The Charter Installation Ceremony

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step”                                                  -Martin Luther king jr

Rotaract is a voluntary movement founded worldwide for young professionals aged between 20 and 35, encompassing the facets of life with six main avenues of service: Community Service, Club Service, Professional Development, International Service, Environment Service, and public relations. Together, they ensure a balanced club program and provide important opportunities for the personal development of each Rotaractor.

Students at the University of Colombo School of Computing we decided to start a new Rotaract journey with our fellow students with many barriers and difficulties. However, we started our Rotaract Club at UCSC and successfully held our charter installation ceremony.

On November 26, 2022, our Charter president, Rtr. Lavinka Weerassekara and her board of directors were formally appointed to their offices for the RI year 2022/2023 while donned elegantly in blue and black to reflect the theme of the occasion. Our fellow Rotaractors, respected invitees, friends, and family gathered for the event, which was held at New Art's Theatre, University of Colombo. The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests namely; Rtn. Rtr Sahan Wijesinghe President of the Rotary Club of Colombo DownTown, Rtn.Farzana Khan District Rotaract Chair, Rtn.Rtr. Nimesha Jayamanne Assistant District Rotaract Representative and Mrs.Sanduni Thrimahavitharane Staff Advisor University of Colombo School of Computing.

Respecting the Sri Lankan traditions, the ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp. After dignitaries took their respective seats at the head table and the house was called to order by the President of the Sponsoring Rotary Club, Rtn. Rtr. Sahan Wijesinghe. National Anthem, Flag Salutation, Rotaract Invocation, and Rotary Four-Way Test were then continued, which was followed by the Rotaract Song.

Afterward The director of the club service avenue Rtr. Rushdha Rasheed welcomed the gathering. Following that the most awaited moment of the ceremony took place, collaring and handing over of the Gavel and Charter Certificate to the Charter President for the year 2022/2023 by the Sponsoring Rotary Club President Rtn. Rtr. Sahan Wijesinghe. Rtr. Lavinka Weerasekara collared as Charter President of the Rotaract club of the University of Colombo School of Computing. After that, she addressed the gathering. She mentioned and thanked those who supported starting the Rotaract Club at UCSC and how she feels as the Charter President of the Rotaract Club of  University of Colombo school of computing.

After that, the next item was the introducing and wearing badges for the board of officials at Rotaract Club of UCSC for the RI year 2022/23.

Vice President- Rtr. Dushanee Gamage

Joint Secretaries - Rtr. Tolusha Harindi & Rtr.Amashi Abewikrama

Assistant Secretary- Rtr. Muhammad Suraif

Treasurer- Rtr. Saduni Rashmika

Assistant Treasurer- Rtr. Michelle Perera

Sergeant at Arms- Rtr. Viranga Gunarathne

Editor- Rtr. Abdullah Jasmin

Joint Club Service Directors- Rtr. Rushdha Rasheed & Rtr. Mohammad Faalil

Joint Community Service Directors: Rtr. Kivi Amarakoon &Rtr. Rashmi Gunawardana

International Relations Director: Rtr. Pamudi Guruge

Professional Development Director : Rtr. Adeepa Bandara

Public Relations Director – Rtr. Yasas Ranasinghe

Sports and Recreational Director- Rtr. Saneru Akarawita

Digital Communications Director: Rtr. Shawn Rodrigo

The most elegant movement of the occasion was launching the official website of the Rotaract Club of UCSC.It makes space to get to know everyone who is interested in our Rotaract journey and who is willing to join with us. The website was launched by the District Rotaract Representative, Rtn. Rtr. PP. Nimesha Jayamanne. Once the website was launched, she addressed the gathering. Thereafter, the gathering was addressed by the District Rotaract Representative, Rtr. PP. Farzana Khan inspired the new board of Directors with her passionate words.

Mrs. Saduni Trimahawithana delivered her pleasure about starting a new Rotaract journey at UCSC as a former student in USCS by addressing the audience. As the next item, our chief guest Rtn. Rtr. PP Sahan Wijesinghe Sponsoring Rotary Club President addressed the audience and make sure to join every occasion in the Rotaract Club of UCSC and help with our plans.

Before the conclusion of the ceremony, the Rotaract Club of UCSC was showered with warm felicitations from the audience. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Joint Secretary, Rtr. Tolusha Harindi and thanked everyone who supported making the ceremony a  great success. Especially she mentioned our official photography partner Eventer Labs that made memories about our charter installation and appreciated their support. The Charter Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract club of UCSC was adjourned by the newly appointed Charter President.

It was just a start. Every journey begins with a single step. We congratulate President Rtr. Lavinka Weerasekara and her Board of Officials wish the best for their future endeavours. As Rotaractors, we are all responsible for taking Rotaract UCSC to greater heights. Alone we can do little together we can do so much.