Written by: Rtr. Nethmi Bandara

On the 3rd and 4th of May 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to represent my club, RACUSJ, at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)  a two-day leadership training adventure organized by Rotary District 3220, held at CHE Adventure Park, Hanwella.

When I first decided to attend RYLA 2025, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. But seeing so many Rotaractors come together with so much energy made me feel like I was in the right place. From the start, I felt welcomed and part of something bigger.

From the early morning team-building games to pushing ourselves through the obstacle challenges, the energy never died. We were divided into five teams, and I was placed in Team 5, the last team, but the loudest, most united, and honestly the best group I could have asked for. We never even bothered to name ourselves because we just clicked from the start. Eleven strangers, now eleven friends.

I somehow ended up being the leader of our team, and even though I didn’t plan for it, I gave it my all. I made sure to lift my team up every chance I got, made sure no one felt left behind. I constantly reminded them of my favorite line,

“Whatever you do, do your best.”

And that’s exactly what we did.

Whether it was the rafting challenge where we had a huge lead, or the final mission where we performed a skit on peer pressure that came straight from our hearts  we gave it our all. That skit, especially, was emotional. The night before, we sat around a bonfire, under the stars, and shared our own stories. Stories about pressure, expectations, struggles things we’d all felt in our own ways. And somehow, that conversation shaped everything we did the next day. We weren’t just performing, we were speaking our truth.

So when they announced us as the Best Team, I wasn’t surprised. I was proud.

And when I was named Best Female RYLArian, I was honestly shocked, but incredibly grateful.

Those two days gave me more than awards. They gave me a beautiful team, long deep talks under the twilight, nonstop laughs, bruises from challenges, and memories I’ll hold on to for a long time. Even now, we’re still texting, sharing photos, and already planning to meet again. Out of all five teams, I think we’re the only ones still active!

RYLA reminded me that leadership isn’t about always having the answers. It’s about showing up, caring, listening, and making others feel seen. And that’s what I want to keep doing not just as a leader, but as a person.

So to anyone wondering if they should go for the next RYLA, say yes. Even if you’re unsure. Even if you’re nervous. You might walk in not knowing what to expect, and still walk out with stories you’ll never forget!