Jalan Rotaract RTR. Jayasooriya Kusal

Posting display: 22

Everything starts unexpectedly. I wasn’t even Rotaractors at that time. My girlfriend was actively involved in Rotaract and happened to be the host of the installation ceremony in 2023. The day before the event, he was practicing, and of course, I went to help. I don’t know exactly what I face – I only exist for him. But when I began to help with logistics and support the organizational committee, I found myself slowly -a step stepping into the world of Rotaract.

On the same night, in the midst of all chaos and energy, I met RTR. Gangadharan, Director of Club Services. I did not know at that time, but the meeting was a spark that turned on my interest in Rotaract. That is not planned. That only happens – organically, naturally, and with the aim.

Not long after, my girlfriend became the ER coordinator for the Deepavali project. Once again, I was by his side, and somehow, I finally coordinated dancing activities. We traveled to Kandy, performed, and I found myself really enjoying what I was doing. It might look like a small task, but that is a turning point. That experience increases my confidence in a way that I have never expected.

Then came RTR. Vihanga Divyanjana. He invited me to join the OC Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0 research – a project that changed my perspective on life. At the same time, I was officially appointed as chairman with Christenzal 2023, who was the role of my first official Rotaract. The project changed me. That was the first time our club hosted a Christmas event outside the university place – and I was the person who initiated. With a team that is excited and committed, we increase the standards of what can be done by the Christmas party. That’s more than just an event; It was a statement, and put the foundation for my trip.

Ignite Sri Lanka is another milestone. I always dream of doing something meaningful for my community, and this is a perfect opportunity. As the team coordinator of the Economy and Entrepreneurship Section, I am very involved in reviving the Palmyrah industry in Giribawa. Very satisfying to see unemployed women get stable income and access to the market for their products. We even traveled to Jaffna, visited the Palmyrah Council, and created memories that I would never forget.

One prominent memory: leadership camp. Only the day before the event, our confirmed resources were canceled. In a hurry, we found other people – but they were late. Without choices, I took a microphone and did some leadership games with them. Initially, I was nervous. But when I spoke with the young students, and shared ideas, I felt a new version of myself appeared – more confident, more capable.

My first year in Rotaract is full of learning, laughter, and growth. From cleaning the community in Adam’s Peak to the university initiative, it is the year that I will always appreciate.

Then, just like that, the second year begins. I was chosen as the team leader of Avenue Professional Development, where I initiated a technology -based project that focuses on BI power. We work with university and school students, share knowledge, build bridges, and empower others.

From the team leader, I was entrusted with the role of the Director of Professional Development for 2024-2025. The biggest challenge that I face is to launch Abhiman 2024-Progers of a large scale with a budget exceeding 10 LAKH. This involves collaborating with celebrities, influencers, and external partners. Sometimes, sometimes, I doubt myself. But the commitment I made for my team – and their belief in me – made me progress. Together, we did something extraordinary.

Abhiman 2024 is not just an event. It was an innovative moment of the first time a university held a national awards ceremony for public figures. Naturally, he came with a fair part of controversy, challenges, and criticism. But we faced all of them, standing on our land, and delivered a successful and impact project. Abhiman taught me about stress management, time management, and human management – the lessons I brought every day.

After that, we launched the Career Fair 2025. With more than 2,000 interviews conducted and many success stories, it was another milestone that validated our hard work and vision.

Looking back, my Rotaract journey feels real – from accidentally helping in training to lead some of the most iconic projects in the history of our new club. Nothing will be possible without people who stand beside me.

To my parents – thank you for giving me the freedom to pursue my passion. To Pabamini, to motivate me to achieve a balance between academics and extracurricular. To Shahmi, our VP, for unwavering support. And of course, to RTR. Vihanga Divyanjana, our president, and Adeesha Abeydeera, our secretary – your guidance forms my trip in more ways than you have ever known.

Rotaract gave me more than just a position and title. That gives me a goal.