If someone were to ask me about the best thing that has happened in my life so far, my answer would undoubtedly be joining Rotaract, an absolute game-changer. Back in 2019, I first learnt about Rotaract through one of my friends, and ever since it had been my dream to become a member of this incredible movement and contribute to the betterment of our community. Finally, in 2021, my dream came through when I joined the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya. But the true turning point in my Rotaract journey occurred when I became a part of the Member Relations Avenue; a development I never anticipated. Little did I know that this avenue would hold such immense power to transform my life.

Upon joining Member Relations Avenue, I was fortunate enough to be a part of the ongoing project known as “AvoiDelta” and I had the privilege of joining the “AvoiDelta” Organizing Committee as a content writer. This project will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my very first project as a Rotaractor of the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya. Through this project, I gained invaluable knowledge and was lucky enough to get to know and work with some talented individuals. This project not only granted me my first visit to the university in person but also gave me the opportunity to meet my very first university friends. I understood the true value of Rotaract true this project.

The next most momentous thing that happened in my Rotaract journey was being able to join the project RotaTomorrow 2.0. As a member of the Los Amigos team, I assumed the role of project coordinator, focusing our efforts on the Sustainable Development Goal of Maternal and Child Health. This project further enriched my knowledge and understanding. Moreover, I was fortunate enough to subsequently join the RotaTomorrow 2.0 Organizing Committee as an event committee member. The days spent preparing for the project at the university often stretched late into nights full of memories. Nevertheless, the pinnacle of this experience was undoubtedly the RotaTomorrow Awards 2021-22—an evening of grandeur and celebration. I was awarded as the most outstanding project coordinator on that night. It was the most unforgettable thing in my life. Undeniably, RotaTomorrow holds a cherished place in my heart as I learnt a lot from this project and found a lot of friends.

In the RI year 2022-23, a new chapter in my Rotaract journey commenced as I was appointed as the Co-Director of the Member Relations Avenue—a momentous milestone in every sense. Even though it added a lot of responsibilities, I enjoyed every single day of my journey. It was a bit tough at first because I had to step out of my comfort zone. But over time, I managed to adapt and improve myself.

In my year as the Co-Director of the Member Relations Avenue, we were able to do two remarkable projects through our avenue, RotaRomp’23 and RotaTomorrow 3.0. I was fortunate enough to work with some hard-working individuals who worked hard, day and night to successfully complete these projects. I am really grateful to my super amazing MR team for successfully completing project RotaRomp’23 amidst a lot of challenges.

Then comes the project RotaTomorrow 3.0, the momentous project of the entire club. In the beginning, things were quite overwhelming. We had to make all the necessary preparations and create a solid platform for our team members to carry out their projects. It was a busy and challenging time, but we worked together as a team and successfully overcame every obstacle that came our way. After that came the RotaTomorrow Awards 2022-23, which was more challenging than anything. But I’m truly grateful to the RotaTomorrow OC for everything they have done to make this awards night a reality. The RotaTomorrow Awards 2022-23 was a glamorous evening. It took place with the participation of Rotarians, Rotaractors and other honorable invitees. It was truly a day to remember, one of the most memorable days of my life.

I call joining Rotaract a game changer because it totally changed my life. Rotaract taught me a lot of things, from the simplest things to life-changing lessons. I found the most beautiful friendships through Rotaract. I actually found my very first uni friends through Rotaract. Rotaract was my strength in the darkest times of my life, it not only gave me strength to move on but also gave me hope. I joined Rotaract to serve the community, but Rotaract was much more than that. It helped me to discover my true potential and to improve myself in many ways. I think being appointed as the Co-Director of the Member Relations Avenue was the best thing about my Rotaract journey, even though I never expected it would happen. I am truly grateful for that.

Finally, I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the individuals to whom I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Their guidance and support have been invaluable throughout my Rotaract journey. I sincerely thank Rtr. Immediate Past President Kisal Ekanayake, Rtr. Gimhan Rupasinghe and Rtr. Nipuna Rathnayake— the Member Relations Directors of the year 2021-22 and Rtr. Amalka Anjalee, Team Leader of the Member Relations Avenue for the year 2021-22 for their invaluable guidance. I extend my gratitude to my loving MR team, for without their unwavering commitment and support, the accomplishments we attained during the RI year 2022-23 would have remained mere aspirations. Additionally, I extend my sincere appreciation to the TLs of the Member Relations Avenue for the year 2022-23, who are the most supportive and exceptional TLs one could ask for. Furthermore, my gratitude extends to the TLs of our Club, who played an instrumental role in bringing RotaTomorrow 3.0 to life. I am also grateful to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors for the year 2022-23 for everything. There are these two special individuals in my Rotaract journey, Rtr. Hashan Koonara, Co-Director of the Member Relations Avenue of the year 2022-23 and Rtr. Shakya Wickramaarachchi, Vice-President 2022-23, my Rotaract journey wouldn’t have been the same without them.

Now, as I bid farewell to my Rotaract journey, it brings me immense joy to conclude my journey where it actually began. I express my deepest gratitude to Rotaract for everything it has given me. The lifetime friendships, unforgettable memories, the life lessons, what more could I ask for? I’m truly grateful to Rotaract for everything. Thank you again for giving me the two most memorable years of my life. These years have enriched my memory book with countless new entries.