If someone had told me two years ago that Rotaract would become one of the most defining chapters of my life, I might have laughed it off. Because the truth is, I didn’t even plan to join. I hadn’t applied for any organizing committees, I didn’t know what avenue I belonged to, and I definitely didn’t see myself taking on leadership. But life has a funny way of working things out—and it all started with a mic.

Thanks to a friend’s recommendation, I was asked to host the 14th Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of the University of Kelaniya. That day, standing in front of a crowd with a mic in hand, I felt something click. That spark—something I hadn’t felt before—told me this was the beginning of something important.

Finding my place

After the Installation, I got to know the Club Service Director who introduced me to a project celebrating Deepavali. I applied for the organizing committee and, to my surprise, got selected. That was my first official OC—and from that moment, I started falling in love with Rotaract. The vibes, the people, the pure energy of working on something meaningful—it was all so new and exciting.

Through that project, I got the chance to travel to Kandy. There, I met Rtr. Vihanga, who would later become our President. He saw something in me and encouraged me to apply for the Research OC of Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0. I said yes, not knowing that it would completely change my perspective on life.

Ignite: From research to reality

Our research team traveled to Giribawa, met with villagers, and listened to their stories—stories of resilience, struggle, and quiet strength. That experience grounded me. It made me realize how many people face challenges we rarely even think about. I came back a different person.

After the research phase, I joined the Main OC of Ignite 1.0. That project gave me some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever had. With people like Dinanga and Sachinthani, I wasn’t just working on a project—I was building memories.

Later, I took on a new challenge as the Team Coordinator for the Clean Water Section of Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0. Our team went to Giribawa 28 times in total. We walked dusty paths, talked to families, and worked tirelessly to make something real happen. And we did: we installed a RO water filter system, raising 2.5 million rupees to bring clean drinking water to the village.

That moment—seeing the smiles on their faces—was when I truly understood what Rotaract means.

Beyond Ignite

Rotaract gave me space to grow in every direction. I became the Industry Relations Coordinator for Career Fair 2024, and the Project Coordinator of Rota Wasantha Udanya. I also had the chance to lead Project Arogya, focusing on maternal and child health.

But my growth wasn’t just in organizing projects—it was in finding my voice. From that very first event I hosted, I’ve always had a deep love for moderating. Over time, I was trusted with the mic again and again: at Installation, Christanzal, Abhiman, Career Fair 2025, and many more. Those experiences helped me break out of my shell and build the confidence I never knew I needed.

Last year, I was honored to receive the award for Most Outstanding Team Leader for the term 23- 24—a recognition that means the world to me.

The Vice Presidency chapter

Stepping into the role of vice president for the 2024–25 term was both exciting and overwhelming. I had the privilege of overseeing two powerful avenues—Community Service and Club Service.

Under Community Service, I worked with the most amazing team: Darshi, Dinanga and Ravindu, who I now call my three powerhouses. We led impactful projects like Swabhasamudra 2.0 and Ignite Sri Lanka 2.0—building an agro well worth 2 million, planting mangrove trees,renovating buildings, , beach patrolling, building herbal plantations, researching rural needs, and building bridges between our club and underprivileged schools.

Meanwhile, under Club Service, I supported my energetic and creative team—Himantha, Navindya, and Nethara—as we brought colour and connection to the club through events like Christinzal, Installation and Rota Wasantha Udanya.

None of it would have been possible without the endless support of President Vihanga Divyanjana and Secretary Adeesha Abeydheera. Also I have to thank my core pillar and strength Kusal for supporting me throughout the journey .Together, we led with heart, tackled challenges, and made memories I’ll never forget.

And Now, the Goodbye

As this chapter of my Rotaract life comes to an end, I’m filled with a bittersweet mix of pride and nostalgia. I came in by coincidence—but I stayed by choice. Because Rotaract gave me a platform, a purpose, and most importantly, people who believed in me even before I believed in myself.

I leave not with sadness, but with gratitude. Gratitude for the sleepless nights, the tough conversations, the wins, the losses, the lessons, and the laughter. Because all of it shaped me into who I am today.

Rotaract wasn’t just an extracurricular for me. It was my mirror, my mentor, and my magic.

And no matter where life takes me, I know one thing for sure—once a Rotaractor, always a Rotaractor.

VIVA LA ROTARACT.