I come from a very traditional home where I was never allowed to go anywhere freely. I always wanted to break those boundaries, but my parents didn’t let me. During my internship, I met a wonderful friend, Rtr. Melisha, the former secretary of the Rotaract Club of NIBM. That was the first time I ever heard the word Rotaract. I asked her, “Akka, what is Rotaract?” and the story she shared truly inspired me-especially the trips she had been on.

During my first year at university, I was the only one from my department to join Rotaract. I never thought it would become the best decision of my life.I joined many organizing committees. My first projects were the 14th Installation Ceremony and Rota Romp ‘23, where I worked as an ER Coordinator and Membership Coordinator. I made new friends and felt genuinely happy doing what I loved.

Then came Peasanam 2023, a project we carried out at the University of Peradeniya. It was an amazing experience. After that, team leader interviews were held, and I applied but I wasn’t selected. It made me a little sad, but I didn’t give up.

Soon came a turning point in my journey: RotaTomorrow 4.0. I was given the chance to co-chair the project Harawuma, and it won many awards at the RotaTomorrow Awards Ceremony. I’m forever thankful to my mentor dinithi Akka and team leader Amali for trusting me with that role and showing me the potential I never saw in myself.

In January 2024, I got a random call from Pabamini, asking me to join Ignite Sri Lanka to support the Clean Water section. I never imagined that simple “yes” would bring me so far. That’s where I found two soul sisters, Pabamini and Dinanaga. People even call us the “Jala Missla.” We went on trips, met amazing people, and gave our best to the project.

That strict, homebound girl? She’s not the same anymore.

Rotaract taught me more than I ever imagined. It gave me experiences, lessons, and most of all—freedom. I especially loved doing social service. And the funniest part? I never told my parents the full details of the trips. Because if I did, I wouldn’t have been allowed to go!
When the RI year 2023–24 ended, I applied for the Board, not expecting much. I was just a general member among many talented team leaders. But to my surprise, I was selected to the Executive Committee as the Assistant Secretary, the best thing that ever happened to me in Rotaract.

I was given two avenues to overlook, Public Relations and Information Technology, along with four amazing directors, plus club reporting. From PR Avenue, we completed two projects. Project Influencia was a massive success and all the credit goes to my incredible directors Amali and Chamagi Akka. It was more than a technical success. It became a project full of heart and teamwork.

From the IT Avenue, we launched a heart-touching project, EduKetha, a 10-month-long initiative with huge impact. I had an amazing OC and lovely co-chairs. Special thanks to Vandana and Gimhan Ayya, and the whole team for the support. We built not just a technical project but a family and a culture in a technical avenue.

As I look back on my Rotaract journey, my heart is full with gratitude, pride, and a little sadness that this chapter is ending.
I met people from all faculties, shared stories, danced like no one was watching, and traveled on unforgettable journeys. I found my strength, learned the beauty of giving, and understood the value of teamwork and shared dreams.

Special thanks to Roshan Ayya, Vihanga Ayya, and Adeesha Ayya for trusting me with the roles I held.

I had the chance to meet people who motivated me, pushed me to be better, and never left my side. We faced failures, celebrated victories, and most importantly, we grew stronger—together.

The connections we made weren’t just for projects, they became lifelong friendships. Thank you, Rotaract for giving me a story worth telling.