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Explore Rotaract @ 3220 at a
glance
Nothing Better than Rotaract 5
Rtr. Tharaka De Alwis, Mr. Rotasia
2012 shares his experience of being
part of Rotasia.
Know Your District Committee 6-8
Get to know three of your favourite
District Committee members, up and
close as we reveal interesting details
about them.
Congratulations! 10
Join us to congratulate the best
President of the month and best
Rotaractor of the Month for
September, October and November.
Unleash 23
Rtr. Sachnitha Fernando points out
the importance of standing up for
yourself in her inspiring article
exclusively written for this issue.
Editors Note – Celebrate the success of
Year 2012!
Let me start-off by wishing all the readers of
Explore Rotaract @ 3220 a Happy New Year! I
hope year 2013 brings you greater
opportunities, achievements and moments to
cherish within and outside of Rotaract!
A common complaint observed by most of us
during the latter part of the year was that 2012
took us on an expressway. Maybe the various
commitments we made kept us extremely busy
that we did not even realise that time was flying.
Be it that or the other, for Rotaractors, 2012 was
a year well spent with thousands of young
individuals all over Sri Lanka fighting for various
causes. In addition, the Rotaract network
witnessed a considerable growth in terms of
number of active clubs, strengthening the power
we have as a youth movement.
This bulletin is yet again an attempt to recap
some of the efforts of Rotaractors under District
3220 in the second quarter of the Rotaract
calendar. While extending my gratitude to DRR
Rtr. PP. Dilhan Jayatilleke, the District Committee
and other clubs for assisting me in numerous
ways, I invite you to enjoy reading Explore
Rotaract @ 3220.
Let us celebrate the success of year 2012 and
hope that the same spirit continues in the
coming years as well...
Rtr. Thilini Alahakoon
Editor – Rotaract District 3220
Please send in your comments and suggestions to [email protected]. Your feedback
is greatly appreciated.
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ere we are in year 2013,
having entered the Third
Quarter of Rotaract Year
2012 / 2013 and the Second or the Final
Half of a remarkable year in service. Let
me welcome all you enthusiastic
readers to the Second Issue of the News
Bulletin. The comments received after
launching the First Issue made the
District Committee stronger to present
you a much better version of ‘Explore
Rotaract @ 3220’.
I would fail in my duty if I do not
mention the District Editor Rtr. Thilini
Alahakoon for her sheer commitment to
the task. She was well supported by the
District Director for Public Relations
Rtr. Ransimalie Warnapura. The
corporation extended by the District
Secretary Rtr. Nadisha Colombage
cannot be forgotten as well. Apart from
them, let me take this opportunity to
thank each and everyone who has
rendered a helping hand to make this
Second Issue an attractive one.
What I would like to mention herewith
is that Rotaract Clubs must get
maximum use of this News Bulletin.
Keep in mind that this is your
publication. This publication will go
into the hands of many Districts over
the world, especially in South Asia. That
creates an opportunity for you to reach
maximum awareness possible. As I
always spell, Rotaract is not only a mere
Local Community. It is a Global
Community. This Quarterly News
Bulletin builds that bridge to reach the
ultimate.
At the same time, let me invite you to
thoroughly read this publication, since it
is the best way that we can acknowledge
the hard work, commitment and
dedication put up by your fellow
Rotaractors. I must also add that I am
extremely proud as your leader to see
the warmth and togetherness shown by
all of you in everything that we did
together in the past. Need the same
level of support in the upcoming six
months as well, in order to make this
Rotaract Year a resounding success.
In conclusion, I sincerely hope that you
will enjoy
reading
‘Explore
Rotaract @
3220’ as much
as we enjoyed
in compiling it.
“Let’s Unite to Make Dreams Real”
Rtr. PP. Dilhan S. Jayatilleke
District Rotaract Representative
H Message from the District Rotaract Representative – 2012 / 2013
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Rotaract District 3220 – Sri Lanka
Rotaract is an extra source of energy
to live our lives doing what we like
using the way we like and helps us to
be satisfied and happy by satisfying
another who wishes to be satisfied
- Rtr. Rasika Kalum President, Rotaract Club of
Nuwara Eliya
People do not know what they can
accomplish until they get together.
Rotaract gives its members support
and resources to power a change.
- Rtr. Nilangika Fernando
President, Rotaract Club of University
of Colombo, Faculty of Management
and Finance,
For me Rotaract is an
opportunity for me to
enhance the knowledge
and skills that will
assist me in personal
development, to
address social
requirements in
different communities
and to expand network
through a framework of
friendship and service.
- Rtr. Anuja Madushan
Herath
President, Rotaract
Club of Kuliyapitiya
To me Rotaract is all
about serving Society in
general, the community
you reside in and yourself
whilst enjoying it.
- Rtr. Sudham Dewaraja President, Rotaract Club,
Faculty of Science, University of Colombo
Being a Rotaractor
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Rotasia – An International Rotaract Experience
OTASIA is an international
conference of Rotaractors and
Rotaract Clubs in South Asia. It is
an international gathering of
Rotaractors in the region to exchange
information, enhance fellowship, build
networks and concentrate ideas and
efforts to work together for a common
agenda of youths in general. ROTASIA is
generally understood as a 3-4 day
conference for youths with invitees
from Rotary. In 2012, 750 youth from
the region and across the globe
participated in the event.
In 2012, Rotasia was hosted by Rotaract
District 3292 in Katmandu, Nepal. Over
600 Rotaractors from all the Districts in
the Sub-continent participated in this
event. Rtr. Tharaka De Alwis, of the
Rotaract Club of IIT became Mr. Rotasia
amongst heavy competition.
Rotasia 2013 will be held in Dhaka,
Bangladesh from the 30th of January
2013 to the 2nd of February 2013. DRR
Rtr. M Mahhmudul Hasan of RID 3280
visited Sri Lanka in December to
elaborate his plans for Rotasia 2013.
This year, in addition to the regular
schedule, there will be a Cruise for all
participants to enjoy as well as a post-
Rotasia tour for those who are
interested in an opportunity for
fellowship.
Rotasia is truly a thrilling experience for
Rotaractors who wish to understand
how clubs in other Districts function.
Written By: Rtr. Ransimalie
Warnapura
My Rotasia Experience - Rtr. Tharaka
De Alwis (Mr. Rotasia for 2012 at Nepal)
“This was my first visit to a
neighbouring Asian country so there
were a lot of expectations and a certain
level of uncertainty with regards to the
landscape of this new region that I was
about to explore. One of my most
memorable occasions was when we
walked out of the Delhi airport a gust of
wind swept across our faces and when
we knew that this was no Colombo, this
was Delhi, India and damn wasn’t it
chilly outside.
The opportunities for fellowship were
so immense, and I built new contacts
with the fellow participants from Sri
Lanka, which have now blossomed into
friendships. With distinguished guests
such as UN Resident and Humanitarian
Coordinator for Nepal and ILO’s Asia
Youth Employment Specialist coming in
as speakers, the educational benefits
were indescribable.
Personally for me, becoming Mr. Rotasia
for 2012 was an exhilarating
experience. That and the “Elephant
Port” we visited, were two of the
experiences I brought back home with
me and will cherish for the rest of my
life.
I would certainly encourage all my
fellow Rotaractors to take this
opportunity and visit Bangladesh for
Rotasia 2013 and to experience the
beauty of another nation and familiarize
yourselves with how international
Rotaract really is.”
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District Director - Club Service & Club Development / ZRR - Zone 1 – Rtr.
IPP. Hazeem Osman
Being the Club Service Director and ZRR for Zone 1, Hazeem has been part of almost all
the clubs as much as its members have. His commitment to Rotaract is indeed
admirable. Hazeem is also the Immediate Past President of the Rotaract Club of Colombo
Fort, and joined Rotaract in 2009 after 5 years of Interact at Zahira College. During his tenure
as the President, his Club received 20 District Awards and Recognitions, which is proof of
his competencies as a leader.
If you are to recommend
Rotaract to a friend, what will you tell them? I would say that Rotaract is the best
movement for any youth
to relax and enjoy themselves whilse learning to imrpove in terms of professional development and become better human being through service to society.
What was the most memorable moment in Rotaract for you? My whole Rotaract career is a beautiful memory for me, but, in my Rotaract career, the moment which I consider to be the most remarkable was the minute I got collared as the President of my Rotaract Club.
What is the most difficult thing about being a Rotaractor? Being a Rotaractor is always easy. There is nothing difficult about it. Rotaract is always entertaining and relaxing and at the same time, extremely inspiring.
According to you, what can we as a District do to strengthen and improve the movement? As a District, we need to be supportive, play a good advisory innings and most importantly maintain
the bond and fellowship that will eventually motivate all Clubs to perform happily.
Name one thing about yourself that most people do not know. Everyone knows everything about me I guess, as a result of the true friendship which I cherish the most in my life via Rotaract.
What quality of people do you hate the
most and why? Personally, I hate if
people change themselves. I also love it
if everyone is always cheerful and
unchanged. I admire an honest and
humble person but I cannot stand
dishonesty.
What is the best compliment you have
ever received? In terms of awards, the
Rotaract Paragon Award in 2011 /
2012, but my best compliment would
the privilege of being in Rotaract and
having such wonderful Rotaractors
around me.
What is success for you? Attainment of
the desired goals with a good set of true
friends around me is success for me.
Favourite quote
“Lend a Hand, Lend a Heart”
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Zonal Rotaract Representative (ZRR) - Zone 2 / 5– Rtr. IPP. Ronia Peerez
One of the most highly praised Presidents Rotaract has ever had, Ronia is a dynamic
and competent individual. She is currently working as a Secretarial Assistant at
Corporate Managers & Secretaries and following ICSA (UK). She joined Rotaract in
2011 by reviving the Rotaract Club of Matale, which proved to be a huge success story.
If you are to
recommend Rotaract to a friend, what will you tell them? Rotaract is one place where you can bring
out and enhance your talents and get yourself introduced to a wide community where you get to meet a lot of people and build up friendship while being involved in a worthy cause. What was the most memorable moment in Rotaract for you? Every Rotaract event I participated was a memorable event. However, the District Trip to Jaffna in the year 2011/2012 with IPDRR Suthakaran and the crew was one of the memorable moments. What is the most difficult thing about being a Rotaractor? Almost all the Rotaractors are students plus employees. In my case, I have been running an outstation club while being in Colombo. Therefore, I think time is vital when you are a Rotaractor. But when you have managed everything, at the end of the day you will see the amount of experience you've gained.
According to you, what can we as a District do to strengthen and improve the movement? As a District, we should help and guide the Clubs to keep up to the standards of District 3220 to strengthen and shine as a best District as a whole... Name one thing about yourself that most people do not know. I think everyone know everything they should know about me What quality of people do you hate the most and why? If you start to list them down there will be plenty, so best is only to accept them for their better part... What is the best compliment you have ever received? My year of Presidentship as the President of the Rotaract Club of Matale and all the achievements.
What / who inspires you and why?
The people whom I meet in my day-to-day activities and the good characteristics that I admire and learn inspire me.
What is success for you?
Living a life to your content is success.
Favourite quote
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
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District Secretary District Director - Community Service – Rtr. PP. Shanaka
Indrajith
Shanaka is a quite personality, probably the quietest individual of the District. Being the
charter president of Rotaract Club of ANC, he has successfully created a club that grows
from strength to strength each year. He currently serves as the Vice President and
Community Service Director of Rotaract Club of Colombo while being an exemplary
young entrepreneur.
If you are to
recommend Rotaract to a friend, what will you tell them? It is fun! Great for networking and a good
way to give back to your community... What was the most memorable moment in Rotaract for you? It will definitely be my experience of being part of 2005 RYLA. What is the most difficult thing about being a Rotaractor? At times Rotaract takes up a lot of time. Especially because I work till late, there has been situations where time has been an obstacle in being a Rotaractor. According to you, what can we as a District do to strengthen and improve the movement? I see three things we can do; 1) Arrange more inspirational
workshops, more team building workshops like RYLA or Ground Breakers.
2) Sway from the regular events and come up with innovative ways of
doing projects, making "service" a fun thing.
3) Getting the community actively involved in community service activities and sharing the Rotaract Spirit with them.
Name one thing about yourself that most people do not know. Actually, most people don’t know much about me anyway! I can whistle while smiling... What quality of people do you hate the most and why? Arrogant people. Attitude is good but arrogance means you don’t care about others. What is the best compliment you have ever received? Hmmm... :)
What / who inspires you and why? My Father What is success for you? Achieving my realistic goals in life. I have set Goals for my Family, Work and Social life. Favourite quote “Don't be scared to do what you think is right, Those who Mind don't matter, those who Matter Won't Mind...”
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President of the Month
Rtr. Ravindra Tammita
Rotaract Club of Kandy
Rotaractor of the Month
Rtr. Monali Thilakawardane
Rotaract Club of Centennial United
President of the Month
Rtr. Nilangika Fernando
Rotaract Club of University of
Colombo, Faculty of Management &
Finance
President of the Month
Rtr. Anuja Madhushan Herath
Rotaract Club of Kuliyapitiya
Rotaractor of the Month
Rtr. Senthilnathan Dineshkumar
Rotaract Club of Chunnakam
Rotaractor of the Month
Rtr. Rangitha Kuruppu
Rotaract Club of Colombo Fort
September
October
September
October
November November
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Rotaract visits the Northern end of Sri Lanka!
he 4th Rotaract Internal
District Youth Exchange took
place on the third weekend of
October and was scheduled to Jaffna
with the main intention of visiting the
clubs in the zone and attending their
installation ceremonies. The visit was
hosted by the Rotaract clubs of Jaffna,
Jaffna Mid Town, Nallur and
Chunnakam. The three-day visit started
off with a visit to the Jaffna Library,
followed by a swim in the Kashurina
Beach which is among the most
wonderful beaches in the country.
The second day was more of a formal,
yet an eventful day, with the
Rotaractors participating at the Joint
installation ceremonies of the Rotaract
Clubs of Jaffna and Jaffna Mid Town,
which installed the Presidents Rtr.
Gunabakan Wishwaruban and Rtr.
Vasanthanajakam Dushanthan as the
leaders of the clubs for Rotaract year
2012/2013. Later, in the evening the
joint installation ceremony of the
Rotaract Clubs of Nallur and
Chunnakam took place, where
Rotaractors witnessed the installations
of Presidents Rtr. Arunthavachcelvan
Anithdrokshan and Rtr. Patkunarajah
Thusjanthan.
The third day was full of Cultural
experiences to the participants; which
included a session to be dressed in
traditional Hindu attire (Men- Vesthi
and Women-Sarees) and religious
ceremonies at the Nallur Kovil. This
served as an opportunity for
Rotaractors to explore and live
traditions different from their own.
Jaffna visit is an ever-popular District
Visit, which witnessed the participation
of Rotaract Clubs of Colombo,
University of Colombo Faculty of
Science, Colombo Fort, University of
Colombo Faculty of Arts, American
National College and University of
Colombo Faculty of Management and
Finance.
Written by: Rtr. Ransimalie Warnapura
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Rotaractors Visit the Hill Country
t was one of the most exhilarating
Rotaract experiences; the 2012
Kandy District visit had surpassed
all expectations with the fun and
excitement it had in store for the
Rotaractors coming in from all over the
country. It was held during on the 15th
and the 16th of September 2012,
comprising of two installations and the
TRR Rajans Cricket Tournament, it was
a fun-filled weekend for all.
The weekend started off with the TRR
Rajans Cricket Tournament held at the
Asgiriya Cricket Grounds with a crowd
of over 400 Rotaractors, Rotarians and
friends. The winners and the runners-up
were the Rotaract Clubs of Nikaweratiya
and Panadura, respectively.
The next had in store the installation
ceremonies of the two clubs in the zone:
The Rotaract club of Kandy and the
Rotaract Club of University of
Peradeniya. Rtr. Ravindra Tammita and
his board was installed for the Rotaract
Club of Kandy, while Rtr. Pradeep De
Alwis and his board was installed for
the Rotaract Club of University of
Peradeniya.
The weekend, to put mildly, was
exuberant, and probably one which has
captured the most attention from all
district visits, with the participation of
over 120 Rotaractors around the
country, who joined the District
Rotaract Representative and the rest of
the District Committee to their
excursion to the hill country!
Written By: Rtr. Ransimalie Warnapura
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Rotaract Visit to Kuliyapitiya and Suwa Saviya Health Camp
he Rotaractors from District 3220
visited Kuliyapitiya on the 24th
and 25th of November. The main
objective of this visit was to attend the
Charter Installation Ceremony of Rotaract
Club of Kuliyapitiya.
"EMPEZA" the charter installation
ceremony of the Rotaract club of
Kuliyapitita was held on the 24th of
November from 4.00 pm onwards at the
Srimali Earls Courts. The event was
graced by chieft guest Dr. Thilak
Kandaragama and the guest of honor
Assistant governor Rtn. Donald Gamini
Thilaka and also fellow Rotarians,
Rotaractors, parents and well-wishers.
The event witnessed the official induction
of the charter president Rtr. Anuja
Madushan and the board of directions for
the year 2012/2013.The highlights of the
event were the launch of the official
website of Rotaract club of Kuliyapitiya
(rotaractclubofkuliyapitiya.org) and the
amazing surprise given to president of the
Rotary club of Kuliyapitiya PHF Rtn. Ajith
Kumara to show gratitude for his major
donation to the rotary foundation.
The following day was dedicated to yet
another community service project by
Rotaractros, the "Suwa Saviya" health camp.
This project was done jointly by the Rotaract
Clubs of Colombo Fort, Kuliyapitiya,
Matale and Batticoloa. The project was a
full day medical camp, carried out with the
help of the Sanasa Association at
Kadawalagedera Pahala Gomugamuwa in
Kuliyapitiya. With the aid of 4 doctors
which included Rtr. Pres. Milton
Mathushan from Rotaract Club of
Batticaloa,we were able to serve around
350-400 individuals much needed health
check-ups under different categories like eye
and dental with the distribution of free
medication.
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Seeni Meanie: Rotaract District Diabetes Awareness Project
eeni Meanie is the Diabetes
Awareness Campaign carried out
by Diabetes Association of Sri
Lanka with the collaboration of Rotary
District 3220. This program mainly
targets the youth of Sri Lanka to
enlighten them about the risks and
prevention of diabetes.
Seeni Meanie workshop mainly consists
of an awareness lecture plus a Risk
Assessment which is basically similar to
a clinic where each and every
participant are examined in order to
assess whether they are in risk of having
diabetes.
Rotaract District 3220 has yet taken
another step further in delivering the
best for the Rotaractors. Joining hands
with Rotary District 3220 and Diabetes
Association of Sri Lanka successful Seeni
Meanie workshops were conducted at
12 Institutional-based Rotaract Clubs;
Rotaract Club of Achievers Lanka
Business School, Imperial Institute of
Higher Education, University of
Colombo, Faculty of Art, Science, Law &
Management, Rotaract Club of
University of Sri Jayewardenepura,
Rotaract Club of Spectrum Institute of
Science and Technology, Rotaract Club
of University of Kelaniya and Rotaract
Club of University of Moratuwa,
American National College and
Informatics Institute of technology.
Special thanks go for Dr. Mahen
Wijesuriya, Mrs. Dhanya Wijesuriya and
Staff members of Diabetes Association
of Sri Lanka for giving us such
knowledge and specially for facilitating
us throughout the lecture series. We are
grateful to District Governor Rtn. PHF.
Darshan John and all the Rotarians, for
the guidance given. And without all the
district committee members and fellow
Rotaractors this project would never
have been a success.
Written By: Rtr. Anupama Gunathilake
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Rota Eve 2012 – Christmas Party
The Annual Rotaract District Christmas
Party was jointly co-hosted by the
Rotaract Clubs of Colombo Fort, Colombo
Midtown and Millennium City on the 14th
December 2012 from 6:00 pm onwards at
No 51, Fife Road, Colombo 5.
There was a good turnout of around 65
Rotaractors from many Rotaract clubs.
This was a fun-filled evening and a
celebration of the first six months of hard
work and Rotaract service.
The main highlights were that this
occasion saw the presence of the Rot-Asia
Sri Lanka chairperson Rtr. Mutthiah
Prabaharan and this event was carried
out in a roman “TOGA-FETE” style.
All Rotaractors enjoyed the fellowship in
good spirit. A night filled with dance, song
and Roman – style entertainment this was
yet another unforgettable project.
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Initiating a year of excellence
Rotaract Club of Faculty of Law,
University of Colombo
The Charter
Installation
Ceremony of
Rotaract Club
of Faculty of
Law,
University of
Colombo was
held on the
13h of September 2012, at the Senate
Hall, University of Colombo. After being
handed the Charter Certificate,
President Rtr. Janith Thilakarathne and
his board officially took office for the
year 2012/2013.
The chief guest for the event was Rtn.
Lasantha Wijeweera, President of the
Rotary Club of Colombo East, while the
Dean of Faculty of Law, Mr.
V.T.Thamilmaran, chaired the event as
the guest of honor. The sponsoring
Rotary club- Rotary club of Colombo
East and the fellow Rotaract Clubs were
among those who were felicitated in this
ceremony.
Rotaract Club of University of
Moratuwa
The legacy of Rotaract Mora continues
with the 17th installation ceremony of
the Rotaract Club of University of
Moratuwa, held on the 30th of
September at the Development Holdings
(Pvt.) Ltd auditorium, Colombo 02. Prof.
R.A. Athalage, the Deputy Vice
Chancellor of University of Moratuwa
graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The installation saw the incoming
president for 2012/2013, Rtr. Chinthaka
Dharmasiri and his board taking office.
The outgoing president, Rtr. Benura
Vithana took the center stage, making a
comprehensive address and furnishing
the audience with his experiences as a
past president.
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Get Wet Pool Party – Rotaract
Club of Pamunugama
The Rotaract Club of Pamunugama
organized “the hottest party of the year
– “GET WET POOL PARTY” at The Villa
Palma Beach Hotel, Pamunugama on 1st
of December 2012 with a packed crowd
of over 250 young people.
This was organized to raise funds for
the future community service efforts of
the Rotaract Club of Pamunugama. The
club intends to lend a hand to the lives
of the needy people in the area specially
the school children and the aged.
The President, Rtr. Bimal Ranatunga and
members of Rotaract Club of
Pamunugama wish to convey their
sincere gratitude to all sponsors and
donors, the management of Villa Palma
Beach Hotel, Pamunugama, Rotarians,
Rotaractors of District 3220, all service
providers, participants and all others
who helped in many ways to make this
event a successful and memorable
one. The enthusiasm, leadership and
thoughtfulness of Project Chairpersons
Rtr. Jerom, Rtr. Chanuka and the able
organizing committee should also be
appreciated.
Baila Night 2012 - a night of
entertainment, Sri Lankan style!
Organized by the Rotaract Clubs of
Cinnamon Gardens and University of
Colombo, Faculty of Arts, Baila Night
2012 will be held on the 3rd of
November 2012.
The event is expected to raise funds to
support a rural school in the recently
resettled village “Kalebogaswewa” in
Vavuniya. These funds will be utilized to
support the education of the 200 keen
primary school children and to buy
water filters needed to ensure a
hygienic school environment.
Baila Night 2012 will be a night of
dance, songs, friends and fun “Sri Lanka
style”. So, take a break from your busy
schedules this weekend and come get
your Baila groove on!
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Paint a Smile
otaract Club of the Imperial Institute of Higher Education has recently had the
benefit of putting a smile on several faces through the ‘Paint a Smile’ project.
This project was initiated as part of the United Nations at the National Youth
Day Event. The event was conducted to create a better living space for children at one of
the buildings of the Suchirathodaya Children’s Development Center in Maharagama, a
project that was based on mainly painting the premises. ‘Paint a Smile’ was carried out
on the 8th and 10th of November during which the development center was painted by
the members of the Rotaract Club of IIHE, who also spent time with the children at the
center. The project was chaired by the community service director of the club Rtr. Sajith
Senevirathna. The paint and all other necessities for the project were sponsored by
Target Resource (Pvt) Ltd.
During the first day most of the indoor work was completed; all the rooms were
painted, and the children slowly began to get along with the Rotaractors. The second
day was filled with smiles as gift packs were distributed among the children and a
lasting bond was made between the Rotaractors and the children. The children
interactively took part in the project; wanting to paint along with the Rotaractors. The
eventful day with the children turned into an even more memorable one through the
singing and the games that were played, moments such as these will always remain
embedded as an important part of the Rotaractors’ journey. The project was highly
successful in the end, and the Rotaract club of Imperial Institute of Higher Education
was able to truly Paint a Smile.
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Green Dream
The rate of deforestation in Sri Lanka has mounted with an alarming speed over the
past few decades. A group of young Rotaractors of the Rotaract club of University of
Moratuwa thought of stepping out of their monotonous daily routine to do something
for this burning problem, through Green Dream. The idea underlying this project is the
reclamation of the deforested areas in the country through a replanting process. Its
initial phase was carried out in the Roonakanada reserve on 8th and 9th of December.
The Rotaractors came up with this concept during the annual club trip to Roonakanda
after having a discussion with Mr.Udaya Chanaka, an environmentalist in the country.
Roonakanda being the second largest lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka is being
threatened by a great deal of deforestation. The Rotaract Mora took the initiative to
reforest the area, especially along the border of the forest with several endemic plants
and this was done under the guidance of the non- profit based organization “Friends of
Bio-diversity”
In order to make this noble cause a reality, 11 Rotaractors led by the project
chairperson Rtr. Pasan Hewa Kandamby reached the Roonakanda reserve on 8th of
December. They engaged in the tiring task of clearing up about an acre of the forest
ground for the planting. Next day they prepared a plant nursery with about 50 endemic
plants intending to plant them in the reserve at a future date. By the end of that day they
managed to plant about 72 saplings, all endemic plant species, some of which were
pretty rare ones such as Hora, Beraliya, ,Kirihambiliya. Special thanks should go to Mr.
Udaya Chanaka for his kind guidance throughout the two days and to Rtr. Lahiru
Gawarammana for successfully coordinating this interesting project.
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Save a Life
It was bright sunny day when the
Rotaractors of Colombo Millennium City
& ANC came out to “Save a Life” on the
21st of October 2012. The project was
conducted by the Life Saving
Association of Sri Lanka which the
National Life Guard Committee is
completely run by a group of volunteers
where we were lucky to witness some
truly inspirational and actual incidents
experienced their very own life guards.
The event was chaired by Rtr. Chevon
David of Rotaract Club of Colombo
Millennium City and by Rtr. Pravi
Gunaratne of Rotaract Club of American
National College.
The event took place at the Mount
Lavinia Beach within the Life Saving
Association premises itself. The
program included sessions like
teachings of basic life saving skills
alongside a very interesting power point
presentation conducted by Mr. Asanka
Nanayakkara, the General Secretary of
the
Life
Saving Association, theory-covering
areas such as CPR to Basic first aid to
how handle snakebites. As part of
practical sessions, participants were
given dummies and were able to
actually demonstrate actual CPR! All
Rotaractors present at the event was
awarded a certificate which is valid
internationally which proves to say that
they have successfully completed the
foundation level of basic lifeguard
course.
I believe there was a lot learned through
this project, as we were taught how to
face an emergency, what measures that
need to be taken, and most important of
all learned how to “Save a Life”. A
special thank you goes out to our
instructor Mr. Asanka Nanayakkara and
to Mr. Samith Thilina for the wonderful
insights of teachings of how to save a
life when time in trouble.
Written by: Rtr. Chevon David
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Passion
The Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens
proudly presented “PASSION” an art
exhibition for daring young artists
which was held from the 15th -16th of
December 2012. It was a unique
opportunity for those who are
determined and daring to pursue their
passion relentlessly despite convention
and hardships. The key objective of the
exhibition was to promote art amongst
the youth and educate the public about
Sri Lankan modern art.
The exhibition was held at the Sapumal
Foundation Gallery, which is one of
Colombo’s most prestigious and historic
gallery’s’ which houses all the works of
the ‘greats’ of Sri Lanka including
George Keyts, Beling and Daraniyagala.
The Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens
was proud to host and support such a
benevolent cause, as we believe it is our
personal and civic duty to encourage
talented young artists whose names will
someday be embedded in history.
List of featured Artists:
Chathurika Jayani
Isuri Dayaratne
Shamanthi Rajasingham
Irushi Tennekoon
Indika Wijewardhana
Guest Artist: DEP Thushara Pathirana
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iGenius 2012 – Race your mind to victory
iGenius 2012, “a quiz with a twist” organized by the Rotaract Clubs of Colombo Midtown
and University of Colombo - Faculty of Management and Finance was successfully held
on Saturday, 3rd of November at the Postgraduate Institute of Management. The event
witnessed the participation of more than 30 teams comprising of both Interactors and
Rotaractors.
The quiz was carried out in an interactive manner with seven rounds containing
questions on General knowledge, Sports, Current affairs and Entertainment. The format
of the quiz was unique and creative compared to a traditional quiz and the participants
were enthusiastic and excited throughout the event. An exceptional round which
thrilled the participants was, “Flag It”, where the teams were challenged to draw 3
national flags with 4 colours within 15 minutes.
Team Southern Spartans from the Rotaract Club of Galle emerged as the winners while
Team Sandy from the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya were the runners up. 2nd
Runner up was won by the Rotaract Club of Fort. The winners received an opportunity
to experience a one day outbound training, courtesy of Wild Drift and Full scholarships
to follow CIMA at Wisdom Business Academy. The runner up gift partners included
Aspirations International along with Knowledge Factory with a 50% scholarship to
follow CIM and meal vouchers from Jetwing Hotels and Xilaton Chinese Restaurant. All
participants were given a 20% discount to follow CIM at Knowledge Factory. The top 3
teams were given up to Rs.300,000 by Northshore College of Business and Technology
for registration with the Degree Program. The provision of these esteemed gifts added
more value and worth to the event.
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Striving “Towards a Spiritually Empowered Nation"
The Rotaract Club of Pamunugama organized a prayer evening under the patronage of
Bro. Anton Charls Thomas, titled as “Towards a spiritually empowered nation” on
Saturday, 03rd of November 2012 at Wattala.
A capacity crowd over 500 devotees was present at the event while thousands more
around the world joined via live streaming (http://www.dahampahana.lk/) to praise
our Lord and savior Jesus Christ for all privileges and blessings showered upon all of us.
This event was done as a Public Relations initiative to educate the community regarding
the Rotaract Movement.
The Rotaract Club of Pamunugama has been engaged in several community service
efforts ranging from scholarships for school children, free health camps since its charter
in January 2004, whenever the need for service arises. They invite everyone to get
together with them to create a better tomorrow for the needy and under privileged in
our society.
The President Rtr. Bimal Ranatunga, Project Chairpersons - Rtr. Asiri Wickramasinghe,
and Rtr. PP. Charith Rodrigo and members of Rotaract Club of Pamunugama wish to
convey their sincere thanks to Bro. Anton Charls Thomas, all participants, all Rotaract
Clubs of Sri Lanka and all who helped in many ways to make this event a successful and
memorable one.
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Standing up for Yourself
ast month I was faced with an
ethical dilemma. It concerned
me and a close friend. I felt that
she had done something wrong, and
more importantly it was I who she had
wronged. I had a choice, I could either
let it go and maintain the peace or I
could stand up for myself.
I chose the latter. I could not change the
outcome of what she had done, and we
are no longer friends but I was glad that
I had the courage to stand up for myself,
something that I have lacked in the past.
All this made me realize it is not easy to
stand up for yourself. Perhaps like me,
you’re a person who is easy going,
introverted and likes to keep the peace.
You may be quick to stand up for others
or standing up for the right thing, but
when it comes to defending yourself or
your rights, you hesitate. It is this very
nature that causes other, to take
advantage of you and manipulate you
till it comes to the point where you say
enough is enough and often it may even
be too late.
It is no secret that we humans are
gregarious creatures. We like to be
liked. It makes us feel good to please
others and it’s this very tendency that
sometimes prevents us from standing
up for ourselves. However, it is
important to realize that, standing up
for yourself doesn’t mean that you’re
not kind, considerate or helpful. It only
means that you are a person who knows
what’s right and wrong, you know when
you have being treated unfairly and you
have the courage to speak out. It’s also
an admirable characteristic because it
shows self confidence, resilience, and
certain element of guts.
If you do not take that stand, people will
always walk all over you and take you
for granted. Learning to stand up for
yourself will ensure that other people
respect you, and they won’t try to push
you around or whittle you down to suit
their own needs. So take a stand, be
strong and courageous and stand up for
yourself. If you don’t do it, no one will.
And if you lose friends in the process it
only means that they never had your
best intensions in mind. Those who
matter will always stand by you.
Written by;
Rtr. Sachintha Fernando
Rotaract Club of University of Colombo
Faculty of Management and Finance
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Inception - 2013
One of the most awaited events in Rotaract, the annual District Outbound programme
will be held on 1st, 2nd and 3rd February 2013 at Pedro Scout Training Center in
Nuwaraeliya. This is organized by Rotaract Clubs of Kandy, Colombo Fort and Nuwara
Eliya.
Registration slots are as follows;
1st Slot - Rs. 3000 (January 01st - January 15th)
2nd Slot - Rs. 3300 (January 16th - January 24th)
3rd Slot - Rs. 3500 (January 25th Onwards)
For further information contact:
Rtr. Ravindra Tammita - President/Project Chairman - Rotaract Club of Kandy -
0773846596
Rtr. Kushil Thlikasiri - President - Rotaract Club of Colombo Fort - 0779086362
Rtr. Rasika Kalum - President - Rotaract Club of Nuwara Eliya - 0770703029
Rotaract Basketball Practices
Official Rotaract Basketball practices will be held as follows;
Date: Sunday Time: 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. Venue: Otters Aquatic club
Contact Rtr.IPP. Malik Hannan, District Director of Professional Development for further information
Publicity Opportunity with media partner The Nation
Clubs have the opportunity to send in articles to be published in “free” magazine of The
Nation paper. The length of the articles should be 400 – 500 words together with three
photographs of the project been featured.
Clubs also have the chance to be featured on the cover of the same magazine by sending
us any selected photograph of a project organized by the club.
Do not miss this opportunity!
Note: Articles should be sent to [email protected]
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