To close off these series, I am here to introduce the most important person in our club. Everyone you have read so far in this series are able to perform their best because of this person. He’s the leader of our pack who paves the path for us and makes the magic happen for the whole team.

Hit the drumssss!!!

Please welcome the President of the Rotaract club of SLIIT for the RI Year 25.26,

Speaking to Yasith is truly an experience. The way he maintains a calm tone while also showing the utmost respect for everyone is truly admirable. However, having to look up at him the whole time is like looking at the Burj Khalifa. Regardless of how good the conversion was, after a certain point, the only thing you will be thinking about is how much your neck is aching having to look up. You will never have to search for Yasith, you would be able to spot him from a mile away.  If you ever had the absolute pleasure of standing next to him for a photo, you know that looking like a minion is an unavoidable consequence.

Yasith is a person who has a very transparent personality. His loud and joyful laugh lightens the mood instantly. Even if you spent a moment with him, he would be with a with a ‘Kiri Tea’ (Milk tea made in Sri Lankan style) saying ‘Deviyane, deviyane’ or ‘Bloody hell,’ any chance he gets. He’s all about doing the right thing and being ethical. This value was deeply rooted in his upbringing that it comes very naturally to him. Regardless of the difficult scenarios he comes across, he’s able to maintain his professionalism and composure. This quality has done wonders for him after getting the role as the president of the Rotaract Club of SLIIT. It’s not an easy collar to carry because with it comes all the responsibility of the past and the present.

Yet, he accepted the challenge, stating, “I’m doing this for the club and SLIIT.”

Because his mission is more than just being the president, it’s to continue the legacy of this club for the future generations to experience the beauty of Rotaract but more so, the beauty of Rotaract club of SLIIT.

The Board of officials t-shirt is not just a piece of cloth for him. He wears it like a medal and considers it to be woven with responsibility and honour.

What most people love about Yasith is he is like a father figure for some of his friends because of that unique kindness he embodies. He’s that gentlemen you pray for after he offers a seat to a woman or elderly on a crowded bus. Once he even bought a lunch pack for a beggar outside the road. That kind of empathy is quite rare in this day and age.

Yasith is a generally calm person, but that disappears when he’s on the road and someone overtakes his car. It doesn’t matter that he likes speeding and maybe does it too (i m adding maybe for legal reasons). He literally hates it and always tries to get revenge by doing the same exact thing back.

Another proof that shows his “criminal” tendency is that he openly only favours a selective number of pet dog breeds. I mean how could he? You can’t be subjective over dogssss! But wait for it….you have not heard the worst part yet. He’s subjective over little babies tooo!!! He’s brave enough to judge little babies based on looks which is so rude, I know but then again, that’s just Yasith being hilarious. Just don’t let anywhere near your dogs or babies.

One thing to make note of is that he’s a die-hard fan of F1 (Formula 1). If you want to impress him, say “simply lovely”.

I remember when I was first interviewed, somehow, I found an excuse to mention that I was an F1 fan and Yasith’s eyes lit up. I thought I have made it until he asked who I supported. The second I said Ferrari, he went 'ohhhh' and put his head on the table. That was my downfall (not really tho because I made it in). 

He’s a huge Max Verstappen fan (a RedBull driver) who’s a four time world champion in a row but fortunately not this year (evil laugh).

The coming year will be nothing short of thrilling with him at the head of the table. His greatest success will not just be the projects, it’s also his ability to step into this role to make sure every member feels valued, heard, and empowered. While he may have some questionable opinions and traits, his contagious energy and commitment to fun guarantees that this year will be memorable.

He’s making this not just a year of service, but one of great transformation so tag along for a wonderful RI year.

Penned By:

Rtr. Rana Rilwan

Editor 25.26