DAWN OF A NEW BEGINNING-19th INSTALLATION CEREMONY

“Our story was never about rainbows and butterflies but the obstacles we faced, the challenges we overcame and through it all, the unbreakable bonds we made. However, it was all worth it in the end…” – Rtr. Damindri Herath

With those touching lines of the past secretary, the ex-EXCO for the Rotaract year 2020/21 bid their farewells handing over the stage to another amazing group of individuals to shine. One soul-stirring day full of everlasting moments, virtual though it was.

The background story that led to this glorious day dates to a couple of months back.

The 19^th Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of Faculty of Science University of Colombo was initially planned to be held as a physical event. With the POC appointed and the duties delegated among the members of the team, we were all actively preparing for a live experience. The PR plan was designed by Hasali and had been approved, the venue was reserved by Lakeesha aiya and Bhagya, sponsorships for the event were secured by Hiroo and Sharon along with the backstage crew (Buddhika aiya, Dulashi, Kehan, Neelya, Nikitha, and Udani), food and decorations were planned (by Ashimi, Kaushika, Binari, Jayavi, and Kaweesha), and the certificates and invitations had already been designed by the IT team (Anjana, Nipun, Risini, and Darshika). Everything was well organized, and everyone was eagerly waiting for that dress suit and saree day.

Unfortunately, one night, we were all called for an emergency meeting by the project coordinators and were informed that the event was going to be held virtually due to the aggravation of the ongoing pandemic situation.

A long sorrowful sigh was all that was left at the end of the meeting. Nevertheless, we started up on the virtual plan right away. Even though the fancy vibe died down, we put in our all to make the event a success.

In a nutshell, videos of the BOD, flashes from past events, and speeches of the special invitees were all collected and compiled into one fantabulous video which was shared live on Facebook on the 16^th of October 2021. A video that touched the hearts of many bringing back memories that were captured in the heart crashing into the mind.

Owing greatly to the members of the IT team and most importantly the Exco members, Yasas aiya, Oshadi akki, Pramudi akki and the ex-Exco member Sithira aiya who spent their precious time on creating the BOD and past BOD videos, the final outcome of the ceremony turned out to be immaculate.

Everything was perfectly done, and the new board was officially introduced bringing the 19^th Installation of RACFOSUOC to a successful end.

The best upshot of the event was that we got to become more familiar with the teammates, enjoy every moment spent together heartily even though it was through a little screen, and work together as one.

Just like the District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP Akhila Wijetunga said that day, “Rotaract is undeniably a platform that helps us build lifelong friendships and relationships, a family we are lucky to be a part of, and a place that helps us improve ourselves both in a professional and social way”.

A special thanks to all the members of the POC for their hard work and the project coordinators, Buddhima aiya, Nipuni akki, and Dewmini akki for their great support and guidance and finally our comperes Ramona akki and Ruwinda for their astounding performance at the event.

Wrapping it up we would also like to send our immense gratitude on behalf of the Rotaract family towards the out-going board for their amazing service throughout the past year and warmly welcome the newly appointed board of officials along with the wishes for a bright, joyous, and successful journey ahead.