As the bells of celebration concluding a successful Rotaract year (2024-25) rang, curtains opened at the heart of Colombo to reveal the gleaming Monarch Imperial venue that hosted over 800 Rotaractors, dignitaries, and youth leaders from all over the island for a grand celebration.

The 35th Rotaract District Assembly commemorated in the early hours of 28th June 2025 to honour the work of the 70 Rotaract clubs of District 3220 in concluding Rotaract year and mark the beginning of a new journey by passing the collar to a new District Rotaract Representative (from PHF Rtn. Rtr. P.P. S. Mendis (DRR 2024–25) to Rtr. P.P. N. Mahmood (DRR 2025–26)) and a new District Steering Committee. This moment spoke for itself as the roars of applause erupted across the venue welcoming the future. This event was a historic occasion, marking the largest District Assembly gathering to date.

Every club that were there that day shared a common understanding of the passion, dedication and effort it took to be there. As the leaders took the stage to voice their stories of impact, it sent an electrifying wave of inspiration swept across the venue. There was no doubt that they served as the unsung heroes in their communities.

As the day unfolded, the Rotaract Club of SLIIT strode in dressed to the nines, prepared to be rightfully recognised. And we weren’t disappointed. Spectacularly, the Rotaract Club of SLIIT added 10 outstanding awards to its belt, marking another remarkable chapter that reflected our passion for sprouting meaningful change. If one were to define these awards, it would be through the words of Steve jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” 

Standing from left to right: Rtr. Dulasha Annasiwatta, Rtr. Harithra Karunakaran, Rtr. Danushkar Pushparajah, Rtr. Ranuka Perera, Rtr. Yasith Adithya, Rtr. Charith Yohan, Rtr. Jayod Perera, Rtr. Gemini Biseka, Rtr. Shameena Abdeen, Rtr. Anishka Jude Fernando, Rtr. Duwaragie Kugaraj, Rtr. Amandi Wickramarathna, Rtr. Tarini Nanayakkara, Rtr. Senadi Damsini Gamage, Rtr. Heshanya Wijedasa, and Rtr. Kisaja Vethmin Wijewardhana.

Sitting from left to right: Rtr. Minupa Methvan, Rtr. Shanjai Pushparaj, Rtr. Dinuri Perera, and Rtr. Sarah Daniel

Here are the laurels we brought home for the year 2024-2025:

CLUB AWARDS (SILVER LAURELS):

• Most Outstanding External Partnership-Based Initiatives: Yuthukama

Featuring: Rtr. Sarah Daniel and Rtr. Danushkar Pushparajah

• Most Outstanding Public Image Initiatives: Dhaara

Featuring: Rtr. Tarini Nanayakkara and Rtr. Ranuka Perera

CLUB AWARDS (BRONZE LAURELS):

• Most Outstanding Fundraiser in ROI of Service: Unhinged

From left to right: Rtr. Ranuka Perera, Rtr. Manisha Alwis, and Rtr. Kisaja Vethmin Wijewardhana

• Most Successful Continuous Twin Club Effort: Continuation of Twin Club Agreement

From left to right: Rtr. Gemini Biseka, Rtr. Jayod Perera, and Rtr. Shameena Abdeen

• Most Outstanding Club Service Initiative Fellowship (External): Unhinged
• Most Outstanding Club Service Initiative Fellowship (Internal): RotaVerse

Standing from left to right: Rtr. Tarini Nanayakkara, Rtr. Duwaragie Kugaraj, Rtr. Shanjai Pushparaj, and Rtr. Harithra Karunakaran

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:

• President of the Month January: Rtr. Jayod Perera

From left to right: PHF Rtn. Rtr. P.P. S. Mendis (DRR 2024–25), Rtr. P.P. N. Mahmood (DRR 2025–26), Rtr. Jayod Perera

• Secretary of the Month September: Rtr. Charith Yohan

From left to right: Rtr. Dinuri Perera, Rtr. Charith Yohan, and Rtr. Amandi Wickramarathna

• Spirit of Service: Rtr. Ranuka Perera

Featuring: Rtr. Ranuka Perera

• Rotaract Citation Award

Beyond these incredible projects and individual recognitions, our club also received special acknowledgment for hosting the January DCM, the 34th District Assembly, and the RCL.

Standing from left to right: Rtr. Kisaja Vethmin Wijewardhana, Rtr. Heshanya Wijedasa, Rtr. Minupa Methvan, Rtr. Senadi Damsini Gamage, Rtr. Tarini Nanayakkara, Rtr. Amandi Wickramarathna, Rtr. Ranuka Perera, Rtr. Jayod Perera, Rtr. Manisha Alwis, Rtr. Charith Yohan, Rtr. Dinuri Perera, Rtr. Anishka Jude Fernando, Rtr. Dulasha Annasiwatta, and Rtr. Yasith Adithya

We are immensely proud of our wonderful President, dedicated Board of Directors, and the hard work and support of all our Rotaractors who poured their heart and soul into every project, every initiative, and every endeavour that the club undertook with sheer determination. This day was more than the awards we achieved, rather it reflected the impact we managed to imprint in our community and our unwavering commitment to ‘Service Above Self’.

It’s on days like this, among the cheers and announcements, there is a quiet lingering feeling of satisfaction that never fails to show up. It arises not because of the recognitions rather from the profound realization of the impact we have managed to achieve. And it’s the only happiness that not everyone experiences unless they extend a hand.

Like Albert Pike said: “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

With the curtains drawn on a night of triumph, we left the venue as rising winners, fueled by the ambition to continue to strive harder, win bigger, and shower our impact beyond all limits.

Featuring Rtr. Jayod Perera, Rtr. Charith Yohan, Rtr. Dulasha Annasiwatta, Rtr. Harithra Karunakaran, Rtr. Danushkar Pushparajah, Rtr. Yasith Adithya, Rtr. Gemini Biseka, Rtr. Shameena Abdeen, Rtr. Sarah Daniel, Rtr. Anishka Jude Fernando, Rtr. Duwaragie Kugaraj, Rtr. Amandi Wickramarathna, Rtr. Tarini Nanayakkara, Rtr. Senadi Damsini Gamage, Rtr. Heshanya Wijedasa, Rtr. Kisaja Vethmin Wijewardhana, Rtr. Minupa Methvan, Rtr. Shanjai Pushparaj, and Rtr. Dinuri Perera

Penned By:

Rtr. Rana Rilwan

Co Editor 25-26