Jalan Rotaract RTR. Ahangama pabamini

Posting display: 29

If someone tells me two years ago that Rotaract will be one of the most decisive chapters in my life, I might have laughed at him. Because in reality, I didn’t even plan to join. I did not apply for the Organizing Committee, I did not know what path I had, and I certainly did not see myself taking leadership. But life has a funny way to solve problems – and everything starts with a microphone.

Thanks to a friend’s recommendation, I was asked to host the 14th installation ceremony of the Rotaract Club from the University of Kelaniya. That day, standing in front of the crowd with a microphone in the hand, I felt something clicked. The spark – something that I have never felt before – giving me this is the beginning of something important.

Find my place

After the installation, I got to know the club’s service director who introduced me to a project that celebrated Deepavali. I applied for the organizing committee and, which surprised me, was chosen. That was my first official OC – and since then, I began to fall in love with Rotaract. Vibration, people, pure energy works on something meaningful – everything is very new and fun.

Through the project, I had the opportunity to travel to Kandy. There, I met RTR. Vihanga, which later became our president. He saw something in me and encouraged me to apply for research OC Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0. I say yes, don’t know that it will fully change my perspective on life.

Ignite: from research to reality

Our research team traveled to Giribawa, met with villagers, and listened to their stories – stories of resilience, struggle, and calm strength. That experience grounded me. That makes me realize how many people face challenges that we rarely think of. I returned to being a different person.

After the research phase, I joined the Main Ignite 1.0 OC. The project gave me some of the strongest friendship I have ever had. With people like Dinanga and Sachinthani, I am not only working on projects – I am building memories.

Then, I faced a new challenge as the team coordinator for the clean water Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0. Our team went to Giribawa 28 times in total. We walked on a dusty path, talked to family, and worked tirelessly to make something real happening. And we did this: We put up a RO water filter system, collecting 2.5 million rupees to bring clean drinking water to the village.

That moment – seeing a smile on their faces – when I really understand what Rotaract means.

Outside Ignite

Rotaract gave me space to grow in all directions. I became the Coordinator of Industrial Relations for Career Fair 2024, and the Rota Wasantha Project Coordinator. I also have the opportunity to lead the arrogya project, with a focus on the health of the mother and child.

But my growth is not only in managing projects – it is in finding my voice. From the first event I held, I always have a deep love to moderate. Over time, I was trusted with microphones again and again: in the installation, Christanzal, Abhiman, Career Fair 2025, and many more. The experiences helped me get out of my shell and build confidence that I never knew I needed.

Last year, I was honored to receive an award for the most extraordinary team leader for the term 23-24-confession which means the world to me.

Chapter Deputy Presidential

Stepping to the role of the Vice President for the term of 2024-25 is very interesting and extraordinary. I have the privilege to oversee two strong ways – community service and club services.

Under community service, I work with the most amazing team: Darshi, Dnanga and Ravindu, which I now call my three power plants. We lead projects that have an impact such as Swabhasamudra 2.0 and turn on Sri Lanka 2.0 -Building Agro worth 2 million, planting mangrove trees, renovating buildings, patrolling on the coast, building herbal plantations, examining rural needs, and building bridges between our clubs and poor schools.

Meanwhile, under the club’s service, I support my energetic and creative team – Himantha, Navindya, and Nethara – when we bring colors and connections to the club through events like Christinzal, installation and Rota Wasantha.

None of that will be possible without endless support from President of the Vihanga Divyanjana and Secretary Adeesha Abeydheera. Also I have to thank the core pillars and the power of my frame for supporting me throughout the trip. Together, we lead with heart, handle challenges, and make memories that I will never forget.

And now, goodbye

When the Rotaract chapter my life ended, I was filled with a mixture of arrogance and bitter nostalgia. I came by chance – but I was still because of the choice. Because Rotaract gave me a platform, goal, and most importantly, people who believe in me even before I believe in myself.

I did not go with sadness, but with gratitude. Gratitude for the night without sleep, difficult conversations, victory, loss, lessons, and laughter. Because everything formed me who was I today.

Rotaract is not just an extracurricular for me. That is my mirror, my mentor, and my magic.

And wherever life takes me, I know one thing with certainty – after Rotaractors, always Rotaractors.

Live Rotaract.