It is said that the International Service Avenue of RACUOK is the ideal reflection of hybridity. Therefore, a perfect balance of physicality and virtuality is undoubtedly maintained in every initiative. These words do sound symbolical and thrilling, but traveling back to the point where all the joy started is undeniable.
The month of January was crucial for the newest talk of the club “EKHOS of Ceylon”, a novel initiative unveiled to expand horizons of Sri Lanka Tourism in the year 2025. As each word resonates, it gloriously echoed seven hidden wonders of the island not only to the world but also to the Rotaract movement.
Taking the initial step, a massive organizing committee comprised of 50 enthusiastic individuals were finely selected based on their capabilities and prior experience in club work. At this point, we, the two Co-Directors and the Overlooking Vice-President, made another huge achievement by breaking a century-old norm to allow other avenue members to take part in IS work wholeheartedly. Therefore, it was decided that unlike previous initiatives, EKHOS of Ceylon should contain 05 sub-phases which uniquely nourish each step and assist the successful completion of the project. To elaborate, they can be proudly mentioned as these:
- Phase 01: Research Phase
- Phase 02: Travel Phase
- Phase 03: Destination Exchange Phase
- Phase 04: Content Trail Phase
- Phase 05: Magazine Launch
In general, every act of importance commences with a proper plan and the valuable guidance from a panel of experts. Thereby, the three Co-Chairs, thoroughly conducted research on Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and were graced by Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) since they confirmed their readiness to officially collaborate with this worthy course. Consequently, these impactful steps not only led the committee to collect the required data from the Annual Tourism Statistics Report by SLTPB but also to develop the project proposal.
The closing of phase 01 was jovially marked by the beginning of phase 02, the most awaited 07 voyages. Despite uncountable issues which arose due to finances and weather, Team A, B, C, and D were energized to complete the assigned destination visits physically and recalling them instantly brings smiles and laughter. From Hiriketiya Beach, Kandalama, Ramboda, and Mandaramnuwara to Madu River, Kalpitiya, and Algama. successful trips were pre-planned by dedicated travel coordinators. In each destination, uncountable moments to witness the diversity, history, and beauty of Sri Lanka were gifted while being the utmost hours for forming novel friendships and filming documentaries.
When considering the International Service of RID 3220, one highlighted scope is International Understanding. Accordingly, project EKHOS of Ceylon can be seen as its perfect reflection due to the addition of virtual destination exchanges with foreign Rotaract clubs. Known to be phase 03 of the initiative, it showcased the manner in which the 07 destination visits were virtually promoted with 07 different Rotaract clubs from Asia, Africa, and South Africa:
Along with phase 02 and 03, another step was taken, and it was named “The Content Trail”. The year 2025 is undeniably a part of the so-called Digital Age and every action should reflect this significance. Hence, EKHOS of Ceylon was adorned by creating flyers and videos of the 07 visits and uploading them to Facebook and Instagram through official club pages.
Ultimately, the showstopper “The Grand Magazine Launch of EKHOS of Ceylon” came to life on the 16th of May, at the MIT Auditorium and it was graced by the presence of SLTPB and travel partners. Thereby, the Organizing Committee was able to launch an insightful magazine on the journey to the 07 destinations in English, French, and German highlighting hotels, resorts, and itineraries which are definitely helpful for future travelers.
After productively employing 05 months for the betterment of one massive initiative of the IS Avenue, it is the time to cherish all the memories you all collected from one place to another! It is the utmost hour to recall all the novel friendships you all formed! Thereby, we, Rtr. Lihini Ranasinghe, Rtr. Ruvinath Uyangoda and Vice-President Rtr. Himas Faizal, would like to thank you for your immense support from the beginning to the remarkable end of this voyage. We firmly believe that it was a box full of surprises and novel experiences which undoubtedly illuminate your excellence in academia and extracurricular activities.
Cheers to Is!
Viva La Rotaract!
