innovation and creativity, with awards for the Most Creative Flyer and Most Creative Video. The Most Creative Flyer award was presented to Rtr. Mihan Perera for What Next -The Career Expo 2025 and Rtr. Kavindu Hashen for Hade Veena 3.0, while Rtr. Thinuja Ratnayake won the Most Creative Video award for Know Your Co 3.0.
In addition to creative awards, the club honored the Most Popular Rotaractor, recognizing the members admired for their presence, energy, and dedication. This prestigious People’s Choice Award was presented to Rtr. Randilu Perera. The ceremony also acknowledged members who demonstrated exceptional commitment, teamwork, and active participation through Special Recognitions, awarded to Rtr. Supun Chamikara, Rtr. Thinuja Ratnayake, Rtr. Shenal Liyanagoda, Rtr. Liviru Silva, and Rtr. Savidya Gunatissa.
The Board of Directors for the RI year 24-25 was recognized for their leadership and guidance throughout the year, supporting the club in achieving its goals and inspiring members to reach new heights.
Segment 2 wrapped up with a celebration of RACUOCFMF’s initiatives across all seven of Rotary International’s areas of focus. Hade Veena 3.0 was recognized for Peace Building and Conflict Prevention, Hero in You for Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ecowave for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, and Sisuwara 3.0 for Maternal and Child Health. In Basic Education and Literacy, Wordsville 5.0 stood out, while Ride Colombo was celebrated for Community Economic Development, and Vanajeeviyo 4.0 for Supporting the Environment.
The ceremony then moved on to the next award segment, the most awaited part of Elevate’25 celebrated the remarkable projects and initiatives that made a significant impact during the year 2024-25.The awards were presented by Immediate Assistant District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP Gajaba Senaratne, Club Advisor Mr. Sanju Wickramasinghe, and Rtr. IPP Kaveesha Dodanthenna.
The Most Outstanding in PR Excellence award, recognizing projects with exceptional public engagement and outreach, went to Entivity 2.0, with Radiance of Romance securing second place and Ride Colombo taking third. The award for the Most Outstanding Initiative with a Rotaract Club, celebrating impactful collaboration with another Rotaract club, was presented to My ABC’s 4.0. Meanwhile, the Most Outstanding Initiative with an Interact Club, honoring projects executed with mentorship and engagement across Interact members, was awarded to Beachmania.
Recognizing strong financial management and member involvement, the Most Outstanding Fundraising Initiative went to What Next – The Career Expo 2025, with Fundraiser Project Wheels and Tees in second place and Fitness Expo in third. The Most Outstanding Sustainable Initiative, honoring projects with long-term benefits, was awarded to Business Spark, followed by Sisuwara in second place and Vanajeeviyo in third. The Most Outstanding Public Image Initiative, celebrating projects that effectively shared impactful messages through media, was won by Know Your Co 3.0, with Centerstage and Travel Tales taking second and third places respectively. The Most Interactive Project of the Year, highlighting leadership, coordination, and member engagement, was awarded to Fundraiser Project Wheels and Tees, with Mission Compassion 3.0 and Ale Aurudu completing the top three. For creativity, timeliness, and precision in reporting, the Most Outstanding Report of the Year was awarded to Digivets, with Finance 360 in second and Charizo 3.0 in third.
The ceremony also recognized exceptional individual contributions. The Most Outstanding Junior Blog Member of the Year was awarded to Rtr. Sawandi Thisarani for her consistent creativity, dedication, and positive impact on the FMF blog. In the Digital Communications team, two members stood out as Most Outstanding Junior Digital Communications Members of the Year: Rtr. Mihan Perera for his commitment, creativity, and leadership across multiple PR initiatives, and Rtr. Moksha Munasinghe for her energy, fresh ideas, and contributions that inspired the entire team.
Dedication and consistent involvement were further celebrated through the Most Committed Rotaractor of the Year awards. Recognized for taking on multiple leadership roles, completing membership requirements, and actively participating in numerous initiatives, the awardees were Rtr. Dithya Balasooriya, Rtr. Thaveesha Jayasinghe, and Rtr. Hiruni Pahalage.
The evening also highlighted the club’s achievements at the 35th Rotaract District Assembly, where RACUOCFMF projects received recognition for creativity, innovation, and impact. What Next – The Career Expo 2025 received Silver for Most Outstanding Professional Development Initiative, chaired by Rtr. Randilu Perera, Rtr. Mihan Perera, Rtr. Dithya Balasooriya, and Rtr. Thaveesha Jayasinghe. Business Spark earned Silver for Most Innovative Professional Development Initiative, while Blind Walk 2025 received Bronze for Most Outstanding Initiative with the Rotary Family. Bronze awards were also given to Sisuwara 3.0 for Most Sustainable Community Service Initiative, Breakfree 4.0 for Most Innovative International Service Initiative, and Business Spark for Most Innovative Project of the Year. Excellence in communication was recognized as The Most Outstanding Blog earned Silver for Rtr. Shenya Chandrasiri and Rtr. Lihansa Edirisinghe, The Most Outstanding Annual Report earned Gold for Rtr. Piyumi Tharangika, and The Most Outstanding Newsletter earned Gold for Rtr. Shenya Chandrasiri and Rtr. Lihansa Edirisinghe. Individual awards concluded the ceremony with Rtr. Shenaya Fernando receiving Most Outstanding Secretary and Rtr. Kaveesha Dodanthenna honoured as Most Outstanding President.
It was a truly remarkable night for all the passionate rotaractors of RACUOCFMF. Celebrating the joy of the evening, a beautiful song was performed by a group of rotaractors, filling the hall with cheer and delight. Following this, the participation of our distinguished guests was warmly appreciated, and a heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Co – Chairperson of Elevate’25 Rtr. Dithya Balasooriya. The event concluded with a memorable photograph of all our award winners on stage, serving as a lasting reminder that this celebration marked a significant milestone and the beginning of many more years of excellence.
The driving forces behind Elevate’25, Rtr. Dithya Balasooriya, Rtr. Thinuja Ratnayake, Rtr. Dhananjaya Corray, and Rtr. Liviru Silva together with their outstanding committee, set a remarkable example of dedication and commitment. At the club’s first-ever awards ceremony, they worked tirelessly to recognize and celebrate the achievements, creativity, and hard work of their fellow rotaractors, making the event a milestone moment for the entire RACUOCFMF family.
Written By:
Rtr. Dithya Balasooriya
(Co-Director of Public Relations 2025-26)
