“It’s been a spectacular eleven years as Rotaractors; we served, valued lifelong friendships, and now proudly stride into the new beginning of an incredible journey toward tremendous glory and success.”

Eleven years ago, a spark was ignited for a greater cause and today, the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly stands as one of the largest institute-based clubs in the Rotaract in Rotary International District 3220. Since the initiation of the club, we have witnessed key milestones while making wonderful memories, and contributing to the tremendous success and progress of the club by uplifting and serving the community. To further serve the community, we were about to witness another fresh beginning on a fine morning, November 27th 2022, at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. We ceremonially unveiled the 12th chapter of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura after months of planning and preparation. This year’s Installation Ceremony was co-organized by the Membership Development Committee and the Club Service Avenue.

The ceremony was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests: Assistant District Rotaract Chair Rtn. Minoli Ranasinghe, President of the Rotary Club of Battaramulla Rtn. Kumudu Megasooriya and Assistant District Rotaract Representative Rtn. Rtr. Past President Rivi Wijerathne at the head table and all other District Steering Committee members, Rotarians and Rotaractors from fellow Rotaract Clubs.

The ceremony formally commenced at 10.30 am, lighting the digital oil lamp and performing the Rotaract formalities. The project Co-Chairperson, Rtr. Piumi Methma then warmly welcomed all who were gathered to witness this special occasion.

After that, the report for the year 2021–22 was delivered by the outgoing Secretary, Rtr. Rukshini Gomis. She, with humbleness and pride, recalled all of the great endeavours the club had initiated to serve the community and what we, as one family, had accomplished through the months and years. Recounting the 11 years of our journey, she proudly mentioned how the club had been recognized for its eminent dedication and hard work, and how the club was recognized at the 32nd Rotaract District Training Assembly, where the club received 6 awards, 8 nominations and 5 recognitions. Rtr. Rukshini Gomis, with a big smile, concluded her speech by reminding all the achievements and beautiful memories. Everyone shared a moment of pride as they looked back on the tremendous effort and success we have witnessed throughout the past year.

John C. Maxwell once said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”. When it comes to leaders, we have this incredible individual who guided the ship of Rotaract smoothly throughout the last year, despite its fair share of challenges and obstacles. She accepted the challenge of a virtual Rotaract year during a pandemic and led the club to reach new heights. It was time for Rtr. Minushi De Silva, to address the gathering for one last time as the President of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura. “Teamwork makes the dream work”, then the outgoing Board of Directors were honoured with service letters to recognize their enormous contribution to the club.

The much-awaited moment arrived when Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya, the incoming President of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was introduced by Rtr. Gagani Gunasinghe, the incoming secretary. She reminded the audience of his great commitments to the club and with a video clip that summed up all the wonderful memories of his Rotaract journey.

The president for the RI year 2022-23 was collared by Rtr. Minushi De Silva, who thus took up her role as the Immediate Past President, passed down the gavel to Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya, officially appointing him as the 12th President of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

It was a new beginning for Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya and his team to take RACUSJ to a greater level with passion and commitment. Introducing the club theme for the RI year as “Lead to Sustain, Lead to Inspire”, in his maiden speech, Rtr. Madushan encouraged all the members to imagine, a world that deserves our best, where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference and strive to be the greatest with leadership that would greatly impact the progress of the world.

Thus, the Board of Directors for the RI year 2022-23 was introduced.

Executive Committee Members for the RI year 2022-23

• Immediate Past President – Rtr. Minushi De Silva
• President- Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya
• Vice President – Rtr. Ravindu Lakshan
• Vice President – Rtr. Supun Thilakarathne
• Secretary – Rtr. Gagani Gunasinghe
• Treasurer – Rtr. Anjula Udishan
• Editor – Rtr. Malithi Fernando 
• Sergeant-at-arms – Rtr. Keshan Sooriyaarachchi

The Board of Directors for the RI year 2022-23

Club Service Avenue

• Rtr. Dilki Madushika

Community Service Avenue

• Rtr. Sehani Perera
• Rtr. Kavindu Kokila

International Service Avenue

• Rtr. Sandunika Jayasinghe
• Rtr. Anujini Perera

Professional Development Avenue

• Rtr. Damindu Lakshan
• Rtr. Venuri Mettananda

Finance Committee

• Rtr. Prashan Indusara 
• Rtr. Niluka Athukorala

Environemental Service Avenue

• Rtr. Vidushi Pathirana
• Rtr. Parami Ranthilini

Membership Development Committee

• Rtr. Piumi Methma

Public Relations Committee

• Rtr. Akila Srikantha
• Rtr. Supun Tharaka

Sports and Recreational Activities Avenue

• Rtr. Madara Bowattage
• Rtr. Risira Weerasuriya

After the introduction of the Board of Directors, Assistant District Rotaract Representative, Rtn. Rtr. Past President Rivi Wijerathne addressed the gathering. He appreciated the service done by the Rtr. Minushi De Silva and her Board of Directors, and wished the incoming president Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya and his Board of Directors for a remarkable year ahead.

Later, the Assistant District Rotaract Chair Rtn. Minoli Ranasinghe and the Guest of Honour; the President of the Rotary Club of Battaramulla Rtn. Kumudu Megasooriya addressed the gathering by extending their best wishes to the incoming president and great appreciation was given to Rtr. Minushi and her team.

Then, Rtr. Malindu Jayasinghe was called on to the stage to perform with his soulful voice to add more colour to the joyful occasion. Everyone applauded him for his great and heavenly performance.

After that, Rtr. Minushi De Silva, Rtr. Rukshini Gomis, and Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya presented tokens of appreciation to the distinguished guests, and then it was time for the felicitations. Well wishes and appreciation, were given by fellow Rotaractors, Rotarians, and Past Presidents. A heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for inspiring us to strive towards bigger heights.

Rtr. Gagani Gunasinghe, the newly appointed Secretary for the RI year 2022-23, delivered the vote of thanks to officially conclude the ceremony, thanking the guests, attendees, executive committee, and board of directors for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, as well as the organizing committee, parents, and sponsors, which marked the conclusion of the 12th Installation Ceremony.

Before concluding, it should be also mentioned about the platinum sponsor, Universal Academic Services, the bronze sponsor, Maliban and the official media partner, Japura Flames. We extend our heartiest gratitude for your contribution to making our ceremony a huge success. Once again, a huge thanks goes to everyone who helped us in numerous ways and being present on our special occasion.

Written by: Rtr. Ayodhya Gunathilaka
Graphic design by: Rtr. Sathmi Dinanja