Rotaract Journey of RTR. Shahmi Rizwan

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Before I started talking about my Rotaract trip, I wanted to share a little about myself. I was a rather closed person – someone who prefers to stay in their comfort zone. However, joining Rotaract brought transformation in me that I never expected.

Everything starts with a simple question from my friend Himas:
“Shahmi, should we join the Rotaract Club?”
I casually agreed, I didn’t know that this moment would be a turning point in my university’s life.

We joined with Avenue community serviceAnd immediately after that, I applied for a position Financial Coordinator for the project Swabasamudra. I was chosen, and this project became my first true exposure to the responsibilities, challenges, and learning of the real world. I still remember the obstacles we face and satisfaction overcome them as a team. The memories and experiences that I gained were unforgettable.

Six months into my Rotaract journey, I was entrusted with greater responsibilities – I was appointed as A Team Leader Avenue community service. Together with two other team leaders, I was given a challenge to lead the project. We are proud to be launched Jingle BellsA touching project aimed at supporting the homes of children in Miriswaththa.

We celebrate Christmas with children, bring excitement, laughter, and educational material to brighten their future. That experience reminds me of the power of the community, compassion, and teamwork.

After several more projects, I joined with Ignite Sri Lanka Research TeamSignature initiatives that focus on developing two underprivileged villages at the Giribawa Division Secretariat.

As part of Economy and entrepreneurship Section, our research identifies the main problems: Lack of knowledge in micro financial management and less utilized by local resources. To overcome this, we propose:

• A 6 month training program For the Palmyra Industry
• A One day workshop About Micro Finance Management

I was entrusted with a dual role Treasurer And Project Coordinator. We need almost LKR 10 millionAnd as a treasurer, I implemented several financial strategies, and the approval process to manage and reduce the budget. We collaborate with Palmyra Development Authoritywhich significantly helps reduce the expenditure of the economic and entrepreneurship. This project gives me an invaluable direct experience in both finance And Project Management.

As vice president.

For the term 2024/25I was appointed as Club Vice PresidentAnd Ignoring the Vice President for Sports & Recreation and Professional Development Paths.

As vice president who ignores the path of professional and sports & recreation development, I have the opportunity to lead and support several initiatives that have an impact. Under professional development, we managed to arrange “Abhiman”The award ceremony dedicated to celebrating excellence in the digital media industry. This event recognizes and appreciates the personality of the leading digital media in several categories, based on their popularity in the Sri Lanka University community. This creates a lively platform to lift and inspire young creative. I have the privilege to serve as Project ChairLeading the initiative from the concept to the execution that oversees the planning, coordination and execution of the event. Besides that, I served as Project Coordinator For “Fair Career 2025”held in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit of Kelaniya University. This event functions as an important bridge between academics and industry, connecting students with more than 20 leading companies and opening the door to interns, job opportunities, and career guidance.

Meanwhile, under sports and recreation roads, we organize “Down The Wicket”An interesting inter-university cricket tournament that promotes sportsmanship, healthy competition, and friendship among students. We were also launched “Highlight”Dynamic singing competitions are open to school students and universities, offering platforms for talented vocalists to show their skills and get recognition. These projects not only bring energy and involvement to our university community but also strengthen my ability to leadership, event management, and team coordination on a broader scale.

Through Rotaract, I have built a lifelong friendship and developed the main skills in Financial management, Project coordination, people handle, solution to problemAnd Time management.

I express my sincere gratitude to my director RTR. Frame, RTR. Safa, RTR. ThanujAnd RTR. Hasini For their constant support. Special thanks to the President and Secretary of our club for their guidance and encouragement.

And most importantly, I want to thank you RTR. Himas Because it became more than just a friend – because it became a spark that triggered my Rotaract trip.

Now, it’s time to say goodbye to the place where I find myself and where I grow. I left with a heart full of memories and gratitude. For everyone who supports me – thank you.

Finally, I have learned this:

Leadership does not depend on the leader – it depends on the team you lead.

Rotaract’s life!