If someone had told us at the beginning of this Rotaract year that being Club Service Co-Directors would come with midnight bus hunts, spontaneous dance-offs, and an unbreakable bond, we would’ve laughed and gone back to our spreadsheets. But somewhere between planning decor for installations and hiking unfamiliar trails, we discovered that this journey was about more than organizing events. It was about building a friendship so fierce and fun that it became the soul of our entire avenue. We started this year armed with checklists and cautious optimism, unsure of where this shared title would take us. What unfolded was a whirlwind of chaos and creativity, a journey of learning how to lead, how to lean on each other,…
Category: Our Rotaractors
Hot Mess Ready for a Lit Year
Well, I'm a bit late in writing this, but my procrastination knows no bounds. Kind of like how I'm clumsy and a tad bit of a hot mess, writing this when I have two exams tomorrow haha. Anyway, hi, I'm Rtr. Vibhavee Sarathchandra, the President for the year 2024-2025. It’s nice to meet you ^.^ Now since you want to know a bit about me, I'll tell you a few facts that my friends like to rant to me about. First of all, I'm clumsy and I also have this unfortunate tendency of getting lost and ending up in who knows where. I kid you not, when I was heading back home after my first day at university, I ended…
Rising to Leadership: Embracing the Responsibility as President
As the second male president in the storied history of Rotaract Arts, I am honored to share my journey with this incredible organization that has profoundly shaped my life and the lives of many others. When I first joined the Rotaract Club, I was filled with excitement and a desire to make a difference. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to a transformative journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories. In my early days as a member, I quickly learned that Rotaract was more than just a club—it was a family. I was surrounded by passionate, driven individuals who were committed to serving the community and fostering personal and professional growth. This supportive environment encouraged…
Signing Off: Closing Reflections from a Secretary
My Rotaract journey began in 2022, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. We had online lectures, and I was itching to get to university, but there was no way for it. Then, I saw this Rotaract flyer fluttering around like a hopeful butterfly. Thinking it was a great excuse to visit the university, I decided to join the club. I had no clue what Rotaract was about. I was a bit nervous since I knew no one in the club or at the university. But I challenged myself, determined to make it work no matter what. The first friend I made in Rotaract was Manthini. We met while donating books to a community service project.…
Rising through the Ranks: Personal Growth and Learning
Labor Omnia Vincit Hard work conquers all. “Here comes the man of the match. Well done, Induwara.” Oshini Akka, the former club service director, said this in the middle of the ‘Baila Night’ in March 2023. A long time ago, at the start of 2022, SLAM was the first event I participated in under the wave of Rotaract. That day, Abheetha, Savini, Ranosha, and I were the first members to participate in the Rotaract event. Tharushika Akka was the first one I met from the executive board at that time. Honestly, I didn't have any idea what SLAM was. The only thing I knew was that it was a group activity or something along those lines. LOL. The Fresher's Championships…
Balancing Act: A Look into My Journey with Rotaract
My journey with the Rotaract Club at the University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts, began in 2022 when I joined as a member. Since then, I've participated in every project, gaining valuable experience and skills. One of my early milestones was working as a co-chair with Jehan, the current president, for the O'Santa Christmas Party. This role taught me many lessons and developed my leadership skills, which helped me become Vice President in 2023. I'd like to take a moment to express my special thanks to Jehan and Gethmi for believing in me. Their support has been a great motivation. As Vice President, I took on many responsibilities, further enhancing my knowledge and leadership skills. My co-vice president, Induwara, has…
Stepping Up: A Year of Fun, Challenges, and Impact
The clearest memory I have of my first days as an undergraduate was signing up for Rotaract and joining the online orientation program of the club. With online learning taking control, apart from attending the university on the day of the placement test, I had no need to step into the university. It was Rotaract that gave me the reason to come to university during the first semester of my first year. Therefore, it's right to say that my university life would not have been the same if not for Rotaract. . My first year as a Rotaractor enabled me to experience days of endless fun, happiness, and whatnot. We were on a journey, making memories with friends who felt…
From Fresher to Treasurer: A Year of Friendship, Service & Growth
I started my Rotaract journey when I was in my first year at university. When I got selected for Colombo University, one of my friends who is currently studying there inspired me to join Rotaract. I was so excited to join Rotaract after hearing about his experiences and seeing pictures of him working on Rotaract projects at the University of Colombo's Science Faculty. As the COVID pandemic was there, we had online lectures in the first semester of our first year. However, I used to come to the university for sports practices. So it was a great opportunity for me to engage in physical activities done by the club. My first year at Rotaract was full of joy and excitement.…
The Joy of Service: A Rotaract Journey of Transformation
I would like to start by sharing the story of my Rotaract journey. One of the most cherished folders in my phone gallery is dedicated to my Rota family, filled with photos that reflect the eagerness and love with which I embarked on this journey. My Rotaract journey began in my first year of university. The most important part of this journey has been my dear Rotaract family. They were the first friends I made in university, and the bonds formed at the beginning grew stronger. I have been very happy since starting as a general member and then becoming an assistant secretary. I remember during the installation ceremony of our senior board, I thought that the next time, I…
Reflecting on a Transformative Rotaract Year: A Journey of Leadership and Achievement
As the Rotaract year draws to a close, it's a moment of reflection and celebration for the Rotaract Club of the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo. Amidst the challenges and triumphs, this year has been particularly memorable for the club, especially for those who took on significant roles in its leadership. In my Rotaract journey, I served not only as a Sergeant-at-Arms but also took on the role of co-director of the Professional Development Avenue. Joining the Rotaract Club in 2022 marked the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities for personal growth and contribution. Over the years, I actively participated in various projects, honing skills in photography, graphic design, team and project management, and fostering discipline among club…