The 27th Rotaract District Conference of R.I. District 3220 Sri Lanka & Maldives, which is one of the most glamorous events in the Rotaract calendar, was successfully held on the 5th of May 2018, at the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), with the participation of over 500 Rotaractors from District 3220, signifying the end of a successful Rotaract year. This colorful event was jointly hosted by the Rotaract Clubs of Colombo West, Panadura, University of Colombo – Faculty of Science and University of Moratuwa.
After the registration of the many attendees, the first session started off with the arrival of Chief Guest and dignitaries and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. After the dignitaries took their respective seats at the head table, the assembly was called to order by the DRR followed by the Flag Salutation, Invocation, Four-way test and the Rotaract Song.
The gathering was then formally welcomed warmly by the Conference Co-chairperson Rtr. Kanishka Wijayasekara, recognizing the presence of the distinguished guests at the event.
Next, the key player responsible for making this Rotaract year a success; DRR Rtr. PP. Anuradha Senanayake addressed the gathering. In her speech she drew special attention on what has been achieved so far by the Rotaract District 3220 and she was grateful to each and every one who helped her to achieve the goals during the year.
DRCC Rtn. PHF Bobby Shrinivas was then introduced and was invited to address the gathering as the next event in the proceedings. This was followed by presenting tokens of appreciation for the volunteers of the District Media Unit, Rotaractors of the past three quarters and the host clubs of the District events.
The podium was then taken by the District Governor Rtn. Dr. Ven. Bandagiriye Somawansa Thero. The Governor ended the speech by appreciating the great work done by the Rotaractors throughout the year.
Continuing with the proceedings, Rtr. Sanjula Perera entertained the audience with an amazing performance, followed by the address by the key note speaker Mr. Yasas Hewage, a competitive cyclist and Bike Fitter, an Entrepreneur, Co-founder of Strategy College, Founder of Spinner, SkillSalad and WrooM. He shared his journey and passion with the Rotaractors and also celebrated his birthday at the 27th Rotaract District Conference with our very own club president; Rtr. Vinura Ganegoda.
Before the lunch breakout, an election briefing and the presentations of the DRR nominees was held which marked the end of the first session.
The proceedings of the second session kicked off with the arrival of the Chief Guest followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. After the dignitaries took their respective seats at the head table, the assembly was called to order by the DRR Rtr. PP. Anuradha Senanayake followed by the Flag Salutation, Rotaract Invocation, Four-way test and the Rotaract song.
Next was a short address by the Youth Services Committee Chair Elect, Rtn. PHF G.S. Sylvester followed by the speech by the DRR Elect Rtr. PP. Amjath Yoosuf. He explained his action plan for the coming year with the powerful theme of “Inspire the Future”.
Afterwards, President/Secretary of the Month winners and the Cluster Projects were recognized with awards, which was followed by announcing the results of the DRR nominee election where Rtr. Krishan Balaji was selected as the DRR nominee.
DRCC Elect Rtn. PHF. Sathiyendra Tharmakularajasingham addressed the gathering while highlighting their fight against Dengue. Next on the agenda was the address by the Keynote speaker for the second session Mr. Dilith Jayaweera, where he highlighted the importance of innovation.
The final item on the agenda was the speech by the District Governor Elect Rtn. PHF. Dushan Soza, after which the 27th Rotaract District Conference was terminated by DRR Rtr. PP. Anuradha Senanayake.
Rotaract Red Carpet Affair
The most awaited night in the Rotaract calendar; Rotaract Red Carpet Affair was held on the 6th of May at the Eagle’s Lakeside Banquet Convention Hall were Rotaract Community awards were given out and the Rotaract King and Queen were crowned.
Written by –
Rtr. Dilini De Silva
Co-Editor 2017-18
Rotaract Club of SLIIT 