The Rotaract Club of SLIIT has always been about creating connections, fostering friendships, and making a positive impact. And this year, Rtr. Gemini Biseka and Rtr. Shameena Abdeen, our newly appointed International Service Directors, are ready to take those connections global! These two are all set to transcend boundaries, build bridges, and leave a legacy of global unity that the world won’t forget.

Being an International Services Director is no small feat. It’s a role that believes in the power of global unity and togetherness. It’s about exploring, understanding, and serving diverse communities worldwide. Gemini and Shameena are not just leading projects; they’re crafting initiatives that go beyond language barriers and cultural differences. From humanitarian missions to educational programs, their projects have one common goal: to make the world a better place.

Their mission is to inspire our club members to become global citizens who embrace diversity and stand up for those in need. And if that means navigating the occasional awkward Zoom call, so be it. After all, it’s service above self—one awkward Zoom call at a time!

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Gemini Biseka is quite literally the sweetest person you’ll ever meet—unless you’re a drinking straw, that is. Yes, she’s got a habit of biting the life out of drinking straws, which might seem out of the blue, but it’s just one of the many endearing traits that make her who she is. And while she’s fearless in her mission to connect with communities worldwide, she’s also deadly scared of snakes, spiders, and pretty much any creepy crawly, real or fake. Even a rubber snake is enough to send her into a frenzy!

But beyond the quirks and fears, Gemini is an International Services Director with a heart of gold. She’s got a number of international admirers already, and it’s no surprise—her patience and dedication are legendary. Shameena, her co-director, who admits to missing her calls way too often, can vouch for Gemini’s unending patience. Together, they make an unstoppable team.

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If there’s one person you want in a crisis, it’s Shameena Abdeen. Just don’t try calling her—she might not pick up! Known for her reliability in any situation, Shameena is a force to be reckoned with. She’s popular, she’s got a ton of funny stickers of herself, and she’s the coolest and most supportive IS director, according to Gemini. And she’s fiercely independent, handling challenges with grace and confidence.

Shameena’s not just a director; she’s a bundle of joy with pink hair and a vibrant personality. Working alongside her, Gemini too feels proud and inspired, knowing that together they can bring out the best in everyone around them. 

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Now, here’s the fun part of their partnership: Gemini and Shameena can’t turn on their cameras during meetings because they can’t stop laughing at each other. This little fact is going to be interesting, given that most of their projects as International Services Directors will be online! But if there’s one thing we know about these two, it’s that they’ll find a way to make it work—probably with a lot of laughter and a few awkward Google Meets.

So what’s on the agenda for this year? Gemini and Shameena have big plans. They’re aiming to reach out to more clubs, especially beyond Asia, while continuing their collaborations with existing ones. The focus is on crafting initiatives that are impactful and meaningful to communities worldwide. Whether it’s through new partnerships or more ambitious projects, this year promises to be one of immense growth, learning, and global impact.

Buckle up, Rotaractors! With Gemini and Shameena leading the way, we’re poised to witness a legacy of global impact, one project at a time. Here’s to a year of bridging divides, fostering understanding, embracing diversity, and making the world just a little bit smaller—and a lot more connected.

Penned By:

Rtr. Tanuri Dissanayaka

Co-Editor 24-25