Before I begin to talk about my Rotaract journey, I’d like to share a little about myself. I used to be a rather introverted person—someone who preferred to stay within their comfort zone. However, joining Rotaract brought a transformation in me that I never expected.

It all began with a simple question from my friend  Himas:
“Shahmi, shall we join the Rotaract Club?”
I casually agreed, not knowing that this moment would become a turning point in my university life.

We joined the Community Service Avenue, and soon after, I applied for the position of Finance Coordinator for the project Swabasamudra. I was selected, and this project became my first true exposure to real-world responsibility, challenges, and learning. I still remember the hurdles we faced and the satisfaction of overcoming them as a team. The memories and experiences I gained are unforgettable.

Six months into my Rotaract journey, I was entrusted with greater responsibility—I was appointed as a Team Leader of the Community Service Avenue. Alongside two other team leaders, I was given the challenge to lead a project. We proudly launched Jingle Bells, a heartwarming project aimed at supporting a children’s home in Miriswaththa.

We celebrated Christmas with the children, bringing joy, laughter, and educational materials to brighten their future. That experience reminded me of the power of community, compassion, and teamwork.

After several more projects, I joined the research team of Ignite Sri Lanka, a signature initiative focused on developing two underprivileged villages in the Giribawa Divisional Secretariat.

As part of the Economic and Entrepreneurship section, our research identified key issues: a lack of knowledge in microfinance management and underutilization of local resources. To address these, we proposed:

• A 6-month training program for the Palmyra industry
• A one-day workshop on microfinance management

I was entrusted with the dual roles of Treasurer and Project Coordinator. We needed nearly LKR 10 million, and as Treasurer, I implemented several financial strategies, and approval processes to manage and reduce budget. We collaborated with the Palmyra Development Authority, which significantly helped reduce expenses of economic and entrepurneurship section. This project gave me invaluable hands-on experience in both finance and project management.

As Vice president.

For the term 2024/25, I was appointed as the Vice President of the Club, and the Overlooking Vice President for the Sports & Recreational and Professional Development Avenues.

As the Vice President overlooking the Professional Development and Sports & Recreational Avenues, I had the opportunity to lead and support several impactful initiatives. Under Professional Development, We successfully organized “Abhiman”, an awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating excellence in the digital media industry. The event recognized and appreciated prominent digital media personalities across several categories, based on their popularity within Sri Lankan university communities. It created a vibrant platform to uplift and inspire young creatives. I had the privilege of serving as the Project Chair, leading the initiative from concept to execution overseeing the event’s planning, coordination, and execution. Additionally, I served as the Project Coordinator for “Career Fair 2025”, hosted in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya. This event served as a crucial bridge between academia and industry, connecting students with over 20 leading companies and opening doors to internships, employment opportunities, and career guidance.

Meanwhile, under the Sports and Recreational Avenue, we organized “Down the Wicket”, an exciting inter-university cricket tournament that promoted sportsmanship, healthy competition, and camaraderie among students. We also launched “Spotlight”, a vibrant singing competition open to both school and university students, offering a platform for talented vocalists to showcase their skills and gain recognition. These projects not only brought energy and engagement to our university community but also strengthened my abilities in leadership, event management, and team coordination on a broader scale.

Through Rotaract, I have built lifelong friendships and developed key skills in finance management, project coordination, people handling, problem-solving, and time management.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to my director’s Rtr. Kusal, Rtr. Safa, Rtr. Thanuj, and Rtr. Hasini for their constant support. A special thank you goes to our Club President and Secretary for their guidance and encouragement.

And most importantly, I want to thank Rtr. Himas for being more than just a friend—for being the spark that ignited my Rotaract journey.

Now, it’s time to say goodbye to the place where I found myself and where I grew. I leave with a heart full of memories and gratitude. To everyone who supported me—thank you.

Finally, I’ve learned this:

Leadership doesn’t depend on the leader—it depends on the team you’re leading.

Viva la Rotaract!