Where Service Sparks Growth: My Rotaract Adventure as International Service Director

My Rotaract journey began during my very first year at university. Back then, I was just a fresher; new to campus life and still adjusting to the life away from home for the first time. Everything felt overwhelming. But then, I discovered Rotaract. It helped me make new friends, have fun and make an impact to the society at the same time.

I actively took part in as many projects as I could. From pre-event chaos to post-event laughs, every moment made it all worthwhile. Among them, International Service projects especially caught my attention, and that’s when I discovered my true passion for the International Service Avenue. I’ve always loved making international friends, joining virtual meet-ups, and connecting with Rotaractors worldwide.

In my second year, I was appointed as the International Service Director of our club. To be honest, I was a bit hesitant while applying for that position not knowing how capable I am to hold such a responsible position all alone. Taking up a leadership role does not only come with its accomplishments but also with its own share of pressures. But with time, I found my rhythm. The experience I had gained as a club member and project chair gave me the confidence to take up this challenge.

Still, planning an International Service project was far from easy. Starting from selecting the organizing committee, venue booking, getting permission, organizing fundraisers, inviting resource persons, and also maintaining proper communication with international Rotaract Clubs; it was a huge process. But through all the stress and chaos, I had one incredible Rotaract family to count on. I got to meet so many amazing people, and working with the juniors in the OCs made the experience even more special. From our energetic group chats to dashing around uni selling flowers, every moment made a life time of memories. (and honestly, totally worth it!)

We successfully concluded the project “Break the Taboo”, a sexual health awareness session held for university students. The event featured two esteemed guest speakers: Dr. Lalindra Kaththiriarachchi, Senior Lecturer in Physiology at General Sir John Kotelawela University, and Dr. Piyumi Perera, Venereologist from the STD Clinic in Puttalam and STD AIDS Control Program. This project was held in collaboration with Rotaract Club of RVCE from RID 3191 in India.

Next, we supported ‘Naivedyam 3.0’ by contributing generous donations to the food donation drive organized by RAC RVCE, which served meals to over 1,000 people in need in India.

The project “Storytelling Circle” was yet another remarkable project organized in collaboration with Rotaract Club of Vadodara (RID 3060) in India. It was quite a moment for both clubs to exchange folktales from their cultures. Participants openly exchange their ideas, reflections on them, and without a doubt everyone enjoyed a moment of fellowship.

Through “Stree”, organized by Rotaract Club Rajkot (RID 3060), we could open up an open conversation about taboos buillt around menstruation. And it encouraged girls to openly share their first period story in order to break the stigma around this topic in the society.

And of course, there was “Cultural Fusion”, our Twinning Day celebration with RAC RVCE. Participants from both clubs enthusiastically exchanged ideas about their cultures: the food, music, festivals, religions, and traditions that make each of us unique. The cultural exchange showcased the beauty of diversity within cultures.

Most importantly, our Twin Club Agreement with Rotaract Club of RVCE, RID 3191 was such a significant milestone. It was unfolded in several phases including the Joint International Service initiatives, Twinning Day, Joint General Meeting, Joint Bulletin and MoU Meeting. I’m incredibly proud of the role we played in strengthening this partnership and excited for all the future collaborations it promises.

I’m truly grateful to all my friends who made this journey unforgettable. To our energetic Club Service Co-Director, Hashini—thanks for being my go-to person for every project, sharing every joke and laugh (we really made a blast lol!). To our fun-loving Sports Co-Director, Subhagya—I know you’ll never forgive me and Hashini for roasting you even when you were stressed (sorry not sorry!). To our dedicated President, Vibhavee—thank you for your steady guidance and leadership. To our ever-supportive Secretary, Barani—thank you for answering all my endless questions. And to the entire EXCO and BOD—kudos to us for an amazing year! Thank you to all the seniors who believed in me. Lastly, thank you to my family for bearing with me through it all!

Above all, I am deeply honored to serve as the International Service Director of Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts. It gave me the platform to lead, learn, and most of all; grow. I am immensely proud of the accomplishments we could achieve under the International Service Avenue. If the younger me from 2023 could see this journey, she’d be proud. From joining Rotaract as a shy fresher to leading international initiatives, this has been a rollercoaster ride; full of stress, joy, and everything in between. Together, we created an epic year filled with endless memories, milestones, and meaningful impact.

Viva la Rotaract!

-Rtr. Sandithi Kalansoooriya (International Service Director 2024/25)