In my school days, I hadn’t taken part in any extracurricular activities, not even a sport, because my mother didn’t allow me to. However, when I came to university, I found three girls who were literally in the same boat as me. Miracles really do happen, right!?

During our first year, they suggested that we should join a club and at least have some fun in our university life. As a result, the four of us joined the Rotaract Club of the University of Kelaniya. To be honest, I didn’t check any groups and knew nothing. One of my friends suddenly called me and told me to choose the “Community Service Avenue” and submit the form, so I did. And just like that, we became part of the Community Service Avenue and even attended the orientation.

At the orientation, we applied for OCs, and two other girls and I were selected for the Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0 project, while the other girl was appointed to the Swabhasamudra OC after the interviews. I knew nothing about Rotaract until then.

In Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0, I was appointed as the PR Coordinator of the Education Sector. For the first time, we went for something called “fundraising”. It was quite hard because of the heat, but it was worth it because we were raising funds for something meaningful. My sector was overseen by Rtr. Dinanga akka, my favorite director. She was the only one I really spoke to, even though we had three directors and a VP.

After “Rota Romp,” I realized that people in Community Service are really friendly. Time passed quickly, and soon it was the last quarter. It was a chaotic and busy quarter.

During that time, I was involved in several OCs:
Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0
Ignite Sri Lanka 2.0 (Research)
Ignite Sri Lanka 2.0
FinWave 1.0
Project “Sandahana”

Apart from that, I joined the beach patrol for Swabhasamudra 2.0 and also went fundraising with my friend for that project. (I know it’s hard to believe, but that’s the energy of first and second years of university life!) I also volunteered as an IT teacher in the project “Eduකේත,” conducted at the Deaf School in Rathmalana.

I had to handle 80% of PR for Ignite Sri Lanka and 100% of PR for FinWave. Tbh, I was dying at that time. I barely had time to sleep, I spent nights making flyers and videos. (Ngl I didn’t even know how to design a flyer when I first joined Rotaract!)

I had two TLs to overlook my PR, Chamodi akka for the project Ignite Sri Lanka and Senura for the project FinWave. Literally the most annoying TLs I have ever seen. Nobody would have handle that much like I did – I swear.

As time passed, I became more and more attached to the club, especially the Community Service Avenue, because of the bond we shared as members and TLs and of course, our directors: Rtr. Dinanga akka, Rtr. Darshi akka, Rtr. Ravindu aiya, Rtr. Pabamini akka, and Rtr. Sachinthani akka. Their guidance, kindness, and support made me feel like I truly belonged. It never felt like a typical “senior-junior relationship” – we were more like close friends.

Thanks to Rtr. Pabamini akka, I got the opportunity to participate in the final phase of the Swabhasamudra project, which was a truly unforgettable experience. Also, Sayuri akka, Sasith, Pahan, and I went to Giribawa village by public bus and stayed one night to organize the opening ceremony of Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0. It was such a fun and memorable experience for the four of us.

After successfully completing Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0, I felt like I had finally given something back for the free education we receive. It was that meaningful. I am truly grateful and proud to have been part of that journey.

At the end of my first year, I was appointed as the Co-Director of Community Service for the term 25–26, alongside my co-director Chamodi akka, and under the guidance of our overlooking EXCO member, Pahan. As a team, we gave our best to uplift the avenue.

We started the year with two parallel projects: Ignite Sri Lanka 2.0 and Project “Their Voice.”

Ignite Sri Lanka: Developing Hanguranketha and Delthota villages through six sectors with sustainability.

Their Voice: Aware about menstrual hygiene and sexual transmission diseases and donate menstrual hygiene products to the children who live in a village that doesn’t even use a pad.

Last term, we had to do the continuation of Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0 with four sectors, but this time we had to complete all six sectors of Ignite Sri Lanka 2.0 in Hanguranketha village within the term.

From the beginning, the three of us faced many challenges (I mean it). But we pushed through and managed to complete almost all six sectors with our full commitment. (At the time I’m writing this, we still have one more month to go.)

A big shoutout to the BOD and EXCO, because of them, Rotaract truly felt like a family, and I will cherish them forever.

My first-year self would have been shocked. A girl who didn’t even know what Rotaract was became a Rotaractor and carried out community service all over the country!
Because of Rotaract, I discovered my potential. I’ve come such a long way, with thousands of beautiful memories, countless new experiences, and priceless lessons. Even though this chapter has come to an end, the impact it had on me will stay with me forever. This journey shaped who I am today, and I will always carry it in my heart.

Signing off with love 💗

Viva la Rotaract 🥂