Before I even set foot in university, I had already found a fascination for exploring different corners of our country. I loved the idea of going on trips, meeting new people, and discovering untold stories across Sri Lanka. That passion slowly transformed into something deeper when I saw a friend working on impactful community projects through the Community Service avenue of the Rotaract Club. From him, I learned how Rotaract wasn’t just about fun and friendships, it was a movement that touched lives, from village to village, community to community.

That spark led me to register for the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya, and with no hesitation, I selected the Community Service avenue. I still remember walking into the club’s orientation, unsure of what lay ahead but filled with hope and curiosity.

My first project was Swabhasamudra. I was encouraged to apply for the Organizing Committee by none other than Rtr. Dinithi akka, whose faith in me gave me the push I needed. At the time, I had no experience working in a club. I didn’t even know what the roles within an OC meant. But something in me wanted to try, to learn, and so I applied without knowing the gravity of the position which was for the Chair.

To my surprise and excitement, after the interviews, I was selected as the Co-chair of the project. That single project changed everything.

Through Swabhasamudra, I learned the true essence of project management, from planning and fundraising, to speaking in front of an audience, to dealing with people and building a real team spirit. I got the chance to make friends across faculties, a beautiful gift I’ll always treasure. The project spanned four phases, and each phase was a stepping stone in my Rotaract journey. It wasn’t just a project; it became my turning point.

Later, I applied for Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0, a large-scale project built to empower rural communities. As part of its research team, I had the chance to visit Giribawa village—a humbling and enlightening experience. I was selected as the Finance Coordinator of the Agricultural Section for the project. Although my involvement in this one wasn’t as deep as Swabhasamudra, I gave it my best.

Then came an unexpected phone call from Rtr. Wikshi akka, asking, “මල්ලි, Ignite වැඩකට උතුරට යන්න එනවද?” Without any hesitation, I said yes to her and went to Jaffna as part of the Economic Section of the project Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0. That wasn’t just another project moment for me. It felt like an adventure. A beautiful blend of service and travel, filled with learning and laughter. It was there I met Rtr. Darshi akka, someone who later became an incredible teammate and friend. That trip will always remain close to my heart.

The confidence and skills I gained from Rotaract didn’t just stay within the club. They led to me being appointed as the Vice President of the Finance Society in my second year, a role I wouldn’t have dared to dream of before joining Rotaract.

As the next term began, I knew it was time to take another step. I applied for the Board of Directors, and to my great joy, I was selected as the Co-director of the Community Service Avenue. Alongside me were two wonderful souls, Rtr. Darshi akka and Rtr. Dinanga, with whom I shared this responsibility and vision.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible guidance and support of Rtr. Dinithi akka, Rtr. Wikshi akka, and Rtr. Dimithri akka, who constantly motivated me, believed in me, and reminded me that I could reach higher.

With the new board in place and the trust of our overlooking ExCo member, Rtr. Pabamini, Vice President of the club, we began planning the next chapter. We continued the legacy of Swabhasamudra 2.0 and led the remaining phases of Ignite Sri Lanka 1.0, including the Agricultural, Education, Economic, and Clean Water sectors. We didn’t stop there. Our vision expanded as we began research for Ignite Sri Lanka 2.0, which led us to select Haguranketha village as our next destination for impactful change.

We’ve already started our work, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.

Rotaract didn’t just give me a platform, it gave me purpose. It gave me mentors, friends, moments of challenge, and moments of pride. It taught me to lead, to listen, and most importantly, to serve with heart.

This journey that began with a love for travel has now become a journey of transformation of lives, communities, and my own self. And as I continue to walk this path, I carry the hope that the footprints we leave behind will bloom into futures brighter than we ever imagined.