Rotaract Journey of RTR. Marked by pera

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Since I was young, I always wanted to help others and make differences in society. That passion that made me join the Rotaract Club in my first year at the university. I believe it is the perfect place to do something meaningful, and that really changes my university’s life.

I joined the Avenue Community Service, where I got the first chance through a project called the Swabasamudra Project. Even though I can’t attend the interview because of the exam, I still want to be part of it because it is related to the ocean – something that I really care about. So, I reach RTR. Dinithi Akka and asked to join the team. Thanks to him, I was greeted into the project, and from there, my trip really began.

Swabasamudra became my foundation. I learned everything – from how the Organizing Committee worked to fundraising and execution. I even got the external relations coordinator (ER) during the project. But more than learning, it is an unforgettable memory that makes it so special. That was the first time I lived far from home – we camping on the beach, releasing turtles, swimming at sea at night, cleaning the beach, and planting mangroves. It’s all very new for me, and I like it all the time.

After that, I was the ER coordinator for Project Jingle Bells, a one-day Christmas event at the children’s home. I am proud to say that I help increase most of the budget for this project. The day was full of excitement – we danced, sing, play games, and give gifts to children. At the end of the day, we are all emotional because of the deep bonds we have built with them.

Then the Word Wave Project came under the Rotatomorrow Initiative, where I had the opportunity to teach English to students in rural schools. The love that I received from children was extraordinary -even today, I still have sweet letters and notes they gave me.

Over time, I became increasingly bound to the club, especially to the Avenue Community Service, because the bonds made by RTR. Wikihi Akka, Dimithri Akka, Dinithi Akka, and Vihanga Aiya. Their guidance, kindness, and support made me feel like I was really owned, and that relationship made every project more meaningful. My university friends even started calling me “Rotaract Dnanga” because I always work on club projects – but the reality is, I never feel tired or bored. I love it.

Then came one of the biggest projects from my Rotaract trip – Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0. This is a big initiative that focuses on taking all villages through six main areas: agriculture, economic development, youth and women’s empowerment, clean water, health, and education. Even though I am not sure if I was chosen, I hope wholeheartedly to join the clean water section – and for my excitement, I was chosen as the Financial Coordinator.

Initially, I was nervous. The budget for our section is the hospital. 2.5 million. But that’s where I met two extraordinary girls – Paba and Sachi – during our first visit to Giribawa. Since that day, we have become more than friends – they are like a sister to me. We laugh, cry, and share everything. Our ties grew stronger with every visit to the village. The villagers even began to call us “Jala Missla Thun Denā”. Apart from challenges, we never gave up. Together, we found sponsors, faced obstacles, and completed the project successfully.

At the end of my first year, I applied to become a community service co-section for 2024-2025-because I wanted to give back more and complete what I had started. I was very happy when I was appointed to that position, in addition to my director’s colleague Ravindu and Darshi Akka, and Exco members who faced our Exco. As a team, we gave 100% of us to lift the way – and I am proud to say that we succeeded in launching a hospital project. 50.8 million this year!

We started the year with two major parallel projects: Swabasamudra 2.0 and the continuation of Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0, with two extraordinary organizational committees that I mentioned lovingly “com baby.” These projects give us so many unforgettable memories. But more than that, we build a family on our path – full of love, commitment, and dream together.

When Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0 concluded, it felt like one of my biggest dreams had come true. At the same time, we also completed two other meaningful projects: Haritha Firipa and cleaned Sri Lanka. These projects are not just events -it is an emotional milestone that marks the last chapter when I was with Racuok.

When we completed the term, we also started research for Ignite Sri Lanka 2.0. After visiting three different villages, we chose one in Haguranketha – a place full of potential and expectations. Even though I will not be a part of the next phase, I am very proud to have put the foundation for what will come. I know the next team will continue with love and strength.

Seeing my journey back to Racuok, I did not feel gratitude. I have traveled so far away with thousands of beautiful memories, countless new experiences, and invaluable lessons. Even though this chapter has now ended, the impact on me will remain forever. This trip formed who I am today, and I will always carry it wholeheartedly.