Legend has it that seven years ago, a group of awe-inspiring undergraduates wanted to do a difference in their community. They wanted to dream, serve and relish to achieve their vision. The child whom they gave birth named Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya was taken care of by seven generations. This year marks his eighth birthday with his new kinsfolk.

8^th Installation Ceremony of The Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya was held on 24^th of September 2017 at Olympic House Auditorium. As a club that values the intergenerationality we chose “Embracing Inheritance” as our theme for the year 2017/2018. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Youth Service Adviser of Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown – Rtn. IPP. Jegatheesan Pirrasanth. We believed that some beginnings are about valuing and protecting legacies for next generations.

Soon after the evening was enlivened with lightning the oil lamp, respected dignitaries were welcomed by Rtr. Iruma Manavi Ratnayake concerning why we chose “Embracing Inheritance” as our theme. Rtr. Darsha Hewapanna and Rtr. Yasasi Bandaranayake was called upon stage to present the secretaries report. A nostalgic video was shown to the audience full of projects and achievements of year 2016/2017.  Outgoing president Rtr. Harindu Darshana Abeysinghe couldn’t attend the event to see his descendants due to an unforeseen circumstance. He managed to send a recording clip which made the audience feel his presence among them. After his heartwarming speech, past board was given tokens of appreciation because they made successors embrace inheritance.

Afterwards, incoming president Rtr. Shivantha Dawson was officially given the presidency. After a first-class speech, he introduced his board of directors to the crowd gathered. Uniqueness of installation ceremonies among Rotaract communities is that they are highly entertaining. Board of Directors including Mr. President took the limelight of the event with funny video clips made for each which were full of love and embarrassment.

Newly appointed committee members of the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya for the year 2017/2018 are as follows

President : Rtr. Shivantha Dawson.

Vice President : Rtr. Dinuka Kaveen

Joint Secretaries : Rtr. Sandamini Gunawardhane / Rtr. Sherami Ranasinghe

Editors : Rtr. Sakuni Rathnayake / Rtr. Thisaranie Wijayabandara

Treasurer : Rtr. Supun Sandaruwan

Sergeant at Arms : Rtr. Uresh Ravishanka

Co – Directors Club Service : Rtr. Iruma Manavi Ratnayake / Rtr. Venuri Siriwardhane

Co – Directors Community Services : Rtr. Hirodya Hasarangi / Rtr. Hasanthi Premathilaka

Co – Directors Professional Development : Rtr. Umali Rodrigo / Rtr. Darshana Bandara

Director International Understanding : Rtr. Shyni Sandunika

Co – Directors Finance : Rtr. Supun Hemachandra / Rtr. Dinushika Jayathissa

Director Public Relations : Rtr. Anees Mubarak

Co – Directors Digital Media : Rtr. Charinda Dissanayake / Rtr. Rasitha Gamage

Thereupon, Dignitaries of the head table including The Chief Guest of the ceremony; Youth Service Adviser of Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown Rtn. IPP. Jegatheesan Pirrasanth, DRCC. Rtn. Bobby Srinivas, DRR. Rtr. IPP Anuradha Senanayake wished newly appointed board for a successful year ahead.

Rtr. Sherami Ranasinghe gave a token of appreciation to the chief guest. President of the club Rtr. Shivantha Dawson marked the end of the event by giving tokens of appreciation to few personalities who supported to make our movement a success. The most anticipated moment of the evening a table full of refreshments were opened shortly after.

Things we achieve by being a descendant is priceless. By embracing a legacy as descendants we try to do better things to the world like our ascendants. This keeps our mission a success.

Check out for the photo album here.

– Rtr. Thisaranie Wijayabandara