The Rotaract District 3220, withstanding the youth of Sri Lanka as one of the powerful districts of the Rotary International, held their 31^st Rotaract District Conference under the theme ‘A Progressive Youth, Co-creating Sri Lanka‘, on the 2^nd of April 2022 at the Jetwing Blue in the scenic city of Negombo, where you hear the sea waves clash.

The Rotaract District Conference of the RID 3220 is what brings together Rotaractors from every nook and corner of the country, annually. Despite the discussion of contemporary issues arisen in the country, the conference also motivates young Rotaractors in their journey of volunteerism.

The Rotaract District Conference can be considered as a platform to strengthen fellowship and to build networks with Rotaractors while discussing the successes and challenges faced by the youth of Sri Lanka. In this particular year going along with the theme, the 31^st Rotaract District Conference focused on empowering and encouraging Sri Lanka’s future leaders in finding convenient solutions to the current concerns in the country whilst having an unforgettable day in their Rotaract journey. 

It was a bright sunny day to all Rotaractors despite the current situation of the country. Rotaractors from all over the country gathered inside the hotel catching up with each and every one with whole lot of energy for the day. The organizing committee was ever so helpful to attend to all the needs and wants of all Rotaractors, from registration at the entrance to the end of the conference. Conference delegates who gathered from all over the country were welcomed by warm refreshments, along with their registration processes.  

The commencement of the conference was initiated by a welcome address by the Conference Chairpersons who represented the host clubs. The proceedings of the agenda then were carried out smoothly with the help of the compering duo, who were able to grab the attention of the gathering in no time. Following the welcome address came the speech which almost all Rotaractors were eagerly waiting for, the speech of DRR. Rtn. Rtr. PP. Akhila Wijetunga. Accompanied by the enthusiastic cheer from the Rotaractors in the hall, DRR. Rtn. Rtr. PP. Akhila Wijetunga worded his thoughts on the “Future of Rotaract in empowering the youth of Sri Lanka”, in a very interactive manner. His speech was definitely one to keep in mind.

The end of his inspiring speech brought the conference to a historical moment for all Rotaractors in the RID 3220. The launching of the official website of the RID 3220, was proudly done by DRR. Rtn. Rtr. PP. Akhila Wijetunga and DRRE Rtn. Rtr. PP. Ahamed Hussain giving everyone in the hall a moment to feel proud of themselves for being Rotaractors.

An icebreaker session was conducted after that significant moment, enabling the young delegates to get a clear picture of being an exceptional along with self-satisfaction on their own. Hyped up by the icebreaker session the young minds were given the chance to witness a panel discussion entitled as ‘Co-creating Sri Lanka’ with the presence of few experienced cooperate sector professionals in Sri Lanka. 

All Rotaractors were then given the time to enjoy the mouth-watering delicacies of the lunch menu for the day. Meanwhile the project showcase area was visited by inspired Rotaractors to take a glimpse of signature projects organized by different Rotaract Clubs.  Followed by the delicious lunch which the young crowd enjoyed to the fullest, came the interactive group activity. Rotaractors were given a task to finish within a specific time. This activity tested the skills of young Rotaractors as they were given contemporary issues in the country to be solved as a team.

The gathering was so enthusiastic to the point where they paid no attention to the world outside the hall not even the pandemic, the current economic crisis or the sudden impose of island wide curfew on that day. Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, the District Youth Service Chairperson, motivated the young crowd even more with his non-primitive opinions on current issues of the country. 

Given a standing ovation to the vote of thanks all young Rotaractors did not forget to take a group photograph to mark this special day in their Rotaract journey. Concreting the inspiration given and memories to be cherished in mind, all Rotaractors bid farewell to spectacular Negombo solidifying the idea that it is they, the progressive youth are the ones who are capable of co-creating Sri Lanka towards a brighter future. 

Written by Rtr. Gagani Gunasinghe