14TH INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF THE ROTARACT CLUB, FACULTY OF SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO

Undoubtedly it was the most awaited day for all of the Rotaractors at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. The preparations for the 14^th Installation Ceremony of the club had begun weeks ago. From tedious shopping rounds to setting up the hall for the event, it was indeed an unforgettable experience.

It was the day of the appointment of the new board of directors headed by the Incoming President Rtr. Yasas Diyanananda for the year 2016/17.The lightening of the traditional oil lamp marked the commencement of the ceremony which was followed by the recognition of the dignitaries present.

The Outgoing Secretary Rtr. Navindra Keerthisinghe who was awarded as the Best Secretary for the year 2015/16 presented the Annual report. She mentioned about the projects which were carried out throughout the past year which included “Akhankhara”, “Sevana”, “Future Challenge” and many more projects that gave lifelong memories to all the Rotaractors of the club.

The previous year was a fantastic one for the club under the guidance of the Immediate Past President Rtr. Bhasura Perera who was also awarded as the Most Outstanding President for the year 2015/16. In his address he thanked everyone for the support rendered and also extended his warm wishes to the Incoming President and the newly appointed board.

The introduction to the Incoming President Rtr. Yasas Diyanananda was quite an entertaining one with remarks about his family, achievements, and leadership skills. He delivered an inspiring speech of his prospects for the club for the year ahead. Up next was the most significant event of the day which was the induction of the new board of directors for the year 2016/17.

DRCC Rtn. PHF Sanjeewa Fernando and DRR Past President Rtr. Mohamed Husni congratulated the newly appointed board and motivated them to make a positive difference in whatever task we undertake.

Key note speaker for the night, cricketing legend Mr. Roshan Mahanama definitely ascertained the audience that his excellent cricketing talent has not been his only key to success. His views on leadership and community service indeed touched our hearts.

Finally the floor was open for felicitations from fellow clubs and friends. The greatest joy of the day was to see such a long que of fellow Rotaractors, Rotarians and well-wishers sharing the happiness, wishing best of luck luck and promising their support to the newly appointed board. After quite a long session of felicitations, the Secretary for the year 2016/17, Rtr. Jayani Gurusinghe thanked everyone for the support extended in organizing the ceremony and for being there to share this memorable day.

After the formal ending of the ceremony all that could be heard was the sound of laughter and exchange of greetings. It was the beginning of new friendships and renewing of old ones and it was definitely the first step towards reaching greater heights of service to the community through fellowship.

By Amaya Sathurusinghe