Words by: Rtr. PP Asiri Weliwatta
Edited by: Rtr. Buthma Menali

Every great story begins with a brave first step. And for LegacyOn, that step was taken by our very first charter president, Rtr. PP Asiri Weliwatte.

Stepping into uncharted waters in 2011, Asiri Ayya carried the weight and responsibility of laying the foundation for something that would one day grow into one of the most vibrant Rotaract Clubs in the country. From figuring out what the university truly needed from a Rotaract Club to leading the first fundraisers, toy drives, and even ice cream stalls, his journey was filled with challenges, small victories, and memories that built the spirit of fellowship we still treasure today.

So, as the one who served as the very first leader of our Club, Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, here’s how he sees himself as a younger Rotaractor, standing in today’s footsteps.

Hi,
This is you 15 years later!

It’s hard to explain all that happened in between. Let me assure you that life and you will change in ways you never expected. It will lift you up, shake you to your core, and help you discover who you really are.

Rotaract will be a testing time. You are going to do amazing work but you will fail on a few as well. You will learn from all of it.

You will build some of your most meaningful bonds during your time there. And even after 15 years, you will consider it to be one of the best times ever.

It’s me,
Your Future Self.

Despite being the first president, he never once claimed the spotlight for himself. I remember in our podcast series we did for our 10th Charter Day, he said that “I often reminded everyone, ‘I was just one of many.’ ” To him, the true success of RACUSJ was not about a title, but about the teamwork, dedication, and heart poured in by every single member. He openly embraced mistakes as opportunities, calling them “a chance to learn at minimal cost” — words that remind us that leadership is not about being perfect, but about growing with your team. And even now, more than a decade later, his advice still rings true: never forget the basics.

Because of leaders like him, every step we take today is built upon the courage of yesterday!

Graphic Design by Rtr. Manaal Zainab