Chapter 05 – Letter to My Younger Rotaract Self By Rtr. PP Amasha Sirimanna

Sep 4, 2025 | Backstage, Public Relations | 0 comments

Written by: Rtr. PP Amasha Sirimanna

Every letter in this series carries a heartbeat of its own. Today, we listen to the voice of Rtr. PP Amasha Sirimanna, who looks back on her journey, one filled with friendship, resilience, and lessons that shaped not just a leader, but a person forever changed by Rotaract!

Dear Amasha,

Today, you are about to step into something far bigger than you can imagine. When you walk into that transition meeting of Vidushith Aiya and his board in 2019, you’ll think you are just another student with passion and curiosity. But trust me, this is the beginning of a journey that will shape your future and transform who you are.

At first, you’ll simply join projects, learning quietly from those around you. You’ll meet people like Rtr. Harumi, who later becomes the Auditor during your presidency, and Rtr. Zaina, who stands by you as the Secretary. What you don’t know yet is that these two become lifelong friends, people who will walk beside you not just in Rotaract, but in life.

Then, in 2020–2021, something extraordinary happens: you become the President. That year is not just a role; it is a test of your spirit. Together with your board and club members, you turn challenges into opportunities and lead the club into one of its most iconic years. The countless awards and recognitions you earn are not just trophies, but proof of the passion, resilience, and teamwork you inspire in others.

Your journey doesn’t stop there. In 2021–2022, you are invited to serve at the district level as Joint Director for Special Projects in the District Steering Committee. It is here that you begin to see the bigger picture, how leadership extends beyond one club and how the efforts of individuals can ripple across an entire movement.

Along this journey, you also meet people who leave unforgettable marks. Rtr. Dinuka, one of your PR Directors, is one of them. He becomes a pioneer in initiating the Someone’s Daughter app, a project everyone remembers, and he also leads the relaunch of the club blog. His creativity, vision, and dedication breathe new life into the club’s image and inspire others to think bigger. Later, his passing becomes one of the hardest losses to accept, a reminder of how precious every friendship truly is. Even now, his absence is deeply felt, but his legacy continues to live on through the work he began and the impact he left behind.

But the real reward is not the titles or certificates. It is the person you grow into. You learn how to stand tall and speak with confidence, even when your voice trembles. You learn how to adapt when plans fall apart, how to find solutions when doors close, and how to keep moving when things get tough. You discover that leadership is not about giving orders; it is about listening, supporting, and bringing out the best in others. You realize that resilience is built one challenge at a time, and that true agility comes from embracing change, not fearing it.

Most importantly, you learn the power of people. You see that real strength lies in teamwork, in communication, in building connections, and in lifting others. You build networks, create friendships that last a lifetime, and find a family in Rotaract.

So, dear younger me, never underestimate yourself. Every ounce of passion and every step you take carries you toward something greater. Rotaract is not just a chapter in your life—it is the foundation of the leader, the friend, and the human being you are proud to be today.