The 30th Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of Wellawatte

The 30th Installation Ceremony of President Rtr. Vidyas Gnanasekaram and his Board of Directors for the year 2016/17 was held on the 9th of July 2016 at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Auditorium, Colombo. Rtr. Thilini Leeniyagolla and Rtr. Ranithri Samarawickrama attended the event representing our club.

The proceedings for the day began with the lighting of the oil lamp by the dignitaries followed by the Flag Salutation, Invocation, Four-way test and the Rotaract Song.  The dignitaries were then invited to take their respective seats at the head table.

Rtr. Thanushan Baleswaran then warmly welcomed the audience as the Chairperson of the installation ceremony after which the Secretary’s Report for the year 2015/16 was presented by Rtr. Venushajan Santhirasegaram who highlighted that the Club has been able to achieve a 28 percent increase in its membership and that it has successfully completed over 34 projects throughout the year. The audience was then given a glimpse of all those projects carried out by playing a small video clip. Some of the major projects carried out were, ‘I am a Special Child’, ‘The 25th Rotaract District Assembly’, and Cluster project ‘LOST’, ‘Dubsmash Competition’ and ‘Wella Pongol’.

Next, the outgoing President Rtr. Devdas Vijayadas was called upon to address the gathering. He pointed out how the Rotaract year of 2015/16 has given him the platform to develop his personality, knowledge and skills by ultimately giving something back to the community. He wished the incoming board all the best for their term and also extended his gratitude and thanks to the outgoing board for the support that was given in the past year. Tokens of appreciation were then given away to the outgoing board in recognition of their efforts during the past term. 

Following on, he collared the incoming President, Rtr. Vidyas Gnanasekaram, thereby officially handing over the responsibilities of the club for the year 2016/2017 and then the new board for the year was inducted.

Our club members with the President and Secretary for the year 2016/17 of Rotaract Club of Wellawatte

The Board of Directors of the Rotaract Club of Wellawatte for the year 2015/17 is as follows:
• President – Rtr. Vidyas Gnanasekaram
• Secretary – Rtr. Christopher Surendran
• Treasurer – Rtr. Sarika Nagaratnam
• Vice President/ Public Relations Director – Rtr. Venushajan Santhirasegaram
• Immediate Past President – Rtr. Vijayadas Devdas
• Club Service Director/ Sergeant-at-Arms – Rtr. Thanushan Baleswaran
• Professional Development Director – Rtr. PHF, Branavanath Mahendran
• Community Service Director/ Editor – Rtr. Kayalvili Mathavaram
• International Understanding Director – Rtr. Julian Jesuthasan
• Finance Director – Rtr. Prashan Balakrishnan

The gathering was subsequently addressed by the DRR Rtr. PP Mohamed Husni who in his speech highlighted how the club has been successful in producing a number of DRRs including the IPDRR Sathiyeandra T. Singam throughout its journey of 30 years and how supportive it has been in its involvement with the District and other clubs’ initiatives. He also acknowledged the work of the outgoing board under the leadership of Rtr. Devdas and wished all the best for the newly appointed board.

Next the District Rotaract Committee Chairperson, Rtn. PHF Sanjeewa Fernando addressed the gathering, commending the club for their many great achievements and endeavors while congratulating Rtr. Vijayadas and his team on completing a successful year in Rotaract. He concluded his speech wishing the newly appointed board and stated that his fullest cooperation and support will be given for the club in the future. This was followed up by an entertainment item; a performance by Thenuka Perera and Chamath Perera.

Lined up next was the address by the Youth Service Chair Rtn. PHF Selvarajah Maherakanth who once again congratulated the outgoing board of the club and wished the incoming board while highlighting how the club has achieved greater heights in Rotaract and the impact they have made on the society through their quality projects. He also mentioned that the club has been able to produce good leaders which truly reflect the dedication and the commitment of the club members.

The Guest of Honor for the day, Mr.Sanjiva Weerawarana, the CEO of WSO2 gave quite an inspiring speech on how young people have the potential to make changes in the world by exploiting their opportunity, knowledge and creativity. He pointed out however; that most people don’t make use of such opportunities and that we should if we really want to achieve things in life.

Finally the Chief Guest for the evening, Rtn. PHF Lalith Kumarage addressed the gathering, speaking of the importance of Rotaract in professional and personal development of the youth. He also emphasized the important role the youth can play in Rotary apart from Rotaract thereby requesting all Rotaractors to join the Rotary movement as well and concluded his speech acknowledging the work of Rtr. Vijayadas and his team and congratulating the incoming board for a successful year ahead. 

The floor was then open for felicitations and the installation was brought into a successful end with the vote of thanks by the Secretary followed by the National Anthem. 

The Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management & Finance wishes Rtr. Vidyas Gnanasekaram and his board all the best for a very successful year ahead.

Written By- 

Rtr. Ranithri Samarawickrama Assistant Secretary 2016/17