Jalan Rotaract RTR. Sapna Sewmini

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Back in 2022, I joined the Rotaract Club of the University of Kelaniya without the slightest guidance about what it really was. I am what you call a member of a professional ghost, calm and completely invisible. 😶‍🌫️ But one day later, really suddenly, I was asked to be a project secretary called “take a stand” under the Rotatomorrow 3.0 competition. I know a little, that this random project will start my true Rotaract journey.

Since then, everything began to shift. For the 2023-24 period, the club service director at that time asked me to join the Avenue service club. And guess? I was handed over by a big responsibility to lead the 14th installation ceremony. At first, I was a little doubtful, but in the end, I accepted the challenge and did it! That moment is the right turning point. It gave me confidence to take more, and after that I was also appointed as the team leader for the Avenue Club Service for a term of 2023-24.

From Christinzel ’23, Rotrallia 2023, Career Fair 2024, to Rotatomorring 4.0 (my absolute favorite! 😌), I have the opportunity to be part of some extraordinary projects. Each of them taught me something new and added a small spark of excitement and growth in my life. I saw us highly aimed, tripping over, rose again, and celebrated victory together. And in the middle of all that, I found something more valuable, some very beautiful friendship.

After that year, I really thought to end my Rotaract journey. I feel like I have done my part, and it’s time to move aside. But then a request came from the Aiya Vihanga. And well … you know how convinced him. 🥲 So, I decided to apply again, but this time for something that I always like quietly, editorial. I applied for a senior editor post.

And now … here it is. Rotaract Senior Editor Club of the University of Kelaniya.

Since then, Rotaract’s life I took a completely new direction. The responsibility is very large and honestly I feel like the busiest person on this planet! 🫠

Sometimes, sometimes, I doubt whether I really can do it. But I have the best team that anyone can ask.

For my extraordinary co-editor, Dilushi, Deepna, and Janooshikaa, and the leaders of our team, Himangi, Zamra, Savindi, and Dilki, did not forget our sweet secretary assistant, Delishia, thank you for being my rock star. 💕 All of this won’t happen without you. I am serious, nothing!

From agreeing to thousands of texts, letters and proposals throughout the day, editing four editions of our bulletin, Chronicle, to handle more than 275 blog articles, we did it. Together.

But the biggest mountain is one of our projects, writing Maze 2.0. As the busiest way at the club, managing a large -scale project is not easy. But somehow, we did it. With 25 talented writers from 7 Rotaract clubs including the District Steering Committee and 2 clubs interacting, we published a beautiful short story collection “The Maze of Tenfold Tales.” And our first collection of books sold right before the launch ceremony! We donated a large amount to Vidyasadhaka Maha Vidalaya, Wattala to develop the library, and it feels like the perfect way to give back. 🪶✨

And also our project is recognized as the most prominent club service initiative at the Turf Awards organized by the Southeast Asia Rotaract Information Center (SEEARIC). Big screams to OC led by RTR. Chenuri, you make it happen!

And cherries on my Rotaract journey, I was awarded as the most extraordinary director this year. That is something that I never even dreamed of and I owe to thank every soul that runs with me.

The journey is not all sunlight and rainbow. There is late at night, a deadline that is full of pressure, mini disturbance, and when we want to surrender. But there are also laughter, warm hugs, and victories that make everything commensurate. We cried, we smiled, and we survived!

I owe a lot to former club editor and also Roshan Aiya, Vihanga Aiya, Akshana Akka, Disan, Lanka Akka and everyone who supports me throughout this trip.

And of course, I can’t forget the existing people for me from the first day, Dhanika Aiya, Daran, and especially Adeesha. Their support that made me ground and move forward throughout this crazy and beautiful journey.

Now, when I approach the end of this unforgettable journey, my heart feels full. A little proud. A little emotional. And I really don’t know how life without Rotaract might be seen. The last three years have shaped me to be someone I never thought of. Stronger, better, and most importantly, more confident.

Rotaract is not just extracurricular. It was the whole universe that gave me the strength that I never knew. So, this is late at night, laughter, tears, chaos, friends who turn into family, and for my version who dare to say yes, even when he doesn’t know what he is doing.

Thank you, Rotaract. You have changed my life.