Three years ago, I joined Rotaract simply because I didn’t want my university life to be boring. I wanted to experience extracurricular activities and make my university journey more meaningful. Little did I know that one random decision would become one of the most beautiful parts of my university life.

My first year went smoothly as a member. The first project I worked on was Ignite Sri Lanka under Community Service. I’m truly grateful to Diniti Akka, Wikshi Akka, Dimithri Akka, and Vice President Vihanga Aiya for giving me my very first project and making me fall in love with Rotaract from the very beginning. From there, I got involved in many more projects and became an active member of the Editorial Avenue.

After an amazing first year, I applied for the position of Co-Editor because writing has always been something I love. Getting selected for that role marked the beginning of a very busy yet rewarding year. Between content approvals, newsletters, blogs, and Writing Maze 2.0, life was hectic. But thanks to our Editorial Avenue directors, Sapna Akka, Dilu Akka, and Janoo, and our overseeing ExCo member Delishia, we ended the term with four District Awards and one Internal Award. I will always be grateful to Vihanga Aiya and Adeesha Aiya for trusting me with that opportunity.

One of the most meaningful roles in my journey was being a mentor for Rotatomorrow 5.0. I believe that was the moment I truly started seeing myself as a leader. Through our project, සිහින පියාසර, Team Pinnacle won the Rotatomorrow Championship along with several other team and individual awards. I’m forever grateful to my team leaders, Chamodi and Nuvindya, and to the entire team. You were the people who made me realize that I could actually lead and achieve something beautiful with a team.

I will always be grateful to the ExCo and BOD of 24.25 – our beloved Rottas 6.0 – for supporting me, believing in me, and making my Rotaract journey even more beautiful.

At that point, I thought my Rotaract journey was coming to an end. But then, I got the opportunity to serve as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the term 25.26. Honestly, I never imagined myself in that role. I was surprised, confused, and full of doubts about whether I could do it. Yet, I said yes.

That one “yes” turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. It made my entire year more happening, productive, and meaningful. More importantly, it helped me discover myself as a leader in ways I never expected. I’m especially grateful to Himantha for believing in me when I didn’t even believe in myself and for constantly motivating me. And to Delishia, thank you for staying by my side and putting up with me during every moment I was ready to give up.

As an ExCo member, I got the chance to overlook the Editorial Avenue, the very avenue where I had spent the past two years as a member and a director. Editorial will always have a special place in my heart. I did my best to keep it going with the endless support of my directors, Zamra, Vimanshani, Sachini, and Mandira.

The RACUOK Blog also holds a very special place in my heart. Along with my blog teams, I introduced so many new things to the blog over the two years I served as its admin. Somewhere along the way, it stopped being just another responsibility and became a part of my life. I know that the final log out will be something emotional.

Being the Sergeant-at-Arms was never easy. There were disciplinary issues, excuses, complaints, and of course, MGMs. The monthly chaos was very real. But with the support of Club Service, DM, and PR, we somehow managed to pull everything together every single month.

And then came Rotatomorrow 6.0, where I was recognized as the Most Outstanding Rotaractor. It was completely unexpected and honestly one of the most touching endings I could have ever asked for.

And finally, the ExCo and BOD—some of the most beautiful people I met through this journey. I’m already missing our late-night meetings, the chaos, the laughter, and everything in between. Rottas 7.0, if someone asks me for the biggest reason I’m happy that I said “yes” to this position, my answer would be you. Thank you for making my final year in Rotaract so special. I genuinely love you all, and I already miss every bit of our chaos.

To every Rotaractor reading this, give your best to this movement. Trust me, it will give back so much more than you can ever imagine.

Wherever life takes me, RACUOK will always have a special place in my heart.

Viva La Rotaract!