The 13th Installation Ceremony

It’s rare to find yourself in a moment that truly feels like a scene from a movie. Yet, there I was on October 24th, 2026, at the 13th Installation of the Rotaract Club of SLIIT. Standing on that stage in the grand, theatre like auditorium, my eyes drifted up to the exact seat I had occupied just a year ago as a new member.

Back then, I was not only new in Rotaract. Everything was unfamiliar, from the streets to the culture, even the air felt different from the place where I was born and raised. I spent so many nights wishing I could just go back home, struggling to find my footing in an environment that felt so foreign.

But when I attended the 12th Installation ceremony as a brand-new member, the unfamiliarity I felt suddenly vanished. For the first time, I felt at home.

In that moment, it all made sense. I realized that Allah’s plans were falling into place in ways I hadn’t understood. If I hadn’t stepped into the unknown, I never would have discovered Rotaract and what a shame that would have been. I remember being completely mesmerized by the movement, glamorized by the energy, and deeply moved when the Board of Officials 2024/25 took the stage to sing a chorus of Night Changes. It felt cinematic. Right then, my friends and I made a vow: we wouldn’t just join this movement, we would be the ones standing on that stage.

Looking up at those seats a year later, I remember it all too well.

We made it. I made it.

Ever since the new Board of Officials for the RI year 2025-26 was appointed, we have all been waiting for the 13th Installation Ceremony. Under the guidance of President Rtr. Yasith Thalakotunna and Secretary Rtr. Dulasha Annasiwatta, the project was brought to life by our dedicated co-chairs, Rtr. Anishka Fernando and Rtr. Lelani Abeysekera.

The preparations began in early July right after the Board of Officials were appointed. What followed was a marathon of sponsorship calls, script drafting, logistics and so much more.

One of the highlights was spending an entire day recording our introduction videos to display during the walk-ins in the beautiful, park-like grounds of SLIIT. Each member took their turn behind the lens of either Rtr. Muhammadhu Islah or Rtr. Karunyan Balan (I have to mention, the height difference between the two was comical, though thankfully it didn’t show in the final shots).

While a member had their video taken, the rest of the board would scramble off the pathway to stay out of the frame, acting as a chaotic but dedicated group of “hype persons.” So despite the fact that each video shows only one person, there was a bunch that was running out of frame during every take. Silly, I know but we just wanted to be part of the moment.

As we gathered at the SLIIT Main Auditorium at 2:30 PM, each of us was handed a beautiful pink ribbon made by Rtr. Dulasha Annasiwatta. It was pinned quietly over our hearts as a tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was a silent but powerful symbol of solidarity reminding those fighting that they never walk alone. Throughout the event, it spoke louder than anything we said.

Soon, the auditorium filled with the bustling and vibrant energy of Rotaractors, parents, and guests who were all ready to witness the start of a new chapter.

The event was graced by the presence of

Rtr. Miyuni and Rtr. Mithila unveiled the ceremonious event followed by the tradition of lighting the oil lamp by the dignitaries, parents, incoming and outgoing Presidents and Secretaries, and project chairpersons.

Following this, the dignitaries took their places at the head table, and Rtr. Kisaja Wijewardhana called the house to order. Despite hearing the familiar national anthem and Rotaract formalities during every general meeting, it truly felt different and special on that day.

Our project co-chairs, Rtr. Anishka Fernando and Rtr. Lelani Abeysekera made a heartfelt speech welcoming the crowd to the event they worked so hard to bring to life. The outgoing Secretary Rtr. Charith Yohan presented an annual report that was more than just statistics. He beautifully captured a year’s worth of passion and you could feel his enthusiasm as he presented. To match that, it was only right to showcase a nostalgic video that documented the club’s remarkable journey tying a perfect bow on the previous board’s legacy.

Following this, outgoing president, Rtr. Jayod Perera shared his final address expressing immense gratitude for all the support he received to have had a memorable year of service and growth.

Then, the energy in the room shifted as the hosts announced the main moment of the day. The music became ceremonious, inspiring, and loud as a sea of phones rose to record the transition of leadership from Rtr. Jayod to Rtr. Yasith Thalakotunna who was handed the ceremonial collar, gavel, and charter certificate as the crowd erupted with applause.

Rtr. Shenara introduced Rtr. Yasith Adithya with a beautiful speech but before the beloved president could take the stage to address the crowd, our IT Co-Directors surprised him with a montage of his most embarrassing moments. As the auditorium erupted in laughter, Rtr. Yasith took the mic, jokingly hinting at terminating whoever was responsible before pivoting into his vision for the year and how excited he is to lead it.

Then came the most anticipated moment we had all been waiting for: the introduction of the new Board of Officials. The IT team had worked tirelessly on our intro videos, and each member was given the choice to chose a song that reflected their soul, unless, of course, the members “helped” by assigning them a random and funny song.

With Rtr. Harithra and Rtr. Duwaragie (Outgoing PR Co-Directors) at the controls, the walk-ins were a spectacle. However, some moments just made it better. For example, Rtr. Shanjai (Vice President) treated his walk-in like a 100-meter race, perhaps his song choice hyped him up too much because he just vanished from the steps and appeared on stage in the blink of an eye. Even, Rtr. Karunyan (PR Co-Director), who has famously long legs, actually managed to pace himself to the length of his video.

However, none of that compared to the ironic moment where no music played as the Rtr. Islah (IT Co-Director) walked in. But he didn’t need it. He was the music, as he walked in with enough charisma to keep the crowd cheering the entire time.

Following this eventful session, our introduction video was played where each member was introduced like they were superheroes. While we were there to record it, to see the talented IT Co-Directors, Rtr. Zayan and Rtr. Islah work their magic and present the final version was mesmerising.

After words of wisdom from the District Rotaract Representative and the Guest of Honour, the event took a turn to welcome the entertainment performance. What started as a talented instrumental set turned into a board of officials sing-along.

We joined in from backstage to sing a mashup featuring many songs but my favourite was “History” by One Direction. As a 1D fan, singing those lyrics just a year after the passing of Liam Payne felt incredibly heavy and emotional. The crowd joined in, and for those few minutes, the auditorium felt like one big family.

The event concluded with tokens of appreciation to the dignitaries and well wishers, followed by felicitations from fellow rotaractors. Then the talented incoming Secretary, Rtr. Dulasha Annasiwatta delivered the Vote of thanks bringing the whole event to an end.

As the curtains were pulled down, the 13th Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of SLIIT torched the beginning of another inspiring year of service.

We didn’t just walk away with titles, we walked away with a renewed fire for service.

Penned By:

Rtr. Rana Rilwan

Editor 25-26

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