At the heart of Rotaract lies a promise—a commitment to transform enthusiastic individuals into confident, capable, and compassionate leaders. This is where the Directors of Professional Development, Rtr Lakshitha Karunaweera and Rtr. Chelaka Wijesekara come in. With an agenda brimming with workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities, they are the guiding lights, ensuring that every Rotaractor unlocks their full potential. Their mission is to nurture the seeds of leadership that lie dormant in each member and to turn them into formidable forces of change.

Lakshitha, fondly known as “Lakshi” or “Lakii”, is the epitome of dedication and creativity. Her infectious laughter and unwavering commitment to the Rotaract movement makes her a beloved figure among members. A true leader, Lakshitha once found herself conducting interviews for Project Team Alpha while locked out of her house, sitting on the ground with a laptop in hand. Talk about dedication! But don’t let her fun and approachable nature fool you; Lakshitha is serious about deadlines. If you’re working with her, you better stay on track, or you might just witness a side of her that’s all business! 

Her journey into the world of Rotaract began in the most unexpected way: a friend dragged her to a general meeting to check out the cute guys. Fast forward to today, and she’s the one helping those same guys (and everyone else) become confident leaders. Now, that’s a plot twist!

Lakshitha also happens to be from Nuwara Eliya, which quickly became an excuse for the Board to plan trips to the beautiful hills. She’s the kind of friend who constantly checks up on you, always ensuring you’re doing well. And as much as she’s loved by her friends, it’s no surprise that if you introduce her to your parents, she’s bound to become their favorite! (yes, I’m speaking from experience)

Then there’s Rtr. Chelaka Wijesekara, the younger brother figure to many in the Rotaract community. He’s kind, confident, and always ready with a witty remark. Whether he’s emceeing an event or creating strategic partnerships, Chelaka is a force to be reckoned with in the world of business development. But don’t let his professional prowess fool you, he’s also the life of the party, known for his fun-loving nature and dirty sense of humor.

Fun fact: Chelaka can’t swim to save his life—literally! Once, under the influence and brimming with confidence, he jumped into the deep end of a pool, convinced that his equally inebriated friends would save him. Luckily, they did, but it hasn’t stopped him from diving into new challenges headfirst, whether or not he’s fully prepared. His motto, “Always give 100%–unless you’re pouring the drinks.” reflects his approach to life exceptionally well. And if you’re a girl close to him,you’re bound to be called “bbg”– it’s practically a rite of passage. Just be prepared for some cheeky stickers in your inbox!

Together, Lakshitha and Chelaka are more than just directors; they are the backbone of the Professional Development Avenue. Their dedication to elevating the professional qualities, skills, and abilities of Rotaractors, university students, and even school students is unparalleled. By creating an environment of continuous learning and development, they are equipping individuals with the necessary tools to excel in their professional journeys and contribute positively to society.

With their guidance, we can all become the architects of our own futures, shaping ourselves into confident leaders ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

This year, Rtr. Lakshitha and Rtr. Chelaka are the catalysts of change, the sculptors of future leaders, and the life of every Rotaract event. So here’s to the maestros of personal and professional advancement, the dynamic duo who are making every Rotaractor’s journey a little brighter, a little better, and a lot more fun!

Penned By:

Rtr. Tanuri Dissanayaka

Co-Editor 2024-25