Written By: Rtr. Isuri Dewmini and Rtr. Sanithi Jayasinghe

“Awards are more than just trophies; they’re a catalyst for progress.“

Awards are often seen as the culmination of hard work, but for the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, they’ve been much more. They’ve been a roadmap, a source of motivation, and a powerful force that has shaped our club’s identity and future. Looking back at our journey, every award we’ve received tells a story of growth, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to making a difference.

Over the years, several of our signature projects have not only touched lives but also continued to shine at the Rotaract District Assemblies, carrying forward a proud legacy of excellence.

• Rise Up Sri Lanka emerged as a beacon of peace and resilience, first winning Gold at the 31st RDA and later securing Bronze at the 32nd RDA, once again proving its impact at the 34th RDA.
• Our heartfelt initiative Someone’s Daughter has become a symbol of empathy and advocacy, consecutively recognized at the 31st RDA (Vol. 3 – Gold), the 32nd RDA (Vol. 4 – Bronze), the 33rd RDA (Vol. 5 – Bronze), and the 34th RDA (Vol. 6 – Bronze & double recognitions for PR and innovation).
• Diviyata Diviyak too, stood tall from its early recognition at the 32nd RDA to achieving Gold once again at the 35th RDA, continuing its mission of empowering maternal and child health.
• Alongside, projects like Amigo and SkillXcelerator have also added color to our journey with repeated recognitions across years.

Beyond projects, our resilience was acknowledged when we were awarded the title Most Resilient Club of the Year for the RI year 2020-2021 at the 31st Rotaract District Assembly, while our leadership strength shone through with Most Striving Secretary of the Year, awarded to Rtr. Zaina Sallay.

As we progressed, our efforts were recognized on a broader scale. The 32nd District Assembly saw us win Gold for the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit ’22, celebrated as the Most Outstanding External Partnership-based Initiative. In addition, we earned the Rotaract District Citation (Gold Category) for 2021–22, marking a significant achievement that reflected overall excellence across multiple areas.

At the 33rd RDA, our public image efforts soared, with a Gold for the Most Outstanding Zonal Public Image Effort. Additionally, the club’s dedication to effective communication and engagement shone through as the club was able to clinch the Bronze Award for the Most Outstanding Club Blog.

The 34th Rotaract District Assembly was a landmark moment when we were named the “Aspirational Club of the Year 2023-24.” This was a huge milestone because it wasn’t just about one project; it was an acknowledgment of our entire club’s performance, leadership, and unwavering commitment towards success.

Most recently, at the 35th Rotaract District Assembly, we carried this momentum forward with a series of significant recognitions. Our club was honoured with 2 Gold Awards, 1 Silver Award, 2 Bronze Awards, the UGRAM Award, and 5 special recognitions—a true reflection of both team and individual excellence.

Among these were:

• Gold Awards for “Diviyata Diviyak 4.0” and “Ceylon Fest ’25.”
• Silver Award for “Most Outstanding International Service Initiative (Amigo 3.0).”
• Bronze Awards for “SkillXcelerator” (professional development) and our Twin Club Effort.
• UGRAM Award for “Venture Voice.”

Adding to this pride, three of our very own leaders were appointed as Joint Directors of the District Steering Committee of RID 3220—a testament to RACUSJ’s influence extending beyond our club and into district leadership.

The Power of Recognition: Our Awards, Our Story

Awards serve as a compass, guiding our mission and validating the hard work of our members.  They aren’t just privileges; they’re milestones that mark our growth and inspire us to reach higher.

Validation and Vision

Every award has served as a validation of our strategic choices. They confirmed that our focus on areas like professional development, community service, and international partnerships was hitting the mark. This validation has given us the confidence to continue pursuing ambitious, impactful work.

Fueling Innovation

The recognition for our creative initiatives has pushed us to think outside the box. It has also encouraged us to explore new approaches and embrace creative solutions to complex problems, ensuring that our projects remain fresh and relevant.

Inspiring Our Members

Nothing motivates a team more than seeing their hard work recognized. Individual awards shine a spotlight on the dedication of our members and leaders. This not only honors their contributions but also inspires new leaders to step up and make their mark.

Strengthening Our Identity

Awards have helped us define our club’s brand. Being consistently recognized for our public image initiatives and robust media presence has cemented our reputation as a club that not only does great work but also knows how to share it with the public.

Ultimately, awards are a reflection of our club’s spirit. They are a historical record of the dedication, collaboration, and passion that have fueled our journey throughout these 15 years. They’ve provided us with the motivation to overcome challenges and the confidence to take on bigger, bolder, and better projects. Our journey is far from over, and with each award, we are reminded that our past achievements are the foundation for an even more impactful future, and as we celebrate the 15th Charter Day of our club, we should also be reminded that awards mark milestones but not finishing lines, and what we do next will define our true legacy.

Graphic Design by Rtr. Manaal Zainab