A fresh start for the year 2023 was made in the Rotaract diary of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura with the monthly gathering for the month of January. It was a joint general meeting between the Rotaract Clubs of University of Sri Jayewardenepura and University Alumni, which was held on the 19th of January 2023 from 5.30 pm onwards at the NFC hall No. 5 of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Rtr. Parami Ranthilini and Rtr. Vidushi Pathirana, the Co-directors of the Environmental Service Avenue, organized the gathering.

The meeting was commenced by the President of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura (RACUSJ), Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya, and he warmly welcomed all those who were gathered. Following the Rotaract formalities, which were done by Rtr. Savindu, Rtr. Madushan made several important announcements and thanked all the members and directors for their contributions during the past few months. Next, Rtr. Gagani Gunasinghe, the Secretary of RACUSJ, presented the meeting minutes, which was later proposed by Rtr. Venuri Mettananda and seconded by Rtr. Anjula Udishan. Avenue updates and announcements were then made by the Directors of RACUSJ.

Rtr. Meshac Lindon from the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown joined us with a special invitation to join hands with Run For Their Lives (RFTL), an outstanding project carried out by the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown to aid the Apeksha Cancer Institute, Maharagama. He explained further about the project and the registration process and invited all the members to be a part of the charity run, which will be happening on the 25th of February 2023, starting at Viharamahadevi Amphitheatre.

Of course, some music during a gathering can liven up the audience and relieve the tension in the room. Our very own Rtr. Tharindya Bopegedara was able to add more colour to the evening with her melodious voice and excellent guitar skills. Afterwards, the nominees for the “Rotaractor of the Month-December” of RACUSJ were announced. Rtr. Mohomed Yezeed of Sports and Recreational Activities Avenue, Rtr. Nilakshi De Silva of International Service Avenue, and Rtr. Sanila Gamage of Community Service Avenue were announced as the nominees for their hard work towards the club. Rtr. Gagani Gunasinghe declared the Rotaractor of the Month-December to be Rtr. Sanila Gamage and everyone congratulated her on her achievement.

Afterwards, the President of the Rotaract Club of University Alumni, Rtr. Sanara Gamage took the stage and addressed the gathering. She made some important announcements and provided insight as to what the club is and does. Following the meeting minutes by the Secretary of the club, Rtr. Bhagya Ranasinghe, the Directors presented the avenue updates. Rtr. Bhagya Ranasinghe then announced the “Member of the Month” for the month of January as Rtr. Maheeka Ranawaka and “Director of the Month” for the month of January as Rtr. Romesh De Silva, Joint Director of the Community Service Avenue, and everyone congratulated them for their achievements.

The Joint General meeting for the month of January was terminated at 7.00 p.m. by Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya, turning another page of the Rotaract diary with more beautiful memories of fellowship.

Written by: Rtr. Parami Ranthilini
Graphic design by: Rtr. Vidushi Pathirana