“Team Work Makes The Dream Work”- 5th Installation Ceremony of RC UOC FMF

Every second brings

a fresh beginning,

Every hour holds

a new promise,

Every night our dreams 

can bring hope,

Every day is what you

choose to make it.

“Team Work Makes The Dream Work”

The 5th Installation ceremony of our club, the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo Faculty of Management and Finance, was successfully held on the 14th of August 2015 at the Royal College Union Skills Centre. The incoming President Rtr. Praveen Randev Fernando and his board were officially handed over the responsibilities of the club for the year 2015/2016.

The 5th President of RC UOC FMF Rtr. Praveen Fernando (Source: Xtream Youth)

Following the arrival of the Chief Guest and other Dignitaries the Chairperson of the Installation ceremony, Rtr. Mirangi Lanka Prasada, presented the welcome address.

The outgoing Secretary of the club, Rtr. Anjali Alahakoon, spoke about the successfully ended year 2014/2015, in presenting her report. She was happy to mention that the club was able to undertake different projects which served different communities of the country. Projects like “Happy Street Pooch” and "Future for Us" could make an impact to the society. She further mentioned that the club was able to win several awards and citations at the 25th District Assembly.

Watch the Secretary's Report video below

The Outgoing President of the club Rtr. Romanthi Anandappa addressed the gathering and shared her experiences on completing her term. She then provided an introduction to the Incoming President and collared Rtr. Praveen Fernando as the 5th President of the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management & Finance.

Outgoing President Rtr. Romanthi Anandappa collaring the Incoming President Rtr. Praveen Fernando (Source: Xtream Youth)

The Incoming President Rtr. Praveen Fernando was happy to speak about what the club has achieved during the current year, having completed just one month of the New Rotaract Year. He spoke about the club being able to launch the first blog for the year and also the articles of club members being recognized in the global level. Rtr. Praveen also emphasized on the importance of focusing on projects inside and outside the University and embarking on a journey ensuring active participation. He introduced his “dynamic” board for the year 2015/2016 which comprises the following-

• President - Rtr. Praveen Fernando
• Immediate Past President - Rtr. Romanthi Anandappa
• Vice President - Rtr. Ruvindi De Silva
• Vice President – Rtr. Shalini Wijewardana
• Secretary – Rtr. Nilukshi Jayawardana
• Assistant Secretary – Rtr. Indunil Ittapana
• Treasurer – Rtr. Supun Walpola
• Sergeant-at-arms – Rtr. Ushan Gunathilaka
• Editor- Rtr. Ruzni Faik
• Sub-editor – Rtr. Bhashini Gamage
• Joint Community Service Directors – Rtr. Hiruni Perera & Rtr. Aqeela Najeeb
• Club Service Director - Rtr. Mirangi Lanka Prasada
• Assistant Club Service Director – Rtr. Jude Fonseka
• Director- International Understanding – Rtr. Madhumali Kodikara
• Assistant Director-International Understanding – Rtr. Umanga Kariyawasam
• Joint Finance Directors – Rtr. Thilini Leeniyagolla & Rtr. Nawangi Poholiyadde
• Director-Professional Development – Rtr. Dinath Federico
• Assistant Director-Professional Development – Rtr. Bimla Kannangara
• Joint Green Life Directors – Rtr. Chathura Kularathna & Rtr. Kasun Mullegamgoda
• Joint IT & PR Directors – Rtr. Radun De Silva & Rtr. Kalana Madusanka 

The Board of Directors of RC UOC FMF 2015/16 (Source: Xtream Youth)

The Guest of Honor for the evening Rtn. PHF. Saifu Ramzi thanked the outgoing president, Rtr. Romanthi Anandappa for undertaking successful projects. He also emphasized on the importance of identifying the true potential of everyone. He further mentioned that life is a journey with ups and downs and it is very important to identify your challenges in life. As Rotaractors he asked everyone to have a different perspective about life and explore the world, society around you and reach the ones in need. He asked to make Rotaract a gift to your parents and to the world.

The Chief Guest for the evening was the Dean of the Faculty of Management & Finance, University of Colombo, Dr. R. Senathiraja. Incidentally this is the 1st time a Dean of our faculty is attending an installation of our club.  She was happy to see the talents and the potential of the undergraduates in the faculty, and spoke how the members could further improve their leadership skills, personality and work for the betterment of the society, while being a part of Rotaract.

The Chief Guest Dr. R. Senathiraja addressing the gathering (Source: Xtream Youth)

The DRR Rtr. PHF. Sathiyeandra Tharmakulerajasingham spoke about the Faculty of Management & Finance as a place which has produced successful citizens to the country. He thanked the outgoing president for the contribution she has made for the club and also for making Sri Lanka proud by becoming the first Miss. Rotasia from Sri Lanka. The DRR highly appreciated her talents in winning the title and it was a proud moment for all the members of FMF. To add to this, IPP Rtr. Romanthi Anandappa will be the Brand Ambassador for Rotasia 2016 which is to be held in Sri Lanka. 

The DRR Rtr. Sathiyeandra Tharmakulerajasingham (Source: Xtream Youth)

He also spoke about the high potential of the incoming President Rtr. Praveen Fernando in taking the club to greater heights, having won the best Rylarian in the last year. He also spoke about “Rotaract” and how you could use it to change your lives. 

The DRCC, Rtn. Saifu Adamaly reminded all Rotaractors that their main role is to complete their education. “Rotaractors are young and upcoming leaders, and the future of the country rests in their hands”. He also said that “Everyone has a leader in you” and Rotaract will help you in achieving your targets. He also mentioned that he wishes to see a Miss. / Mr. Rotasia from FMF this year too. 

The Youth Committee Chair Rtn. Farzana Khan emphasized on the importance of focusing on the area of Professional Development by Rotaractors. Being a Rotaractor gives you an added advantage in your professions due to the experience you get. She also spoke how gender balance is a challenge in today’s workplace and the importance of focusing on that. 

The Incoming Secretary Rtr. Nilukshi Jayawardana made it an opportunity to thank everyone who helped in making the event a success. She specifically thanked the Chief Guests and the other dignitaries, including the Faculty Advisor Dr. Arosha Adikaram for being with us and supporting in everything we do as a club. She also thanked all the past presidents and members of the club, the Sponsors for the event and also all the invitees who were present at the occasion.

Making the theme of the club a reality, “Team Work” indeed helped in successfully completing the 1st Club Service project for the year. Each and every member of the club along with the project committee contributed in their fullest potential to make this event a success. The hard work and the dedication of our Club Service Director, Rtr. Mirangi Lanka Prasada should be highly appreciated in this regard.

Project Chairperson, Club Service Director Rtr. Mirangi Lanka Prasada (Source: Xtream Youth)

Written by-

Rtr. Bhashini Gamage Sub-Editor 2015/16