The 6th Installation Ceremony of The Rotaract Club of CCS

By Rtr. Saarah Hamdoon

From it’s inception in October 2012, the Rotaract Club of the College of Chemical Sciences has strived to create a legacy by building friendships and serving the society. At the 27^th district assembly held at the Blue Water in Wadduwa, our club was presented the following awards:

1.       Award of recognition for hosting tag rugby at RCL.

2.       Award of recognition for hosting district council meeting.

3.       Award of recognition for hosting project on maternal and child health.

4.       Award of excellence for being selected as the best president of the month- June.

Continuing the legacy, the new board of directors were sworn in on the 10^th of July 2017, at the club’s most important event of the year; the 6^th Installation Ceremony.

As the day dawned, the level of excitement had risen to it’s peak and was almost tangible. The PPGL Siriwardane auditorium was bustling with activity as the rotaractors put the finishing touches, to make a month’s planning and collective effort pay off.

At 6.30 p.m, rotaractors, rotarians and distinguished guests gathered at the PPGL Siriwardane auditorium at the college premises to witness the induction of the board, lead by Rtr. Dilendra Nilupuli Wijesekara.

Following the customary lighting of the oil lamp was the inviting of the dignitaries to the head table. Gracing the occasion were Chief Guest Rtn. Aruni Siriwadane, DRR Rtr. Anuradha Senanayake, Guest of Honour Prof. S. P Deraniyagala, Special Guest Prof. Priyani Paranagama, Rtn. Gehan de Alwis, Rtn. Sathyajith Seneviratne.

The house was called to order by the Sergeant-at-Arms, Rtr. Prabhath Wickramapala after which came the flag salutation, Rotaract invocation and song. 

Project chair Rtr. Nipuni Kuruppuarachchi then warmly welcomed those present with her speech.

Outgoing Secretary for the year 2016/2017, Rtr. Chameli Liyanage delivered the secretary’s report, which looked back at all the projects of the past year which the club worked on with utmost effort.

The hardworking and dedicated outgoing president, Rtr. IPP Imasha Yapa extended her heartfelt gratitude in her speech to all those who stood by her through thick and thin and helped her in making the year successful.

The much awaited moment had finally arrived; the handing-over of the presidency and the badging of the incoming board. The spirited and dynamic new president, Rtr. Dilendra Nilupuli Wijesekara, addressed the audience. 

The theme for the year was “You Can Be The Difference” and on behalf of her board, she pledged they would give it their all and make this year a fruitful one.

It was time to introduce the board members. Bedecked in maroon and black formal attire, the eighteen-member board is as follows:

President- Rtr. Dilendra Nilupuli Wijesekara

Secretary- Rtr. Binuri Wijesiri

Vice President- Rtr. Pathum Serasinghe

Vice President- Rtr. Thrishal Aturupane

Assistant Secretary- Rtr. Janeshta Fernando

Treasurer- Rtr. Nipuni Kuruppuarachchi

Director of Professional Development- Rtr. Raveen Perera

Director of International Understanding- Rtr. Kanchuka Edirisinghe

Director of Public Relations- Rtr. Sahan Gunaratne

Director of Finance- Rtr. Sadiya Siraj

Director of Community Service- Rtr. Nethma Wethalawe

Director of Club Service- Rtr. Haneen Packeerally

Sports Director- Rtr. Thashmila Nadeeshani

Editor- Rtr. Saarah Hamdoon

Editor- Rtr. Jasra Saneer

Sergeant-at Arms- Rtr. Prabhath Wickramapala

IT Director- Rtr. Afra Irfan

IT Director- Rtr Afnan Azeem

A true role model for Rotaractors to look up to, DRR Rtr. PP Anuradha Senanayake, spoke about the role of rotaractors in the society and the importance of balancing between studies and life as a rotaractor. 

Youth Service Chairperson, Rtn. Sathyajith Seneviratne also enlightened us with his words of wisdom.

Next came the entertainment item, featuring the very talented Jason and Julian Prins, better known as “The J.J Twins”. The atmosphere instantly lightened up as their melodious voices and the strumming of their guitar filled the air.

Over the years, the College of Chemical Sciences has seen tremendous growth, with the introduction of a range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the support of our dedicated lecturers, who have played a pivotal role in the betterment of the college.

Two such noteworthy figures are the Guest of Honour Prof. S.P Deraniyagala  and Special Guest, Prof. Priyani Paranagama, Dean of the College of Chemical Sciences.

Prof. S.P. Deraniyagala has been a pillar of strength of the club for many years and gave a moving speech about the impact charity has on both, the giver as well as the recipient. 

Prof. Priyani Paranagama also gave us kind words of encouragement.

Chief Guest of the event, the graceful Rtn. Aruni Siriwardane, shared with us the many aspects of Rotaract and shed light on how to juggle between education and rotaract duties. 

Warm wishes were conveyed by rotaractors from clubs across the island at the felicitation, keeping up the true spirit of the district theme “Engage Rotaract. Redefine Friendship”.

The new Secretary, Rtr. Binuri Wijesiri delivered the vote of thanks and the singing of the national anthem followed.

One of the highlights of the event was the scrumptious dinner, which took many by surprise. Like all good things, the day drew to a close with the revival of friendships and the creation unforgettable memories.