“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

Amidst the gentle morning rays of July 22nd, 2023, the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura gathered to etch yet another remarkable moment in its journey. The long-awaited Transition Meeting, a physical embodiment of unity after two years, gracefully unfurled its curtains at 9:30 a.m., casting an air of anticipation that danced through the hearts of attendees.

The Sergeant-at-arms for the Rotary International year 2022-23 Rtr. Keshan Sooriyaarachchi called the house to order and the Outgoing President Rtr. Madushan Dananjaya called the meeting to order by banging the gavel on the gong.

With the eloquence of tradition, Rtr. IPP Madushan Dananjaya, who had steered the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura through the Rotary International Year 2022-23, extended a heartfelt welcome to all in attendance. The event commenced with the National Anthem and formal Rotaract procedures were observed.

Rtr Gagani Gunasinghe, the Outgoing Secretary for the Rotary International Year 2022-23, then presented the annual report, highlighting the noteworthy projects undertaken by the club’s six avenues and three committees. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support.

Following the report, Outgoing President Rtr. IPP Madushan Dananjaya took the stage to extend his gratitude to all those who stood by him and his team throughout the year. Rtr. Madushan also shared some memorable moments from his leadership and concluded by congratulating the new president. He ceremoniously passed the collar to Rtr. Yezeed Yehiya, the Incoming President of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura for the Rotary International Year 2023-24. 

In his welcoming speech, Rtr. Yezeed Yehiya expressed appreciation for the outgoing office bearers’ outstanding performance and revealed the theme for the upcoming year as “United We Serve, Together We Empower.” This thematic banner unfurled a vision of collaborative action and collective impact, promising a voyage rich with purpose and potential.

Amidst the currents of change, voices of experience resonated. President of the Rotary Club of Battaramulla, Rotarian Sumit Law addressed the gathering and shared his insightful reflections and best wishes for the year ahead. Then Rtr. PP Vidushith Jayasundara for the RI Year 2019-20, enthusiastically spoke about his experiences by encouraging and congratulating the new office bearers. 

President for the Rotary International Year 2021-22, Rtn. Rtr. PP Amasha Sirimanna, then took the floor, praising Rtr. IPP Madushan and his team for their commendable work. She concluded her address by thanking everyone and congratulating the new board of officials. 

Subsequently, the Guide Club Coordinator of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura for the Rotary International Year 2023-24 Rtr. Anudi Karunaratne shared her valuable thoughts and good wishes for the year ahead. 

The meeting concluded successfully with the Incoming Secretary Rtr. Dinithi De Silva for the Rotary International Year 2023-24 delivering the vote of thanks, and expressing gratitude to the participants and guests for their valuable time and contributions.

With the final note of gratitude, a new era of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura was officially inaugurated, as the new team took the helm with aspirations to lead the club to even greater heights in the year 2023-24.

Written by: Rtr. Tharushi Pigera

Graphic design by: Rtr. Keshani Weerasekara