Written by: Rtr. Gaveshna Pelenage

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, fondly known as RYLA, for the year 2026 was held at Dutch Trails, Negombo. Organized by Rotary District 3220 in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Jaela-Kandana,Colombo Port City,Pamunugamuwa & Negombo. The event brought together aspiring young leaders from across the district for two days of learning, fellowship, and personal growth.

Unlike many of the participants attending for the first time, I had a rough idea of what RYLA was about. I knew it was a leadership camp designed to develop and inspire young leaders within the Rotaract movement. Before embarking on my RYLA journey, I was fortunate enough to be briefed by my club president Rtr. Nethmi Bandara about what to expect.

When the day finally arrived, however, I was nervous. I was the only representative from my club, and somehow, I was expected to make friends and participate in fellowship activities with dozens of complete strangers. Looking back, I honestly do not know why I was worried. Not only did I fit right in, but so did everyone else.

Among the many people I was fortunate enough to spend those two days with, I became particularly close to a special few: Minuka, Anuja, Sandanima, and Sanduni. Without them, the experience might have been a lot more intimidating, but they made it infinitely easier and far more enjoyable. At the end of the day, that is what RYLA is truly about—building meaningful connections.

The proceedings began with an inspiring opening address by District Governor Rtn. Delvin Perera, who spoke about the qualities that Rotaractors and future leaders should possess. However, my personal highlight among the sessions was District Rotaract Chair Rtn. Haneekah Rahil’s presentation on emotional leadership. It offered valuable insights and gave me a fresh perspective on leadership and personal growth.

Following the sessions came the fellowship activities. Around 50 participants were divided into three teams, with approximately 17 members in each. The activities were facilitated by a group of experienced leadership trainers, and when I say experienced, I truly mean it. The challenges tested nearly every aspect of an individual’s character—confidence, communication, patience, teamwork, and resilience.

Our first challenge was to create and perform a seven-second haka within ten minutes. My Team Agni emerged victorious. Next came the game “Lion, Lady, Hunter,” where we once again secured a win. We then participated in a message relay challenge, where a message had to be passed from one person to another until it reached the final participant. Unsurprisingly, none of the teams managed to deliver the exact original message, and some of the final versions were hilariously different.

The challenges grew increasingly demanding. We had to stack four wooden blocks using a metal triangle attached to seventeen strings, requiring impeccable coordination and teamwork. Later, we were tasked with moving all seventeen team members from Point A to Point B using only five wooden plates while avoiding direct contact with the ground. These activities tested our confidence, communication, unity, coordination, patience, attention to detail, listening skills, mental fortitude, and willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others.

As I mentioned earlier, every conceivable leadership attribute was put to the test. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. It was undoubtedly the highlight of my first day. At the end of the competitions, Team Agni and Team Dark Warriors were declared joint provisional champions.

To conclude the day, we took a boat ride to the mangrove island across from Dutch Trails. There, we enjoyed a paintball session before Sanduni and I paddled ourselves back in kayaks. The sunset we witnessed while kayaking made every challenge and every drop of effort throughout the day worthwhile. Sometimes, it is the little moments that leave the biggest impact.

Dinner was equally memorable. The RYLA Chair, Rtn. Reshika, together with Rtn. Sheleesha and the organizing team, created a wonderful atmosphere. The evening was filled with laughter, music, and celebration as many of us danced late into the night until our legs simply could not keep up anymore.

By the time Day Two arrived, we were well-rested, fully settled into the experience, and excited for what lay ahead. The day began with an insightful session on branding and presentation skills, followed by something I never expected to experience—a toddy tasting, which was certainly a first for me.

Then came what would become the most pivotal moment of RYLA for me.

During a session conducted by Rtn. Shaleeka Jayalath, I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my life. The session revolved around business strategy and sustainability. After covering the theoretical aspects, we moved on to a practical simulation that would ultimately determine the winning team.

The scenario was straightforward. Each team received an annual investment of $10,000 for five years. Small fishing boats cost $3,500, while larger boats cost $7,000. Teams had to decide how to allocate resources between fishing in shallow and deep waters while maximizing profit over the five-year period.

I played a significant role in our team’s final decisions. Had we secured second place, we would have emerged as overall champions. Yet, the lesson I learned went far beyond business strategy.

In the final year of the simulation, I made the decision to purchase one additional boat despite being advised otherwise. When the final results were announced, the difference in profit between our team and Team Dark Warriors was only 3,000. What hurt most was knowing that I had been cautioned against making that decision but chose to proceed anyway.

That moment taught me two invaluable lessons.

From a business perspective, I learned the importance of sustainability. Simply increasing resources does not guarantee greater success. Just as fish stocks require time to replenish, every system needs balance, recovery, and long-term thinking.

From a leadership perspective, I learned the importance of listening. I realized that leadership is not about having the loudest voice or making every decision. It is about valuing the perspectives of others and recognizing that everyone has something meaningful to contribute. Had I listened more carefully, our outcome might have been different.

Winning is not everything, but what weighed heavily on me was the feeling that I had let my team down. It left me reflective and somewhat melancholic. Yet, it also gave me a lesson I will carry for the rest of my life: never dismiss advice, never disregard the voices around you, and never make people feel unheard. I was not the designated leader of the team, but when people trust your judgment and look to you for guidance, you have a responsibility to listen just as much as you lead.

In hindsight, I was not autocratic—I was complacent. And that experience served me a well-timed slice of humble pie. For that, I will always be grateful to my teammates and to Rtn. Shaleeka, who helped me understand the lesson hidden within the disappointment.

Every beginning has an end, and so too did RYLA ’26.

Team Dark Warriors emerged as champions, while Rtr. Navnieth was deservedly recognized as the Best RYLARIAN. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him and to Team Dark Warriors for their well-earned success.

I would also like to thank everyone involved in organizing RYLA ’26. The event was brilliant, eye-opening, exhilarating, and humbling all at once. After two unforgettable days filled with learning, friendship, and genuine joy, it was only natural to leave with a heavy heart.

Yet while the event itself came to an end, the lessons I learned and the friendships I formed will stay with me for a lifetime.

Graphic Design By: Rtr. Buthma Menali