Every journey has a starting point, and mine began with a simple decision to join Rotaract. At the time, I never imagined how much this experience would shape my university life and help me grow both personally and professionally.

I first learned about Rotaract through a friend from my faculty. My friend Phan and I were both interested in joining, so we applied together and joined the Community Service Avenue.

The first project we participated in was a project called Rota Romp. It was special because it was our first real experience of the Rotaract environment. We met our Avenue Directors, Vice President, and our overseeing EXCO member, Pabamini Akka. They introduced us to the projects in our avenue, one focused on marine conservation and another on village development.

Without hesitation, I chose the marine conservation project, Soba Samudra 2.0, and joined as a PR Coordinator. Looking back, that decision was one of the best choices I have ever made.

Soba Samudra became one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I enjoyed every moment, from sea turtle conservation activities and releasing baby turtles into the ocean to night beach patrols and mangrove planting. These were not just activities; they were experiences that connected me deeply with nature and with people who shared the same passion for service.

Along the way, I met amazing individuals who became more than teammates, they became close friends. Through teamwork, laughter, challenges, and countless shared memories, we built friendships that extended far beyond the project itself.

After completing Soba Samudra, I realized that Rotaract had so much more to offer. I wanted to explore new opportunities, gain experience, and contribute to impactful initiatives while enjoying the journey. As a result, I joined several other projects, including Ignite Sri Lanka 2.0 as a Finance Coordinator and Ekhos of Ceylon as a PR Coordinator.

One of the most unforgettable moments during this period came through Ekhos of Ceylon, when we visited the Madu River. The beauty of the surroundings and the experience itself remain vivid in my memory even today.

I worked as a PR Coordinator for Haritha Siripa, which helped me gain so much insights into more meaningful community initiatives that actually had an impact to the society and the environment as a whole.

I also worked as a PR Coordinator for Sathkara (RT Project). Each project introduced me to new challenges, taught me valuable lessons, and helped me build meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.

Looking back, my first year in Rotaract was filled with incredible memories, valuable experiences, and meaningful friendships that helped shape the person I am today. It was truly a year of learning, growth, and discovery.

In my second year of Rotaract, I was appointed as the Regional Engagement Avenue Co-Director alongside Pranama Akka and Anuji. Taking on this role was a significant step forward and came with greater responsibilities. It was my first opportunity to move from being a contributor to becoming a leader, and it taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, planning, communication, and accountability.

Our avenue functioned smoothly, and together we launched an exciting project called Collab Fest ’25. This multi-phase project included a beach cleanup, a hike to Narangala, an online session, a children’s home donation drive, and a Jaffna Devali celebration. Each phase came with its own challenges and excitement, making the project both rewarding and memorable.

The diversity of activities allowed us to connect with different communities while strengthening relationships among Rotaractors from various clubs. To this day, Collab Fest ’25 remains one of the projects I am most proud to have been a part of.

One of the biggest highlights of the project was receiving a ROAR Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Club Service Initiative. This recognition was a testament to the commitment, dedication, and hard work of every member of our organizing team. It was rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged and to know that the impact we created was recognized beyond our club. The award reminded us that teamwork, perseverance, and a shared vision can lead to meaningful achievements.

Another important project during this period was Haritha Siripa. The previous year, I had worked on the project as a PR Coordinator, but this time I had the responsibility of leading it. The transition from being a team member to leading a project was an incredible experience and a reminder of how much I had grown within Rotaract.

A huge part of the project’s success was due to our exceptional team, one of our Team Leader, Tanuri played vital roles in overseeing the project and ensuring everything stayed on track through their dedication and leadership. Suneth, one of RE Team leaders, who is also my batchmate, joined the avenue because of me but quickly became an excellent leader in his own right. He provided tremendous support, especially in handling PR responsibilities across multiple projects, always stepping up whenever needed. Hiranya also made significant contributions and consistently supported the team throughout the journey.

With such a committed and passionate group of individuals, we successfully completed the project and created a meaningful impact within the community. Their dedication reminded me that great achievements are never the result of individual effort alone but rather the outcome of effective teamwork and shared commitment.

Another special project in my Rotaract journey was Mentora, organized in collaboration with the Editorial Avenue. It was a six-month mentoring and teaching program conducted at a school for deaf children.

I worked with Vimanshani Akka throughout the project, and together we faced numerous challenges while striving to achieve our goals. One of our biggest difficulties was finding volunteers and maintaining consistency, as teaching sessions had to be conducted every Saturday for six consecutive months.

There were moments when it seemed impossible to continue, but our commitment to the children kept us motivated. Despite the obstacles, we remained dedicated and successfully completed the project.

Apart from that, I also served as a mentor in Team 10 for Rota Tomorrow. Alongside my team leaders, Shelomi and Ranjula, we carried out a project called Inner Bloom.

Their leadership played a crucial role in our success. They guided the team with dedication, encouraged them to give their best, and ensured that every team member remained motivated throughout the project. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes, coordinating activities, overcoming challenges, and fostering a strong sense of teamwork.

Through Inner Bloom, we focused on raising awareness about substance abuse and mental health, two issues that are increasingly important in today’s society. Working on the project was both educational and meaningful. It allowed us to engage with important social issues while developing our leadership, communication, and project management skills. It also taught me the value of creating awareness and encouraging positive conversations around topics that are often overlooked.

The commitment, teamwork, and hard work demonstrated by every member of our team ultimately led us to success. Our efforts were recognized when we became the 1st Runners-Up. In addition, we won awards for Best Finance Report and Most Popular Project, along with several individual awards.

These achievements were not the result of one person’s efforts but rather the outcome of the collective dedication and determination of everyone involved. While the recognition was rewarding, the greatest achievement was knowing that our project had reached people, created awareness, and made a positive impact within the community.

Rotaract is not just a two-year experience, it is a journey filled with memories, growth, learning, and transformation. Throughout this journey, the board members became like family, and together we worked toward a common goal, bringing glory to our club while making a meaningful difference in society.

Looking back, I feel proud and grateful for the decision I made during my first year to join Rotaract. It gave me far more than I ever expected. It provided unforgettable memories, invaluable experiences, personal growth, leadership opportunities, and lifelong friendships.

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I realize that Rotaract was never just about the projects, positions, or achievements. It was about the people I met, the lives we touched, the lessons we learned, and the person I became along the way.

What began as a simple decision eventually became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life, a chapter filled with purpose, friendship, service, and growth. It is a chapter that I will always cherish and carry with me wherever life takes me.

Viva la Rotaract!