This meeting was just a meeting in the eyes of strangers but it marked a moment of “WE MADE IT” for those involved, the outgoing Board of Officials who stepped down with hearts full of nostalgia and gratitude knowing they have achieved everything they wanted to, and the new Board of Officials who stepped up with hearts full of hope and passion, knowing they will be the driving force of the club now.

The meeting was called to order with the ceremonial sound of the gavel struck by the Outgoing President, Rtr.IPP Jayod Perera. Soon after, the beautiful melody of the national anthem of Sri Lanka filled the room along with the Rotaract formalities recited by Rtr. Gemini Biseka.

The audience were then graced by the Outgoing Secretary, Rtr. Charith Yohan who for the last time, presented the Secretary’s Report for the RI Year 2024–25 wrapping the year with a perfect bow. He also spoke words of gratitude for all the support he received and wished the incoming Board of Officials all the very best.

His endearing speech transitioned seamlessly into the most heartwarming moment of the meeting: a video highlighting the best moments from every project filling the atmosphere with nostalgia.

The Immediate Past President for the RI Year 2025–26, Rtr. IPP Jayod Perera took the stage next. Building on the aura left by the video, he addressed the crowd for the last time. His path into Rotaract seems to be fate in definition because it was his friend who had filled out his application yet there he was, stood in front, reminiscing over the wonderful year he had the opportunity to lead. He proudly gestured to the trophies placed at the front that represented the club’s success in a tangible form congratulating everyone’s hard work. As he concluded his address, he shared a final thought: “Being a part of this club is not about the recognitions, it’s about the people you meet and the memories you make.”

Then came the most exciting moment: The Official Collaring Ceremony.

The Immediate Past President, Rtr. Jayod Perera, formally placed the presidential collar on Rtr. Yasith Adithya appointing him as the President of the Rotaract Club of SLIIT for RI Year 2025–26.

Upon stepping up, the Incoming President for the RI Year 2025–26, Rtr. Yasith Adithya delivered his inaugural address. Wearing the presidential collar, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and promised a year that would define the purpose of Rotaract. Then, he warmly welcomed the newly appointed Board of Officials for the RI Year 2025–26 and handed them their official appointment letters.

The gathering was then addressed by Rtn. Rtr. PP Hillary Perera, the GCC. She expressed her profound appreciation for the dedicated service of the 2024–25 Board of Officials and extended her heartfelt congratulations and wished the best for the incoming Board of Officials for the RI Year 2025–26.

As the meeting drew to a close, the Incoming Secretary for the RI Year 2025–26, Rtr. Dulasha Annasiwatta delivered the vote of thanks. Finally, to terminate the meeting, the Incoming president, Rtr. Yasith Adithya striked the gavel, its echo reverberating through the room welcoming the new Rotaract year.

Before we begin our new journey, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the outgoing board for their dedicated leadership and for so gracefully guiding us into our new roles:

Thank you to Rtr. Jayod Perera for leaving us with a truly unforgettable year and to Rtr. Manisha Alwis, thank you for your legacy of leadership. To our whirlwind of energy, Rtr. Charith Yohan, thank you for keeping our schedules from falling into complete chaos.

A huge shoutout to Rtr. Gemini Biseka and Rtr. Shameena Abdeen for taking our international connections global and to Rtr. Tanuri Dissanayake and Rtr. Kavisha Yapa for capturing our stories with creativity and humor.

To Rtr. Duwaragie Kugaraj and Rtr. Harithra Karunakaran, thank you for being our Mike Ross-es, with your incredible recall of every detail. Thank you to Rtr. Yasith Adithya for his incredible leadership as Vice President and Sergeant-at-Arms. And to our very own "Batman," Rtr. Tehan Nimsith, thank you for your boundless energy and for your innovative recruitment tactics.

A heartfelt thank you to our Vice President, Rtr. Vimeth Athukorala, for his inspiring leadership and for his remarkable skills in IT and content creation.

A special thank you to our Treasurer, Rtr. Dulasha Annasiwatta, for her financial expertise, which ensures our projects are not only well-funded but also guided by a purpose to give back to the community.

We'd also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our Assistant Secretaries, Rtr. Dinuri Perera and Rtr. Amandi Wickramarathne, for their unwavering dedication.

Thank you to Rtr. Dasuni Perera and Rtr. Theeptika Umamahesan for your hard work in corporate partnerships and a special thanks to Rtr. Kisaja Wijewardana and Rtr. Minupa Kanaheraarachchi for championing the spirit of fun and vitality through our sports avenue.

A huge shoutout to Rtr. Ranuka Perera and Rtr. Tarini Nanayakkara, thank you for consistently infusing our events with boundless energy and camaraderie.

To our unsung hero, Rtr. Muhammadhu Bishru, thank you for the brilliant mind behind our digital presence. And to the masterminds of our public relations, Rtr. Muhammed Mohideen and Rtr. Shanjai Pushparaj, thank you for swiftly capturing all our best moments.

To our guiding lights, Rtr. Chelaka Wijesekara and Rtr. Lakshitha Karunaweera, thank you for all your wit and dedication. And to our dynamic duo, Rtr. Danushkar Pushparajah and Rtr. Sarah Daniel, thank you for your dedication to community service and thank you, Rtr. Danushkar, for proving that even a love for sleep can’t stop you from making an impact.

It has been a privilege to serve with you all.

With hearts full of hope and a shared purpose, we are ready to write our own chapter and strive to serve.

Penned By:

Rtr. Rana Rilwan

Co Editor 25-26