Driven by Vision, Defined by Legacy: The 14th Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of College of Chemical Sciences

Driven by Vision, Defined by Legacy: The 14th Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of College of Chemical Sciences

Every chapter leaves behind a story worth remembering, and every new beginning holds the promise of something greater. On the 11th of October 2026, the Rotaract Club of College of Chemical Sciences celebrated its 14th Installation Ceremony at the Auditorium of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Malabe, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its journey of leadership, fellowship, and service.

Guided by the theme “Driven by Vision, Defined by Legacy”, the evening brought together the Rotaract family to reflect on the achievements of the past year, honour the people who made them possible, and welcome the leaders who will carry the club forward into the year ahead.

The ceremony was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests from the Rotary and Rotaract community, led by the Chief Guest, Rtn. Sampath Pathirana, President of the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency. The occasion was also graced by Rtn. PP Ramesh Senevirathne, Rotary Youth Services Chair of the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency and District Interact Committee Chair for 2026/27; Rtn. PP Shehantha Dias, District Rotaract Chair; PHF Rtn. Rtr. PP Jude Shannon Lucian, District Rotaract Representative; Rtr. PP Santhamurthy Baalumurthy, District Rotaract Representative Elect; Rtr. Shuaib Naufil, District Sergeant-at-Arms; and Rtr. Aakif Ahmed, Guide Club Coordinator. 

Members of the District Steering Committee, fellow Rotaractors, lecturers and staff members of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, along with friends and well-wishers, also joined the celebration, adding to the significance of this special occasion.

A Legacy That Lives On

Every successful year is shaped by the people who lead with purpose and the members who bring that purpose to life. As the 2025/26 term came to an end, the ceremony celebrated the journey and contributions of the board led by Rtr. Nazeem Cassim, whose leadership helped shape another chapter in the club’s story.

Serving alongside him were Joint Vice Presidents Rtr. Fahid Amith and Rtr. Madhubhashini Ekanayake; Joint Secretaries Rtr. Amasha Gunasekara and Rtr. Sewmini Suraweera; Treasurer Rtr. Binadhi Jayasinghe; Sergeant-at-Arms Rtr. Minanga Kumaranayake; and Joint Editors Rtr. Sanuthi Fernando and Rtr. Madusha Elvitigala.

Their journey was built on countless moments of teamwork, dedication, and shared ambition. Beyond the projects completed and milestones achieved, their contribution lies in the foundation they leave behind and the inspiration they pass on to the next generation of leaders. Their efforts have become part of the club’s continuing story, one that grows stronger with every year of service.

A Legacy Passed, A Vision Renewed

One of the defining moments of the evening was the transition of leadership from Outgoing President Rtr. Nazeem Cassim to Incoming President Rtr. Yohansi Illangakoon for the 2026/27 term.

As Rtr. Nazeem concluded his term and Rtr. Yohansi stepped into her new role, the moment marked more than a change in leadership. It represented the continuation of a journey built on dedication, shared experiences, and a commitment to making a difference. The legacy of the outgoing board became the foundation upon which the new board could build, carrying forward the values and aspirations that have shaped the club over the years.

With a new vision and fresh perspectives, Rtr. Yohansi now takes on the responsibility of guiding the club into its next chapter, embracing new opportunities while honouring the efforts of those who came before her. As one chapter came to a close and another began, the transition served as a reminder that although leadership changes hands, the spirit of Rotaract and its commitment to service remain constant.

A legacy is not simply what one leader leaves behind, but what the next chooses to build upon.

Introducing the Board of 2026/27

With Rtr. Yohansi Illangakoon taking the lead as President and Rtr. Nazeem Cassim continuing as the Immediate Past President, the new Executive Committee brings together a team ready to embrace the opportunities and responsibilities of the year ahead.

Supporting the President in guiding the club are Joint Vice Presidents Rtr. Nishani Fernando and Rtr. Sanjula Nonis, while Joint Secretaries Rtr. Vihindu Jayasiri and Rtr. Githara Rajanayake will help keep the club’s plans and initiatives moving forward. Rtr. Nirumi Fernando takes on the role of Treasurer, while Rtr. Harshika Ekanayaka serves as Sergeant-at-Arms. Completing the Executive Committee are Joint Editors Rtr. Panchali Malaviarachchi and Rtr. Suvindu Bandaranayake, who will help capture and communicate the club’s stories and achievements throughout the year.

Beyond the Executive Committee, the club’s avenue directors and members form an equally important part of this journey. From Club Service, Community Service, International Service, Professional Development, Finance, Environmental Service, Public Relations, Digital Communication, and Sports and Recreational Activities, each avenue brings its own ideas and energy to the club’s shared mission.

Together, this team represents more than a collection of roles. It represents a community of individuals bringing different strengths together, united by the desire to create meaningful experiences, strengthen fellowship, and make a lasting difference. Under Rtr. Yohansi’s leadership, the year ahead offers an opportunity to build on the foundations of the past, explore new possibilities, and carry the club’s vision forward with renewed enthusiasm.

Tokens of Appreciation and Felicitations

The ceremony also included the presentation of tokens of appreciation as a gesture of gratitude towards the distinguished guests and supporters who joined the celebration. This thoughtful gesture acknowledged their presence and support, making them a valued part of this special occasion.

The evening further featured felicitations by fellow Rotaractors, adding a personal touch to the celebration and reflecting the strong bonds of friendship, appreciation, and fellowship within the Rotaract community. These moments served as a reminder that the journey of Rotaract is strengthened not only by shared goals and achievements but also by the people who continue to support and inspire one another.

Driven by Vision, Defined by Legacy
The theme of the 14th Installation Ceremony captured the spirit of the year ahead. Being driven by vision means having the courage to imagine new possibilities, set meaningful goals, and take purposeful steps towards them. Being defined by legacy means recognising that every action, every initiative, and every person contributes to something greater than themselves.

For the Rotaract Club of College of Chemical Sciences, this new chapter is an opportunity to honour the work of the past while embracing the opportunities of the future. A legacy is not simply something inherited; it is something built through consistent effort, genuine connections, and a willingness to make a difference. Every project undertaken, every friendship formed, and every challenge faced becomes part of the story the club continues to write.

With the support of its members, the Rotary family, and the wider community, the club looks forward to another year of meaningful projects, lasting friendships, personal growth, and service that reaches beyond its own circle.

The ceremony was made possible with the generous support of Gold Sponsor - Opaline Interiors and Silver Sponsor - HNB. The club extends its sincere appreciation to both sponsors for their valuable support in bringing this special occasion to life.

The evening also celebrated the connections that make the Rotaract journey so special: the encouragement of mentors, the guidance of the Rotary community, the dedication of members, and the support of everyone who continues to believe in the club’s purpose. These shared moments are what make an installation ceremony more than a formal transition; they make it a celebration of a community moving forward together.

A New Chapter Begins!

As the 14th Installation Ceremony came to a close, it marked both an ending and a beginning: an opportunity to celebrate how far the club has come and look forward to everything it has yet to achieve.

To the outgoing board, thank you for the time, effort, and commitment you invested in the club. To Rtr. Yohansi and the incoming board, may the year ahead bring the courage to lead, the creativity to explore new possibilities, and the compassion to serve with purpose. And to every member of the Rotaract family, may this new chapter bring more opportunities to learn from one another, grow together, and turn shared aspirations into meaningful action.

Here’s to the ideas that will become initiatives, the friendships that will grow stronger, and the moments that will become part of the club’s story.

Driven by Vision, Defined by Legacy: May this new chapter inspire us to dream bigger, serve wholeheartedly, and create an impact that continues long after the year comes to an end.

Written by: Rtr. Poojanie Samarasinghe