At a glance……

Induction Ceremony 2012 Pg3

ITF

Pgs 4 - 6

Installation Ceremony 2012

Pgs 7 - 9

CAST4

Pgs 10 & 11

E-Sports

Pg 12

Seeni Meanie

Pg 13

Elders’ day project

Pgs 14 & 15

RYLA

Pgs 16 - 18

Editorial… Everybody wants to think different, but

how many of them act differently?

Wading across the seven seas, The

Rotaractor set his foot on the isle of

Rotaract Mora in search of this change a

couple of months ago. He has been

silently observing, with mounting

wonder, it buzzing like a beehive, with so

much excitement, so full of life and

energy that he starts journaling their

story ever since. Making a change is not the mere idea

behind the Rotaract movement. It is to

initiate a change in the place where it is

required most. In order to add a value to

this idea, the Mora Rotaractors have

been working tirelessly and relentlessly,

all as one, entwined together with

immense courage and team spirit for

more than one and a half decade.

So here unfolds the legacy of Rotaract

Mora, the second chapter of the

Rotaractor’s journal, a detailed recapture

of the past two months; another

milestone in his Voyage…

Rtr. Guvanthi Abeysinghe

Rtr. Punsara Colambage

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Induction Ceremony 2012

By Rtr. Himantha Alahakoon

The Induction ceremony of the year 2012 took

place on 1st of September. It is the

embarkation of the voyage of the new

Rotaractors on the verge of being officially

inducted to Rotaract Mora. The scope of the

ceremony was briefed by the two chairpersons

of the event, Rtr. Shehara Amath and Rtr.

Duvindu Piyasena. Then a few minutes were

designated to walk down the memory lane of

the journey taken up to that juncture. Dr. Ranga Rodrigo, through his experience as a

Rotaractor, recognised the significance of being a similar in his few words. Rtr. Chinthaka,

the president of Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa made an emotional speech on

what Rotaract means to him and how Rotaract has nurtured him to be what he is at

present.

The hard work of Rotaractors throughout the months was rewarded with certificates.

Rotaract Mora created history by inducting fifty eight Rotaractors at the ceremony, which

is the highest number in the district for the year. This fact was highlighted in the words of

guests who graced the occasion, Rtn. Brian Selvanayagam and the District Rotaract

Representative Rtr. Dilhan Jayatillake.

The program ended up with a drama and a

music item which refreshed the audience a

great deal while the final few minutes were

allocated to familiarize the members, themes

and vision of the teams in Project CAST4. This

was a delighted moment for the newly

inducted members as well as for Rotaract

Mora, as the infusion of new blood brings it a

new life....!

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Intellectual Task Force

The Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa has always been well known for its

Rotaractors rich in technical knowledge in different disciplines. The Intellectual Task Force,

ITF was initiated with the intention of sharing this knowledge with the community. ITF

successfully completed its first phase in August, 2012 which was designed to introduce a

computer based learning environment to rural schools in the country. What follows is

about the second and third phases of the project.

ITF 002 By Rtr. Danushi Liyanage

ITF 002 was initiated as the second phase of

Intellectual Task Force as an attempt of

bridging the gap between the industry and

university students. The objectives of the

project were to provide the opportunity for

the Rotaractors to engage in service whilst being exposed to the industry and help the

local industries using the areas of expertise in university students. As the first step towards

this Rotaract Mora joined hands with Hydro Power International (HPI) Pvt. Ltd to help

them in developing a couple of products to attract more investors to their company. The

project was split into a several tasks and the team members were assigned to each.

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Main focus of the project was on the task of developing the project proposal to attract

potential investors to the company. This was successfully accomplished by Rtr. Nipuna

Nanayakkara. Rtr.Rilwan Sharifdeen and Rtr. Vipula Dissanayake worked hard to achieve

the task of designing an interactive home page for the company, using the developed

brochure and available resources.

Developing the company brochure, another

important task in the project was carried out by

Rtr. Anuradha Mudalige and Rtr. Danushi

Liyanage. Rtr. Shanika Sandeepani and Rtr. Rajith

Karunarathne used already developed software

package for production monitoring and data

acquisition for sanitary ware manufacturing

facility in Homagama and kicked start the usage

of that package at the RLC factory, Homagama,

succeeding in another task of the project.

The task of assisting in civil engineering designs for hydro power projects in pipe line was

achieved by Rtr.Benura Vithana and Rtr. Geethanga Wijesinghe who spent nearly eight

days at Manakola near Haguranketha, surveying for a feasibility study of the construction

of another hydro power station lower to the ongoing power station construction, down

the same stream, Beli-Hul Oya.

ITF 002 is still an ongoing project of Rotaract Mora

providing a valuable opportunity for the

Rotaractors to gather real life experiences in the

industrial world.

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ITF 003 By Rtr.Punsara Colambage

With the objective of enhancing the quality of English education in Sri Lanka, the Indian

government in collaboration with the Presidential Programs Branch of the Sri Lankan

Ministry of Education, has planned to establish language laboratories in each province of

the island. These laboratories will be designed to be used by forty students at one time

with the access to all modern hi-tech facilities. Due to the feasibility of study, the Indian

government has let the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka with the co-ordination of the

Indian High commission in Sri Lanka to select a design model for the laboratories and to

call the tender orders to initiate the program.

Mrs. Maheshi Weerasooriya, the

director of Presidential Programmes and

foreign languages of the Ministry of

Education requested the Rotaract Club

of University of Moratuwa for the

technical evaluation of this massive

project leading to the third phase of the

Intellectual Task Force, ITF 003.

Rtr. Punsara Colambage represented the club on this behalf, where he went through their

proposed designs to determine its suitability, sustainability to Sri Lanka and to investigate

on the changes required. He took part in a series of discussions led by the Indian High

Commissioner of Sri Lanka with the participation of tender agents to assist them in

selecting the most appropriate and economical design model. He also submitted a report

on the technical evaluation of this program.

Although this concluded the third step of ITF, it will set its next step in the near future

where the Rotaractors will have a wide opportunity to work for the technical development

of the country.

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Installation Ceremony 2012

Rotaractors to make a change…

By Rtr. Nirmala Liyanarachchi

The legacy of Rotaract Mora continues with the 17th

installation ceremony of the Rotaract Club of University

of Moratuwa, held on the 30th of September at the

Development Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd auditorium, Colombo

02. Prof. R.A. Attalage, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of

University of Moratuwa graced the occasion as the chief

guest and Mr. Binupa Liyanage, a past president of the

Club as the guest of honour. Among the invited dignitaries were Rtn. PHF. Farzana Khan,

Joint District Rotaract Committee Chairperson, Rtr. PP. Dilhan Jayatilleke, the District

Rotaract Representative, District 3220, Rtn. Brian Selvanayagam, the Youth Advisor of the

club and Dr. Ranga Rodrigo, the staff advisor and senior treasurer of the club. The

installation saw the incoming president for the Rotaract Year 2012/2013, Rtr. Chinthaka

Dharmasiri and his board taking office.

Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa, affectionately known as Rotaract Mora, is the

first institution based Rotaract Club in Sri Lanka. It was initiated back in 1995. Since then,

Rotaract Mora has grown in leaps and bounds for the last 16 years, becoming the

trailblazing institution based Rotaract Club in Sri Lanka with a number of novel community

service projects as well as projects involving professional development and international

understanding. Rotaract

Mora has been locally

and internationally

recognized for these

various projects.

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The installation was kicked off

with both Sri Lankan and

Rotaract traditions being

respected as usual. Then the

outgoing president, Rtr.

Benura Vithana took the

center stage, making a

comprehensive address and

furnishing the audience with his experiences as a past president. He took his time to

appreciate the hardworking Rotaractors who thrived to take the club to bigger heights, by

dedicating themselves to various projects carried out by the club.

Outgoing secretary Rtr. Sacheera

Fernando presented the Secretary's

report, which was a pictorial memoir of

all the projects the club undertook

during the past Rotaract year. The

incoming president, Rtr. Chinthaka

Dharmasiri was introduced to the

audience accompanied by an amusing

video on him to spice up the moment!

The director board for Rotaract year

2012/2013 was introduced to the guests by Rtr. Dharmasiri after he was installed as the

18th president of the Rotaract Club of UOM by Rtr. Benura Vithana.

Addressing the gathering, the guest of honour Prof. Attalage praised the work carried out

by the club so far. A short - drama, as well as a choir item prepared by the club members

added colour to the event and finally the 17th Installation of Rotaract Mora came to an

end followed by the fellowship of the members of the guest Rotaract Clubs who

participated to this memorable evening.

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Board of Directors 12/13:

IPP Rtr. Benura Vithana

President Rtr. Chinthaka Dharmasiri

Secretary Rtr. Hasini Perera

Asst. Secretary Rtr. Shanika Sandeepani

Treasurer Rtr. Kimal Wasalathilake

Vice President Rtr. Sumudu Herath

Vice President Rtr. Lahiru Gawarammana

Vice President Rtr. Chathuranga Gallage

Director-Professional Development Rtr. Sacheera Fernando

Asst. Director-Professional Development Rtr. Givin Ranaweerasinghe

Co-Director-Community Service Rtr. Dulan Nakandala

Co-Director-Community Service Rtr. Nipuna Nanayakkara

Director-Club Service Rtr. Ranishka Premakumara

Co-Director-International Understanding Rtr. Sachindra Weerasooriya

Co-Director-International Understanding Rtr. Hansaka Fernando

Director-Special Projects Rtr. Isuru kumarasinghe

Rotaract Coordinator Rtr. Y.M.M.S. Anuradha

Rotary and Interact Coordinator Rtr. Rilwan Sharifdeen

Director-Public Relations Rtr. Dulitha Wanniarachchi

Director-Public Relations Rtr. Sandamali Devadithya

Director-Membership Development Rtr. Isuru Subasinghe

Director-IT Rtr. Eranga Mapa

Editor Rtr. Thamali Mampitiyaarachchi

Sgt. At Arms Rtr. Vipula Dissanayake

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CAST4: Session 01 By Rtr.Punsara Colambage The project CAST4 was initiated to build up the cohesiveness and interaction among the

club members of the Rotaract club of University of Moratuwa in a pleasurable

environment. The name CAST4 stands for Collaborated Avenue Service Teams and number

four represents the four avenues of services in Rotaract. To accomplish this idea, all the

Rotaractors were divided into four teams; each team under the guidance and co-

ordination of a senior Rotaractor. The team Spartanz, having presented the best proposal,

had the opportunity to implement the first project for CAST4.

Wheel of Spartanz

The team Spatanz was coordinated by Rtr. Chathuranga Gallage, one of the vice presidents

of Rotaract Mora and was led by Rtr. Rilwan Sharifdeen. Based on the ideas and

suggestions of all team members the Spartanz decided to organize a game show based on

a Wheel. On their way to put this into effect, two major challenges crossed their way

ahead. But it took no time for them to fade away before

the energetic young souls of Spartanz.

Designing the wheel was their first challenge. This was

achieved with the collective efforts of the Spartanz

members. Implementation of an algorithm was the other

challenge which they came across during their project.

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Since the game was designed to offer questions for the

competitors as they rotate the Wheel of the Spartanz,

selecting the questions, collecting the answers, checking the

answer and calculating the total marks should be done by the

algorithm which was a pretty hard challenge for the Spartanz

members.

The Spartanz launched their game show after the General Meeting at the new Mechanical

Engineering building in the university premises. Four teams (including a team from

Spartanz) from each CAST4 group took part in the game and the team from ‘Awesome’

became the winners.

This concluded the first project of CAST4, resembling the unlimited dedication and

creativity of a group of Rotaractors, while the Spartanz had the opportunity to collect the

pleasant memories of another cheerful moment in their Rotaract life. The next project of

CAST4 teams will be implemented in the near future, while another group of Rotaractors

are now on rehearsals for another mind blowing play.

Inter University e-Sports

Championship

By Rtr. Kalpanee Jayathilake

The Championship Qualifier to choose the University of Moratuwa e-Sports team players

was successfully concluded on 8th of September, 2012 at the university premises. This

event was chaired by Rtr. Rashiga Walallawita and Rtr. Dakila Serasinghe. The Champions

of the Qualifier will move forward to represent Mora in the Grand Finals division A and the

Runners up will proceed to Grand Finals division B.

Call of Duty 4:

Winner- Necromancy

Runner Up -Sledge hammers

Counter Strike:

Winner- Antidisestablishmentarianism

Runner Up- Gestapo

Defense of the Ancients (DOTA):

Winner- Death Note

Runner Up- Meet your makers

Most Wanted:

Winner- Yasitha Damruwan

Runner Up- Lahiru Aruna Jayasinghe

FIFA:

Winner- Tharindu Dissanayake

Runner Up- Anushka Mahesh

Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up.

Good Luck for the Grand Finals!

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1

Seeni Meanie Workshop

By Rtr. Nisal Sankalpa De Silva

‘Seeni Meanie’ is a nationwide Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Campaign conducted

by the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka in collaboration with Rotary District 3220. As the

researches show approximately 8.2% of the urban youth under 20 years have abnormal

glucose tolerance, which will lead to diabetes if left uncontrolled. So the primary objective

of this project is to inspire the youth of the country to lead a healthy lifestyle as the first

step towards prevention of diabetes.

Chaired by Rtr. Nisal

Sankalpa, Rotaract Club of

University of Moratuwa

conducted the program

‘Seeni Meanie’ on 25th of

October at National

Diabetes Centre, Rajagiriya.

It included an awareness

program and a discussion

session with Dr. Mahen

Wijesuriya, the hon.

Secretary of the Sri Lankan

Diabetes Association. The participants also had a valuable opportunity of undergoing a

medical check-up for diabetes during the program. Rotaract Club of American National

College and Rotaract Club of Informatics Institute of Technology were also present at the

occasion to share this experience.

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Elders’ Day Project By Rtr. Sachini Herath & Rtr. Madhawi De Mel

We turn cold blooded or heartless to say,

To the same old parents- whom we had promised to repay,

We turn them out from our heart and homes…

To “old-age homes” where they are left to roam,

~ Ms. Sathya Venkatesh

The Rotaract clubs of West family initiated the Elders’ Day

project with the intention of bringing up a smile in the

faces of those unfortunate souls who are deprived of love

and care of their belongings at the eve of their lives. This

project was carried out on 28th of October, 2012 at Borella

Elders’ Home in commemoration of the World Elders’ Day.

The Rotaractors spent the whole day there with the 23 elderly occupants sharing their

smiles and tears even for a single day. They were treated with a splendid lunch and were

gifted with new clothes, herbal supplies and medicine in addition. Free medical check-ups

for the elders were also conducted with the aid of Mr. Kasun De Soyza, a student of the

faculty of medicine, University of Colombo.

This project was chaired by Rtr. Dilhan

Kariyapperuma and the members of

Rotaract Mora together with

Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club of

ANC and the Rotaract Club of Colombo

West took part in the event.

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The Rotaractors also had the opportunity to

be acquainted with the fellow Rotaractors

from the extended Rotaract family during the

project. So at the successful completion of the

project, what they achieved was far beyond

the momentary smile of the elderly people.

RYLA 2012

By Rtr. Shanika Sandeepani

“Rotary Youth Leadership Awards-RYLA

2012”, a well-known and a very much

awaited event in the Rotaract calendar every

year was held at the MAS Institute of

Management & Technology, Thulhiriya on

27th,28th & 29th of October 2012.

This year RYLA was organized by Rtn. Raj

Rajalingam of Rotary Club, Colombo Uptown

with the intention of granting a novel

experience to all the participants under the theme “Change the Word to change the

World”. This time RYLA team consisted of 109 participants, Rotaractors as well as non-

Rotaractors from all over the country. The Rotaract Club of University Of Moratuwa also

took part in the event with six

members including Rtr. Dulan

Nakandala, Rtr. Sumudu Herath, Rtr.

Ridwan Shariffdeen, Rtr. Kalindu

Wijethunga, Rtr. Ishara Paranawithana

and Rtr. Shanika Sandeepani.

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On the very first day all of the

participants were warmly

welcomed by Rtn. Raj and it was

followed by a series of guest

lectures which were really edifying

as well as interesting. Past

President Nalin Jayasuriya did the

very first lecture in RYLA on ‘how

to be a smart leader’. After that,

another informative session

concentrated on etiquettes was done by Rtn. David Dan Bolier. At the end of the lectures,

the participants were given a leisure time during which they got to know each other and

had ice-breaking fun sessions filled with singing, dancing, acting and building up a strong

network among themselves.

The day two of the program

commenced with an aerobics

session accompanied with

breathing exercises, giving all

participants a live start for the day.

For the rest of the day, all the

Rylarians were busy with the

amusing activities of outbound

training, conducted by a group of

Trainers named “Enable”. The

participants had the opportunity to learn many new things through the activities they took

part, how to think differently, how to make proper decisions in proper times, teamwork,

effective communication and many more.

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Out of all the activities conducted, the most

memorable one for most of the participants

was the ‘Web of Trust’ where each team

member was thrown up in the air using a

web built by the team using polythene

strings. That was once in a lifetime

experience for the Rylarians. The most

spectacular thing of the day was the

unexpected rain which started towards the

end of the day. But this sudden downpour

did no impact on any of them; instead they

had a remarkable time in the heavy rain.

The day three commenced with a modeled parliament where the Rylarians led discussions

on prevailing education system in the country, required solutions and remedies for its

enhancement. The award ceremony appreciating the special performance of the

participants marked the end of RYLA 2012. Several titles like Most Popular Rylarian and

Most Entertaining Rylarian were awarded at the ceremony. The most significant and

valuable award amongst all was ‘The Best Rylarian’ of the year, where a club member from

Roatarct Mora, Rtr. Shanika Sandeepeni was fortunate enough to grab this award in the

female category. The Rylarians from Rotaract Mora finally returned home holding

everlasting moments in their lives and giving life to another remarkable episode of being a

Rotaractor.....!

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CONGRATULATIONS.....!

Best Rylarian 2012(female): Rtr. Shanika Sandeepani

Rtr. Shanika Sandeepani from the Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa won the Best

Rylarian award of the year in the female category at the ‘Rotary Youth Leadership Awards-

RYLA 2012’ held at the MAS Institute of Management & Technology, Thulhiriya from 27th -

29th of October 2012.

Rotaract Mora wishes her best of luck in every step she takes in her Rotaract life….!

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