Explore Rotaract RI 3220 issue 2

Editors Note – Celebrate the success of
Explore Rotaract @ 3220 at a
Year 2012!
glance

Nothing Better than Rotaract 5 Let me start-off by wishing all the readers of
Explore Rotaract @ 3220 a Happy New Year! I
Rtr. Tharaka De Alwis, Mr. Rotasia hope year 2013 brings you greater
2012 shares his experience of being opportunities, achievements and moments to
part of Rotasia. cherish within and outside of Rotaract!

A common complaint observed by most of us
during the latter part of the year was that 2012
Know Your District Committee 6-8
took us on an expressway. Maybe the various
Get to know three of your favourite commitments we made kept us extremely busy
District Committee members, up and that we did not even realise that time was flying.
close as we reveal interesting details Be it that or the other, for Rotaractors, 2012 was
about them. a year well spent with thousands of young
individuals all over Sri Lanka fighting for various
causes. In addition, the Rotaract network
witnessed a considerable growth in terms of
Congratulations! 10 number of active clubs, strengthening the power
we have as a youth movement.
Join us to congratulate the best
President of the month and best
This bulletin is yet again an attempt to recap
Rotaractor of the Month for
some of the efforts of Rotaractors under District
September, October and November.
3220 in the second quarter of the Rotaract
calendar. While extending my gratitude to DRR
Rtr. PP. Dilhan Jayatilleke, the District Committee
Unleash 23 and other clubs for assisting me in numerous
ways, I invite you to enjoy reading Explore
Rtr. Sachnitha Fernando points out Rotaract @ 3220.
the importance of standing up for
yourself in her inspiring article Let us celebrate the success of year 2012 and
exclusively written for this issue. hope that the same spirit continues in the
coming years as well...

Rtr. Thilini Alahakoon
Editor – Rotaract District 3220

Please send in your comments and suggestions to thiliniha@gmail.com. Your feedback
is greatly appreciated.

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Message from the District Rotaract Representative – 2012 / 2013

H
ere we are in year 2013, creates an opportunity for you to reach
having entered the Third maximum awareness possible. As I
Quarter of Rotaract Year always spell, Rotaract is not only a mere
2012 / 2013 and the Second or the Final Local Community. It is a Global
Half of a remarkable year in service. Let Community. This Quarterly News
me welcome all you enthusiastic Bulletin builds that bridge to reach the
readers to the Second Issue of the News ultimate.
Bulletin. The comments received after
At the same time, let me invite you to
Explore Rotaract @ 3220: The Official Bulletin of Rotaract District 3220

launching the First Issue made the
thoroughly read this publication, since it
District Committee stronger to present
is the best way that we can acknowledge
you a much better version of ‘Explore
the hard work, commitment and
Rotaract @ 3220’.
dedication put up by your fellow
I would fail in my duty if I do not Rotaractors. I must also add that I am
mention the District Editor Rtr. Thilini extremely proud as your leader to see
Alahakoon for her sheer commitment to the warmth and togetherness shown by
the task. She was well supported by the all of you in everything that we did
District Director for Public Relations together in the past. Need the same
Rtr. Ransimalie Warnapura. The level of support in the upcoming six
corporation extended by the District months as well, in order to make this
Secretary Rtr. Nadisha Colombage Rotaract Year a resounding success.
cannot be forgotten as well. Apart from
In conclusion, I sincerely hope that you
them, let me take this opportunity to
will enjoy
thank each and everyone who has
reading
rendered a helping hand to make this
‘Explore
Second Issue an attractive one.
Rotaract @
What I would like to mention herewith 3220’ as much
is that Rotaract Clubs must get as we enjoyed
maximum use of this News Bulletin. in compiling it.
Keep in mind that this is your
“Let’s Unite to Make Dreams Real”
publication. This publication will go
Rtr. PP. Dilhan S. Jayatilleke
into the hands of many Districts over
District Rotaract Representative
the world, especially in South Asia. That

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Being a Rotaractor
Rotaract District 3220 – Sri Lanka

Rotaract is an extra source of energy
to live our lives doing what we like
using the way we like and helps us to
be satisfied and happy by satisfying
another who wishes to be satisfied

- Rtr. Rasika Kalum To me Rotaract is all
President, Rotaract Club of about serving Society in
Nuwara Eliya general, the community

you reside in and yourself
whilst enjoying it.

- Rtr. Sudham Dewaraja
President, Rotaract Club,
Faculty of Science,
University of Colombo

People do not know what they can
For me Rotaract is an accomplish until they get together.
opportunity for me to
Rotaract gives its members support
enhance the knowledge and resources to power a change.
and skills that will
assist me in personal - Rtr. Nilangika Fernando
development, to President, Rotaract Club of University
address social of Colombo, Faculty of Management
requirements in and Finance,
different communities
and to expand network
through a framework of
friendship and service.

- Rtr. Anuja Madushan
Herath
President, Rotaract
Club of Kuliyapitiya

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Nothing Better than Rotaract
Rotasia – An International Rotaract Experience

R
OTASIA is an international My Rotasia Experience - Rtr. Tharaka
conference of Rotaractors and De Alwis (Mr. Rotasia for 2012 at Nepal)
Rotaract Clubs in South Asia. It is
“This was my first visit to a
an international gathering of
neighbouring Asian country so there
Rotaractors in the region to exchange
were a lot of expectations and a certain
information, enhance fellowship, build
level of uncertainty with regards to the
networks and concentrate ideas and
landscape of this new region that I was
efforts to work together for a common
about to explore. One of my most
agenda of youths in general. ROTASIA is
memorable occasions was when we

generally understood as a 3-4 day
walked out of the Delhi airport a gust of
conference for youths with invitees
wind swept across our faces and when
from Rotary. In 2012, 750 youth from
we knew that this was no Colombo, this
the region and across the globe
was Delhi, India and damn wasn’t it
participated in the event.
chilly outside.
In 2012, Rotasia was hosted by Rotaract
District 3292 in Katmandu, Nepal. Over The opportunities for fellowship were
600 Rotaractors from all the Districts in so immense, and I built new contacts
the Sub-continent participated in this with the fellow participants from Sri
event. Rtr. Tharaka De Alwis, of the Lanka, which have now blossomed into
Rotaract Club of IIT became Mr. Rotasia friendships. With distinguished guests
amongst heavy competition. such as UN Resident and Humanitarian
Coordinator for Nepal and ILO’s Asia
Rotasia 2013 will be held in Dhaka,
Youth Employment Specialist coming in
Bangladesh from the 30th of January
as speakers, the educational benefits
2013 to the 2nd of February 2013. DRR
were indescribable.
Rtr. M Mahhmudul Hasan of RID 3280
visited Sri Lanka in December to Personally for me, becoming Mr. Rotasia
elaborate his plans for Rotasia 2013. for 2012 was an exhilarating
This year, in addition to the regular experience. That and the “Elephant
schedule, there will be a Cruise for all Port” we visited, were two of the
participants to enjoy as well as a post- experiences I brought back home with
Rotasia tour for those who are me and will cherish for the rest of my
interested in an opportunity for life.
fellowship.
I would certainly encourage all my
Rotasia is truly a thrilling experience for fellow Rotaractors to take this
Rotaractors who wish to understand opportunity and visit Bangladesh for
how clubs in other Districts function. Rotasia 2013 and to experience the
Written By: Rtr. Ransimalie beauty of another nation and familiarize
Warnapura yourselves with how international
Rotaract really is.”

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Know Your District Committee
District Director - Club Service & Club Development / ZRR - Zone 1 – Rtr.
IPP. Hazeem Osman
Being the Club Service Director and ZRR for Zone 1, Hazeem has been part of almost all
the clubs as much as its members have. His commitment to Rotaract is indeed
admirable. Hazeem is also the Immediate Past President of the Rotaract Club of Colombo
Fort, and joined Rotaract in 2009 after 5 years of Interact at Zahira College. During his tenure
as the President, his Club received 20 District Awards and Recognitions, which is proof of
his competencies as a leader.

If you are to the bond and fellowship that will
recommend eventually motivate all Clubs to perform

Rotaract to a happily.
friend, what
will you tell Name one thing about yourself that
them? most people do not know. Everyone
I would say knows everything about me I guess, as a
that Rotaract result of the true friendship which I
is the best cherish the most in my life via Rotaract.
movement
for any youth What quality of people do you hate the
to relax and enjoy themselves whilse most and why? Personally, I hate if
learning to imrpove in terms of people change themselves. I also love it
professional development and become
if everyone is always cheerful and
better human being through service to
society. unchanged. I admire an honest and
humble person but I cannot stand
What was the most memorable dishonesty.
moment in Rotaract for you?
My whole Rotaract career is a beautiful What is the best compliment you have
memory for me, but, in my Rotaract
ever received? In terms of awards, the
career, the moment which I consider to
be the most remarkable was the minute Rotaract Paragon Award in 2011 /
I got collared as the President of my 2012, but my best compliment would
Rotaract Club. the privilege of being in Rotaract and
having such wonderful Rotaractors
What is the most difficult thing about around me.
being a Rotaractor? Being a Rotaractor
is always easy. There is nothing difficult What is success for you? Attainment of
about it. Rotaract is always entertaining
the desired goals with a good set of true
and relaxing and at the same time,
extremely inspiring. friends around me is success for me.

According to you, what can we as a Favourite quote
District do to strengthen and improve “Lend a Hand, Lend a Heart”
the movement? As a District, we need to
be supportive, play a good advisory
innings and most importantly maintain

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Zonal Rotaract Representative (ZRR) - Zone 2 / 5– Rtr. IPP. Ronia Peerez
One of the most highly praised Presidents Rotaract has ever had, Ronia is a dynamic
and competent individual. She is currently working as a Secretarial Assistant at
Corporate Managers & Secretaries and following ICSA (UK). She joined Rotaract in
2011 by reviving the Rotaract Club of Matale, which proved to be a huge success story.

If you are According to you, what can we as a
to District do to strengthen and improve
recommen the movement?
d Rotaract As a District, we should help and guide
to a friend, the Clubs to keep up to the standards of

what will District 3220 to strengthen and shine as
you tell a best District as a whole...
them?
Rotaract is Name one thing about yourself that
one place most people do not know.
where you I think everyone know everything they
can bring should know about me
out and enhance your talents and get
yourself introduced to a wide What quality of people do you hate the
community where you get to meet a lot most and why?
of people and build up friendship while If you start to list them down there will
being involved in a worthy cause. be plenty, so best is only to accept them
for their better part...
What was the most memorable
moment in Rotaract for you? What is the best compliment you have
Every Rotaract event I participated was ever received?
a memorable event. However, the My year of Presidentship as the
District Trip to Jaffna in the year President of the Rotaract Club of Matale
2011/2012 with IPDRR Suthakaran and and all the achievements.
the crew was one of the memorable
moments. What / who inspires you and why?

What is the most difficult thing about The people whom I meet in my day-to-
being a Rotaractor? day activities and the good
Almost all the Rotaractors are students characteristics that I admire and learn
plus employees. In my case, I have been inspire me.
running an outstation club while being
in Colombo. Therefore, I think time is What is success for you?
vital when you are a Rotaractor. But
when you have managed everything, at Living a life to your content is success.
the end of the day you will see the
amount of experience you've gained. Favourite quote

“You only live once, but if you do it right,
once is enough.”

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District Secretary District Director - Community Service – Rtr. PP. Shanaka
Indrajith

Shanaka is a quite personality, probably the quietest individual of the District. Being the
charter president of Rotaract Club of ANC, he has successfully created a club that grows
from strength to strength each year. He currently serves as the Vice President and
Community Service Director of Rotaract Club of Colombo while being an exemplary
young entrepreneur.

If you are doing projects, making "service" a
to fun thing.

recommen 3) Getting the community actively
d Rotaract involved in community service
to a friend, activities and sharing the Rotaract
what will Spirit with them.
you tell
them? Name one thing about yourself that
It is fun! most people do not know.
Great for Actually, most people don’t know much
networking about me anyway! I can whistle while
and a good smiling...
way to give back to your community...
What quality of people do you hate the
What was the most memorable most and why?
moment in Rotaract for you? It will Arrogant people. Attitude is good but
definitely be my experience of being arrogance means you don’t care about
part of 2005 RYLA. others.

What is the most difficult thing about What is the best compliment you have
being a Rotaractor? ever received?
At times Rotaract takes up a lot of time. Hmmm... :)
Especially because I work till late, there
has been situations where time has been What / who inspires you and why?
an obstacle in being a Rotaractor. My Father

According to you, what can we as a What is success for you?
District do to strengthen and improve Achieving my realistic goals in life.
the movement? I have set Goals for my Family, Work
I see three things we can do; and Social life.
1) Arrange more inspirational
workshops, more team building Favourite quote
workshops like RYLA or Ground “Don't be scared to do what you think
Breakers. is right, Those who Mind don't matter,
2) Sway from the regular events and those who Matter Won't Mind...”
come up with innovative ways of

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Congratulations!

September September

President of the Month Rotaractor of the Month

Rtr. Ravindra Tammita Rtr. Monali Thilakawardane
Rotaract Club of Kandy Rotaract Club of Centennial United

October October


Rtr. Nilangika Fernando Rtr. Senthilnathan Dineshkumar
Rotaract Club of University of Rotaract Club of Chunnakam
Colombo, Faculty of Management &
Finance

November November


Rtr. Anuja Madhushan Herath Rtr. Rangitha Kuruppu
Rotaract Club of Kuliyapitiya Rotaract Club of Colombo Fort

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District Events Completed in the Second Quarter
Rotaract visits the Northern end of Sri Lanka!

T
he 4th Rotaract Internal The third day was full of Cultural
District Youth Exchange took experiences to the participants; which
place on the third weekend of included a session to be dressed in
October and was scheduled to Jaffna traditional Hindu attire (Men- Vesthi
with the main intention of visiting the and Women-Sarees) and religious
clubs in the zone and attending their ceremonies at the Nallur Kovil. This
installation ceremonies. The visit was served as an opportunity for

hosted by the Rotaract clubs of Jaffna, Rotaractors to explore and live
Jaffna Mid Town, Nallur and traditions different from their own.
Chunnakam. The three-day visit started
Jaffna visit is an ever-popular District
off with a visit to the Jaffna Library,
Visit, which witnessed the participation
followed by a swim in the Kashurina
of Rotaract Clubs of Colombo,
Beach which is among the most
University of Colombo Faculty of
wonderful beaches in the country.
Science, Colombo Fort, University of
The second day was more of a formal, Colombo Faculty of Arts, American
yet an eventful day, with the National College and University of
Rotaractors participating at the Joint Colombo Faculty of Management and
installation ceremonies of the Rotaract Finance.
Clubs of Jaffna and Jaffna Mid Town,
Written by: Rtr. Ransimalie Warnapura
which installed the Presidents Rtr.
Gunabakan Wishwaruban and Rtr.
Vasanthanajakam Dushanthan as the
leaders of the clubs for Rotaract year
2012/2013. Later, in the evening the
joint installation ceremony of the
Rotaract Clubs of Nallur and
Chunnakam took place, where
Rotaractors witnessed the installations
of Presidents Rtr. Arunthavachcelvan
Anithdrokshan and Rtr. Patkunarajah
Thusjanthan.

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Rotaractors Visit the Hill Country

I
t was one of the most exhilarating captured the most attention from all
Rotaract experiences; the 2012 district visits, with the participation of
Kandy District visit had surpassed over 120 Rotaractors around the
all expectations with the fun and country, who joined the District
excitement it had in store for the Rotaract Representative and the rest of
Rotaractors coming in from all over the the District Committee to their
country. It was held during on the 15 th excursion to the hill country!

and the 16th of September 2012,
Written By: Rtr. Ransimalie Warnapura
comprising of two installations and the
TRR Rajans Cricket Tournament, it was
a fun-filled weekend for all.

The weekend started off with the TRR
Rajans Cricket Tournament held at the
Asgiriya Cricket Grounds with a crowd
of over 400 Rotaractors, Rotarians and
friends. The winners and the runners-up
were the Rotaract Clubs of Nikaweratiya
and Panadura, respectively.

The next had in store the installation
ceremonies of the two clubs in the zone:
The Rotaract club of Kandy and the
Rotaract Club of University of
Peradeniya. Rtr. Ravindra Tammita and
his board was installed for the Rotaract
Club of Kandy, while Rtr. Pradeep De
Alwis and his board was installed for
the Rotaract Club of University of
Peradeniya.

The weekend, to put mildly, was
exuberant, and probably one which has

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Rotaract Visit to Kuliyapitiya and Suwa Saviya Health Camp

T
he Rotaractors from District 3220 The following day was dedicated to yet
visited Kuliyapitiya on the 24th another community service project by
and 25th of November. The main Rotaractros, the "Suwa Saviya" health camp.
objective of this visit was to attend the This project was done jointly by the Rotaract
Charter Installation Ceremony of Rotaract Clubs of Colombo Fort, Kuliyapitiya,
Club of Kuliyapitiya. Matale and Batticoloa. The project was a
full day medical camp, carried out with the

"EMPEZA" the charter installation
help of the Sanasa Association at
ceremony of the Rotaract club of
Kadawalagedera Pahala Gomugamuwa in
Kuliyapitita was held on the 24th of
Kuliyapitiya. With the aid of 4 doctors
November from 4.00 pm onwards at the
which included Rtr. Pres. Milton
Srimali Earls Courts. The event was
Mathushan from Rotaract Club of
graced by chieft guest Dr. Thilak
Batticaloa,we were able to serve around
Kandaragama and the guest of honor
350-400 individuals much needed health
Assistant governor Rtn. Donald Gamini
check-ups under different categories like eye
Thilaka and also fellow Rotarians,
and dental with the distribution of free
Rotaractors, parents and well-wishers.
medication.
The event witnessed the official induction
of the charter president Rtr. Anuja
Madushan and the board of directions for
the year 2012/2013.The highlights of the
event were the launch of the official
website of Rotaract club of Kuliyapitiya
(rotaractclubofkuliyapitiya.org) and the
amazing surprise given to president of the
Rotary club of Kuliyapitiya PHF Rtn. Ajith
Kumara to show gratitude for his major
donation to the rotary foundation.

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Seeni Meanie: Rotaract District Diabetes Awareness Project

S
eeni Meanie is the Diabetes Higher Education, University of
Awareness Campaign carried out Colombo, Faculty of Art, Science, Law &
by Diabetes Association of Sri Management, Rotaract Club of
Lanka with the collaboration of Rotary University of Sri Jayewardenepura,
District 3220. This program mainly Rotaract Club of Spectrum Institute of
targets the youth of Sri Lanka to Science and Technology, Rotaract Club
enlighten them about the risks and of University of Kelaniya and Rotaract

prevention of diabetes. Club of University of Moratuwa,
American National College and
Seeni Meanie workshop mainly consists
Informatics Institute of technology.
of an awareness lecture plus a Risk
Assessment which is basically similar to Special thanks go for Dr. Mahen
a clinic where each and every Wijesuriya, Mrs. Dhanya Wijesuriya and
participant are examined in order to Staff members of Diabetes Association
assess whether they are in risk of having of Sri Lanka for giving us such
diabetes. knowledge and specially for facilitating
us throughout the lecture series. We are
Rotaract District 3220 has yet taken
grateful to District Governor Rtn. PHF.
another step further in delivering the
Darshan John and all the Rotarians, for
best for the Rotaractors. Joining hands
the guidance given. And without all the
with Rotary District 3220 and Diabetes
district committee members and fellow
Association of Sri Lanka successful Seeni
Rotaractors this project would never
Meanie workshops were conducted at
have been a success.
12 Institutional-based Rotaract Clubs;
Written By: Rtr. Anupama Gunathilake
Rotaract Club of Achievers Lanka
Business School, Imperial Institute of

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Rota Eve 2012 – Christmas Party

The Annual Rotaract District Christmas
Party was jointly co-hosted by the
Rotaract Clubs of Colombo Fort, Colombo
Midtown and Millennium City on the 14 th
December 2012 from 6:00 pm onwards at
No 51, Fife Road, Colombo 5.

There was a good turnout of around 65
Rotaractors from many Rotaract clubs.
This was a fun-filled evening and a
celebration of the first six months of hard
work and Rotaract service.

The main highlights were that this
occasion saw the presence of the Rot-Asia
Sri Lanka chairperson Rtr. Mutthiah
Prabaharan and this event was carried
out in a roman “TOGA-FETE” style.

All Rotaractors enjoyed the fellowship in
good spirit. A night filled with dance, song
and Roman – style entertainment this was
yet another unforgettable project.

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Club Service Projects

Initiating a year of excellence
Rotaract Club of Faculty of Law, East and the fellow Rotaract Clubs were
University of Colombo among those who were felicitated in this
ceremony.
The Charter
Installation Rotaract Club of University of
Ceremony of Moratuwa
Rotaract Club

The legacy of Rotaract Mora continues
of Faculty of
with the 17th installation ceremony of
Law,
the Rotaract Club of University of
University of
Moratuwa, held on the 30th of
Colombo was
September at the Development Holdings
held on the
(Pvt.) Ltd auditorium, Colombo 02. Prof.
13h of September 2012, at the Senate
R.A. Athalage, the Deputy Vice
Hall, University of Colombo. After being
Chancellor of University of Moratuwa
handed the Charter Certificate,
graced the occasion as the chief guest.
President Rtr. Janith Thilakarathne and
The installation saw the incoming
his board officially took office for the
president for 2012/2013, Rtr. Chinthaka
year 2012/2013.
Dharmasiri and his board taking office.
The chief guest for the event was Rtn.
The outgoing president, Rtr. Benura
Lasantha Wijeweera, President of the
Vithana took the center stage, making a
Rotary Club of Colombo East, while the
comprehensive address and furnishing
Dean of Faculty of Law, Mr.
the audience with his experiences as a
V.T.Thamilmaran, chaired the event as
past president.
the guest of honor. The sponsoring
Rotary club- Rotary club of Colombo

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Get Wet Pool Party – Rotaract Baila Night 2012 - a night of
Club of Pamunugama entertainment, Sri Lankan style!

The Rotaract Club of Pamunugama Organized by the Rotaract Clubs of
organized “the hottest party of the year Cinnamon Gardens and University of
– “GET WET POOL PARTY” at The Villa Colombo, Faculty of Arts, Baila Night
Palma Beach Hotel, Pamunugama on 1 st 2012 will be held on the 3rd of
of December 2012 with a packed crowd November 2012.

of over 250 young people.
The event is expected to raise funds to

This was organized to raise funds for support a rural school in the recently

the future community service efforts of resettled village “Kalebogaswewa” in

the Rotaract Club of Pamunugama. The Vavuniya. These funds will be utilized to

club intends to lend a hand to the lives support the education of the 200 keen

of the needy people in the area specially primary school children and to buy

the school children and the aged. water filters needed to ensure a
hygienic school environment.
The President, Rtr. Bimal Ranatunga and
Baila Night 2012 will be a night of
members of Rotaract Club of
dance, songs, friends and fun “Sri Lanka
Pamunugama wish to convey their
style”. So, take a break from your busy
sincere gratitude to all sponsors and
schedules this weekend and come get
donors, the management of Villa Palma
your Baila groove on!
Beach Hotel, Pamunugama, Rotarians,
Rotaractors of District 3220, all service
providers, participants and all others
who helped in many ways to make this
event a successful and memorable
one. The enthusiasm, leadership and
thoughtfulness of Project Chairpersons
Rtr. Jerom, Rtr. Chanuka and the able
organizing committee should also be
appreciated.

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Community Service Projects
Paint a Smile

R
otaract Club of the Imperial Institute of Higher Education has recently had the
benefit of putting a smile on several faces through the ‘Paint a Smile’ project.
This project was initiated as part of the United Nations at the National Youth
Day Event. The event was conducted to create a better living space for children at one of
the buildings of the Suchirathodaya Children’s Development Center in Maharagama, a
project that was based on mainly painting the premises. ‘Paint a Smile’ was carried out
on the 8th and 10th of November during which the development center was painted by

the members of the Rotaract Club of IIHE, who also spent time with the children at the
center. The project was chaired by the community service director of the club Rtr. Sajith
Senevirathna. The paint and all other necessities for the project were sponsored by
Target Resource (Pvt) Ltd.

During the first day most of the indoor work was completed; all the rooms were
painted, and the children slowly began to get along with the Rotaractors. The second
day was filled with smiles as gift packs were distributed among the children and a
lasting bond was made between the Rotaractors and the children. The children
interactively took part in the project; wanting to paint along with the Rotaractors. The
eventful day with the children turned into an even more memorable one through the
singing and the games that were played, moments such as these will always remain
embedded as an important part of the Rotaractors’ journey. The project was highly
successful in the end, and the Rotaract club of Imperial Institute of Higher Education
was able to truly Paint a Smile.

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Community Service Projects
Green Dream
The rate of deforestation in Sri Lanka has mounted with an alarming speed over the
past few decades. A group of young Rotaractors of the Rotaract club of University of
Moratuwa thought of stepping out of their monotonous daily routine to do something
for this burning problem, through Green Dream. The idea underlying this project is the
reclamation of the deforested areas in the country through a replanting process. Its
initial phase was carried out in the Roonakanada reserve on 8 th and 9th of December.
The Rotaractors came up with this concept during the annual club trip to Roonakanda

after having a discussion with Mr.Udaya Chanaka, an environmentalist in the country.

Roonakanda being the second largest lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka is being
threatened by a great deal of deforestation. The Rotaract Mora took the initiative to
reforest the area, especially along the border of the forest with several endemic plants
and this was done under the guidance of the non- profit based organization “Friends of
Bio-diversity”

In order to make this noble cause a reality, 11 Rotaractors led by the project
chairperson Rtr. Pasan Hewa Kandamby reached the Roonakanda reserve on 8 th of
December. They engaged in the tiring task of clearing up about an acre of the forest
ground for the planting. Next day they prepared a plant nursery with about 50 endemic
plants intending to plant them in the reserve at a future date. By the end of that day they
managed to plant about 72 saplings, all endemic plant species, some of which were
pretty rare ones such as Hora, Beraliya, ,Kirihambiliya. Special thanks should go to Mr.
Udaya Chanaka for his kind guidance throughout the two days and to Rtr. Lahiru
Gawarammana for successfully coordinating this interesting project.

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Professional Development Projects
Save a Life
It was bright sunny day when the Saving Association, theory-covering
Rotaractors of Colombo Millennium City areas such as CPR to Basic first aid to
& ANC came out to “Save a Life” on the how handle snakebites. As part of
21st of October 2012. The project was practical sessions, participants were
conducted by the Life Saving given dummies and were able to
Association of Sri Lanka which the actually demonstrate actual CPR! All
National Life Guard Committee is Rotaractors present at the event was

completely run by a group of volunteers awarded a certificate which is valid
where we were lucky to witness some internationally which proves to say that
truly inspirational and actual incidents they have successfully completed the
experienced their very own life guards. foundation level of basic lifeguard
The event was chaired by Rtr. Chevon course.
David of Rotaract Club of Colombo
I believe there was a lot learned through
Millennium City and by Rtr. Pravi
this project, as we were taught how to
Gunaratne of Rotaract Club of American
face an emergency, what measures that
National College.
need to be taken, and most important of
The event took place at the Mount all learned how to “Save a Life”. A
Lavinia Beach within the Life Saving special thank you goes out to our
Association premises itself. The instructor Mr. Asanka Nanayakkara and
program included sessions like to Mr. Samith Thilina for the wonderful
teachings of basic life saving skills insights of teachings of how to save a
alongside a very interesting power point life when time in trouble.
presentation conducted by Mr. Asanka
Written by: Rtr. Chevon David
Nanayakkara, the General Secretary of
the
Life

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Professional Development Projects
Passion
The Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens The Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens
proudly presented “PASSION” an art was proud to host and support such a
exhibition for daring young artists benevolent cause, as we believe it is our
which was held from the 15th -16th of personal and civic duty to encourage
December 2012. It was a unique talented young artists whose names will
opportunity for those who are someday be embedded in history.
determined and daring to pursue their

passion relentlessly despite convention List of featured Artists:
and hardships. The key objective of the  Chathurika Jayani
exhibition was to promote art amongst  Isuri Dayaratne
the youth and educate the public about  Shamanthi Rajasingham
Sri Lankan modern art.  Irushi Tennekoon
 Indika Wijewardhana
The exhibition was held at the Sapumal
Foundation Gallery, which is one of
Guest Artist: DEP Thushara Pathirana
Colombo’s most prestigious and historic
gallery’s’ which houses all the works of
the ‘greats’ of Sri Lanka including
George Keyts, Beling and Daraniyagala.

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