rotaract district 3220 sri lanka official newsletter - the colloquium issue 2. jan 2014

Issue 02 January 2014

The Colloquium Quarterly bulletin of Rotaract District 3220 – Sri lanka and Maldives

IN THIS ISSUE

Get To Know your District

Council

Young Blood!

Sharpen your Trivia

knowledge – Win Rs. 5000/-

with NoLimit!

Contents

Editorial Message from DRR Get to know your District Council

o Malik Hannan o Ifras Kamil o Nilangika Fernando o Hazeem Osman o Bernadine Jayasinghe o Ravindra Tammitta

Young Blood!

o Marlon

President / Rotaractor of the month o September o October o November

Projects This Quarter:

o Club service

o Comm Service

o PD Sports Club: Get fit, Get Healthy

o IU

Quiz – sponsored by NOLimit! Installations

From the Editor

With half of the New Rotaract year

already behind us, we also

welcomed the dawn of a new 2014.

It is my pleasure to attempt to

encapsulate some of the

noteworthy and impactful projects

done this year to date, and it is

without doubt that the next quarter

will see many more to come as we

all try to make this year of service

count.

A thank you to all who contributed

articles for this issue, and a special

thanks to Rtr. Shakthi for the

photography he has largely

contributed.

Lets strive to set the standard for

clubs and other districts to aspire

to, and make a difference while

having a good time and making

new friends all at the same time! No

other movement can offer the same

experience, so let’s live this

Rotaract year to its fullest potential.

Have a blessed 2014 ahead!

Zainab Abbas

District Editor

Rotaract District 3220 – Sri Lanka

and Maldives

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Message from the DRR 2013-14

"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end, may also be

the beginning" - Ivy Baker Priest.

This quote seemed like an appropriate way to start a commentary on saying

good-bye to one year as we start a new one. This year had many moments, as

do all years, of joy and sadness, growth and loss. Will this new year of 2014 be

any different? All we can hope and pray for is more moments of joy than

sadness and more growth than loss.

Even though it’s not the end of the Rotary year for us, the beginning of 2014 would have had people

running around making promises and penning down resolutions. I wish to all who have penned down

their resolutions all success in achieving them and changing their lives for the better. Welcome to 2014

and the 3rd quarter for the Rotary year of 2013/14.

Let me start off by thanking the District Editor Rtr. Zainab Abbas for putting out a wonderful first quarter

bulletin. The success story of the first edition has indeed made her stronger and a tad bit more creative.

I must say the second edition will be a testimony for the success story of the first. Also a big thank you to

all who supported her in putting out this issue specially all the Rotaractors who contributed with articles

and content to write.

Today the 22nd of January is indeed an important date for all of us Rotaractors in Sri Lanka as we will be

launching the media unit for the district 3220. This unit will act as a voluntary group to promote Rotaract

activities and assist Rotaract clubs with all media management requirements. It will help us to promote

the great achievements and activities of all the Rotaractors in Sri Lanka.

The third quarter will also host the 23rd Rotaract District Conference under the theme “Believe in Youth,

Believe in Rotaract. The organizers and the District committee are doing their utmost to make sure that

this is a conference worth attending and being a part of. The two day conference will host some great

personalities who have walked the talk and shown us the way forward in volunteerism and leadership.

Before winding up let me invite you all to take some time to read through this publication and find out

what we Rotaractors at RI District 3220 are up to. I hope you enjoy this edition just as the last one and

also do take part in the quiz competition. We did award the last editions winner at the January DCM (for

the people who still have doubt about the legitimacy).

On a final note let me share this wonderful piece of lyrics from John Lenon: “Imagine all the people

living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us,

and the world will be as one.”

We share our planet, our country, our town, our street, our home. The family is the core of our society.

When our families are strong, our society is stronger. Remember that we as Rotaractors do come from

one big family, so let us work towards being together as “One District, One Community”.

Rtr. PP. Abdul Wahid District Rotaract Represantative 2013/14 R.I. District 3220 - Sri Lanka & Maldives

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Get to Know your District Council…

Full name Malik Ishan Hannan District Position Community Service Director Date of Birth 26.09.1990 School St. Peter’s College- Colombo-04 College Royal Institute of Colombo Areas of Study Law Profession Law Student :P Place of Work Head writer at HomeandCompany.com , jobless.lk, findmeaplacetowork .org Hobbies/ Special Interests

I like playing basketball, video games ,walking on the beach .sleeping in busses, watching movies ,reading books (Archie comics ) ,listening to music (illegally downloaded music ....just kidding ..not really) ,playing with my pets ,spending time with family and friends, drama ,debating.

Achievements/ Accolades won

high score on tettris , level 100 Charizard on Pokemon Red version .finished all god of war games .once I fell from a mango tree but landed on my feet (that was cool ) ,won a dance off at a friend’s birthday celebration (100 percent sober )

Role Model my parents Special/ Unique Characteristics

I’m a Nord level 73 overall .Scar on my left side cheek, about 7 feet tall, wearing newly forged Dragon scale heavy armor, jet black hair, super duper buff....oh wait that’s my character on Skyrim

Interesting Facts about Yourself

I brush my teeth three times a day ... I have never ever combed my hair i have grey hair..on my head (had to add that part to avoid weird questions ) I’m tall but not too tall .i wear glasses but I’m not too blind, i have clean fingers and toe nails but not too clean cause that’s suspicious.

What Rotaract means to you

Rotaract to me is a great way to meet colourful individuals who share similar if not the same interests as I have. Rotaractors are a motivated bunch very passionate about the things they invest their time and effort in to. Its a place where i developed my ability to speak in public and address large ordinances and to me it has been a great way to travel the country on a very tight budget.

Most Memorable Rotaract Project

Run For Their Lives the annual Charity run in aid of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital organized by my club the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown.

Malik


http://jobless.lk/

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Full name District Position Date of Birth School College Areas of Study

Mohamed Kamil Mohamed Ifras Assistant District Rotaract Representative 26th April 1984 Zahira College, Colombo – 10. London Business School ABE (Business Administration)

Profession Educational Marketing Place of Work Hobbies/ Special Interests

Northshore College of Business & Technology Playing Football, Watching Movies


Role Model Special/ Unique Characteristics

Mahatma Gandhi Honest (I like people who's honest and I'll be honest back) Being fair (so if you're mean to me, I'll be mean back) Trustworthy (people can/should trust me) Funny (like making people laugh and having fun) Serious (at times when things need to be serious)


Friendly


Friendship and Fellowship


Rotaract District Assembly 2002/2003

Ambi


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Full name umm... complete name not necessary ne ;) Nilangika Fernando District Position Joint Professional Development Director Date of Birth 5th January 1990 School St. Bridget's Convent College University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance Areas of Study Accounting and Finance (ACCA) and economics (University) Profession Student still, nothing big Place of Work Verite Research (research assistant + assistant accountant) Hobbies/ Special Interests

Love crafts! Travelling, food!


biggest achievement 3A's lol (nothing was as hard to do) others : been in lots of clubs since school so the positions held there, rowing- won nationals bronze in 2- event, interuniversity regatta, Sri Lanka University Games, Varsity boat race malaysia...i dunno there is more i guess..

Role Model I draw from a lot of people, no particular person. I do wish i could be like a kick-ass P!nk song :D

Special/ Unique Characteristics

I'm moody, bad temper, emotional (those three are a bad combo in itself), love doing random things - there are a lot of moments during office where I wanna wonder off and go for long walks.


I'm weird and I like it. I don't even like to be normal or mediocre. and..I cant ride a bicycle-not proud of it (i see potential for a PD project there!!! teach ppl to ride bicycles!!!!!!)


If we look at the true purpose of it, it restores faith in humanity- we do want to leave the world a better place than it was before and help others and ourselves become better people in the process.


KDF, eye donation in uni, Dog vaccination in uni and iGenius (preference in order)

Nilangika


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Full name Mohamed Hazeem Osman District Position DRRE / DT Date of Birth 17thSeptember School Zahira College, Colombo College University of Staffordshire UK / APIIT Areas of Study Business Management / Marketing Profession Business / Undergraduate Place of Work Hazeem Enterprises / Auto Car Care / Wheels Mart Hobbies/ Special Interests

Friends and Fun / Adventure / Nature


Rotaract Paragon 2012 / Epitome of Rotaract 2013

Role Model

Osman Hameed (Dad)


Self Motivated


I love to love all


A high-class movement which offers a prestigious title for its members; “Rotaractors”


Cannot mention specifically, but all the projects that I was a part of, 21ST ROTARACT DISTRICT ASSEMBLY, PETS AND SETS 2012, 22NDROTARACT DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

Hazeem


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Full name Bernadine Jayasinghe District Position PR Director Date of Birth 06/08/1991 School St. Bridget's Convent College Achievers Campus / SLIM Areas of Study CIMA / CIM Profession Executive / CEO - Key to Success Place of Work Union Assurance / Key to Success Hobbies/ Special Interests

Dancing/ used to collect stamps


Achievers Idol 2011, Runner up - JCI World public speaking championship preliminary 2013, Net ball captain, Table tennis vice captain etc;)

Role Model My Mother


Public speaking


Like dancing, Mom comes with me all the time ;), Love helping others (my passion), Trying and moving on in life...


Rotaract means a lot to me!!!


Beach clean up

Bernadine


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Full name Ravindra Pandukabhaya Tammita District Position ZRR - Zone 1 (Hill Country) Date of Birth 15th July 1985 School Trinity College Kandy College CINEC - University of Wolverhamption Areas of Study Mechatronics Engineering Profession Teacher Place of Work Trinity College Kandy

Hobbies/ Special Interests

Love the great outdoors; Hiking, Camping, Cycling, Shooting and any adventure I can get into. Muay Thai/ Kick Boxing


: In Rotaract?? Best Rylarian 2010/2011, Most Outstanding President Citation 2012/2013 Others?? (President Scout, Baden Powell Award / National Colours in Cadeting and Colours in Kick Boxing)

Role Model My father


That's the hard part.. I guess it's best that some one else decides this. I guess I can cope with any situation.


Easy to get along with (So i hope :P)


It's a life style which grooms you


Drama on the Streets (Island Wide Street Drama Campaign on behalf of Thalassaemia Awareness), Conquer the Peaks (Where we climbed the highest 25 mountains in Sri Lanka in order to raise funds for diabetes) and Pedal to Cure (Bicycle ride from Point Pedro to Dondra on behalf of Thalassaemia Awareness and fund raising)

Tammita


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Young Blood! It’s the young blood in the movement that keeps it going

and this time, we feature the newest members who have

made their mark and are sure to do big things in the

years to come.

Full name Marlon Romesh Anuhas Aluthgamage Member Date of Birth 14th July 1991 School Trinity College Kandy, Gateway International School College Phoenix East Aviation, United States Areas of Study Piloting Profession Student Pilot Special Interests Flying aircraft's and playing soccer would be my only interest and hobby.

Always had a crazy addiction towards aircraft's and anything and everything which comes under aviation


Rotaract gives me an opportunity to serve the community. "Rotaract Battaramulla for Street pooch project" was my favorite and the most memorable rotaract project which was held on the 20th of October 2013 at Wickramsinghepura, Battaramulla. It was a unique and a different experience because as we always spend time with our friends and family basically with the two legs but I got to experience to spend the day with the street pooches where half of the community has neglected. I helped the team being the assistant chair person with the feeding program where we fed 150 - 200 approximately street pooches around the battaramulla, palawatta area and also we cleaned the foster mothers house where there were 35 homeless dogs including 5 weeks puppies, we fed them, cleaned them and even cleaned the place. This is one of my best days that I could recall in my memory again and again :)

Young Blood…

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Congratulations! President of the

Month

Rotaractor of the

Month

September Rtr. Ruvini of RC Faculty of Arts, UOC Rtr. Ashan of RC Kotalawala Defence University

October Rtr. Lalithkumar of RC Wellawatta Rtr. Amjath of RC Colombo North and

Rtr. Yasasi of RC Achievers

November Rtr. Saroj of RC USJP Rtr. Nirmal from RC of SLIIT

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Strings and Vibes Strings and Vibes is a planned guitar workshop aimed at giving a direct exposure

to total beginners and those who always wanted to learn the art of playing guitar.

Participants get to learn the art of guitar playing and get inspired by the Maestros

of the guitar world.

For those who have not played guitar before, this may be where you start!

Organized by the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens and sponsored by

Yamaha Music Centre, entrance for the event is free of charge and includes an

impressive array of presenters including:

The Dhas Brothers- Arjun and Vije Dhas

Jude Peiris

Derek Wickramanayake

Coming Up…

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The Rotaract District Organization with the Rotaract clubs of Wellawatte and University

of Colombo Faculty of Management and Finance cordially invites you to the 23rd

Rotaract District Conference “Believe in Youth, Believe in Rotaract”. The District

Conference is the key event in the Rotaract calendar and which brings together

approximately 400 Rotaractors from all corners of the island.

The Rotaract District Conference is an annual event organized to provide opportunities

for networking, inspirational addresses, and discussion of Rotaract and its activities.

The event recognizes service programmes, projects and public relation achievements in

the district in order to inspire Rotaractors to become more involved in the organization

and its programmes. The conference also provides Rotaractors and clubs a vision about

Rotaract beyond the club level and provides a memorable fellowship experience. On the

sidelines the district conference also formally elects the District Rotaract Representative

Nominee for the year 2014/15. The Theme for the 23rd Rotaract Conference would be

“Believe in Youth, Believe in Rotaract” through which, the organizers will attempt to

promote and reinstate the trust in youth to build a better future and an equal society to

all.

Coming Up…

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Rotaractors believe that the world should see a better tomorrow and in an attempt to

walk towards that better tomorrow they seek the cooperation of their peers as well as

the support of other organizations and media who are dedicated in service and the

development of youth. By creating a platform for better awareness towards the theme

for the district conference we the organizers believe that we could stride towards the

better tomorrow we all wish to see.

Project Chairperson IPP Rtr. Nilangika will be supported by the host clubs viz. the

Rotaract Clubs of Wellawatte and University of Colombo Faculty of Management and

Finance. The conference would be held under two sessions; the opening ceremony

would be held on Friday 14th March evening and the technical session would be on the

following day with a grand ball in the evening. Keep the dates free for an exciting and

interesting weekend!

Coming Up…

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RI Presidential Nominee Felicitation

The RI Presidential Nominee Felicitation was held on the 23rd of October at Water's

Edge. The event organized by the Rotary Club of Colombo along with the Rotary District

was held to celebrate and felicitate Rtn. Ravindran for his RI nomination.

K.R.Ravindran, a member of the Rotary Club of Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka,

has been selected by the Nominating Committee for President of RI in 2015-16.

Ravindran said his top priority for Rotary will be to increase membership, which he

called the bedrock of any organization.

Ravindran holds a degree in commerce and is founder and CEO of Printcare PLC, a

publicly listed company and global leader in the tea packaging industry. He also serves

on the board of several other companies and charitable trusts. He is the founding

president of the Sri Lanka Anti Narcotics Association, the largest anti-narcotics

organization in Sri Lanka.

As his country’s PolioPlus chair, Ravindran headed a task force with members from the

government, UNICEF, and Rotary and worked closely with UNICEF to negotiate a

cease-fire with northern militants during National Immunization Days.

A Rotarian since 1974, Ravindran has served Rotary as a director and treasurer of RI

and as a trustee of The Rotary Foundation. He has also served as an International

Assembly group discussion leader, district governor, Council on Legislation

representative, and zone institute chair. He chaired the Schools Reawakening project,

sponsored by Rotary clubs and districts in Sri Lanka, which rebuilt 25 tsunami-

devastated schools, benefiting 15,000 children.

Ravindran has been awarded The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service

and Distinguished Service Award and the Service Award for a Polio-Free World.

Source – Rotary Website

In the News…

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The Polished Professional A Professional Development Project Organized by The Rotaract Club of Colombo North

The Polished Professional was the first Professional Development project hosted by the

Rotaract Club of Colombo North for the Rotaract calendar years 2013/2014. Mrs.

Virginia Corera being an expert in Leadership training, Business Etiquette conducted

this houseful event full with over 200 Interactors, Rotaractors and the general public at

Royal College Union Skills Center from 3pm to 7pm on the 29th September 2013.

The Polished Professional saw an audience of over 170 Interactors alone and the

Rotaract Club of Colombo North agrees to state that this event was the largest

Professional Development assignment the club undertook.

The club president Rtr. Haseen Shibly along with the club Secretary Rtr. Anjalie

Jayathunga and the project chairperson and initiator Rtr. Shabnam Fazi invited the

District Rotaract Committee Chairman Rtn PP Marshad Barry, District Rotaract

Representative Rtr PP Hazim Osman and Two Interactors representing both boys and

girls school Interact Clubs along with the project facilitator Mrs Virginia Corera to

inaugurate the event with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp.

Projects this quarter…

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Mrs Virgnia Corera is known for changing people’s lives for more than 10 years by

coaching, training and conducting workshops. After being awarded with a United

Nations International Women’s Day Service Excellence Award in 2008, her obsession in

to changing lives while conducting life changing workshops led her to become a

successful professional facilitator and a leadership development specialist.

Under the guidance of the Rotary Club of Colombo North, more than 20 Interact Clubs

were privileged to be invited. The event saw a vast number of participants from the

Interact Clubs of Gateway College Colombo, St Pauls Milagirya, Isipathana College and

Muslim Ladies College. Every participant was entitled to lavish gift vouchers and

discounted coupons from Daya Learners, Mc Currie as well as all the ladies received


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2000/- vouchers from Capello Salon whereas the gents were distributed 1500/- worth of

vouchers, followed by refreshments at the end.

The Rotaract Club of Colombo North Wishes to appreciate Daya Learners (Pvt) Ltd for

being the main sponsor for the event, while thanking LOLC (Pvt) Ltd and Fashionista for

co-sponsoring. The organising committee also wishes to thank the following

organisations, the Barnesbury, the Redberrys and Body kerves International for

supporting with sponsorships. The Club received many positive commendations from

the participants at the end of the workshop and has decided to make the Polished

Professional an annual workshop.


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‘ARE YOU READY? 2013’ kick started with CV Clinic ‘Are You Ready?’ the Official Careers Fair of the University of Moratuwa started off with

its first session on the 17th of December 2013. The signature PD project, organized by

the Rotaract Club of the University of Moratuwa was held in collaboration with the

Careers Guidance Unit of the University of Moratuwa at the University Premises. This

year marking the 18th consecutive year of excellence, ‘Are You Ready? 2013’

encompassed six sessions including the Flagship Day which was held on the 20th of

December, where the well known employers around the country met the prospective

graduates.

‘CV Clinic’, the first session of ‘Are You Ready? 2013’ was a new addition to the ‘Are

You Ready?’ program line up held so far which was conducted on the 08th October

2013. In spite the rest of the sessions were ‘Engineers’ Forum’: a panel discussion on

current aspects related with engineering, ‘The Criterion’: a workshop to improve

professionalism, ‘YOUTM’ to guide in building up the professional network and ‘Dining

Etiquette and Grooming workshop’ to promote the accepted behaviour in corporate

society.

The CV Clinic, sponsored by Millennium IT was all about preparing a killer Curriculum

Vita. The session conducted by professionals from the Human Resource Division of

Millennium IT succeeded in maintaining the interest of the crowd throughout the

session. “The main objective of preparing a CV is to get an interview, not to get the

job...”, the professionals form the MIT emphasized the importance of making the CV

simple and to the point so as reflect the true potential of the candidate to the recruiter.

They spoke vividly on the constraints in composing the CV in line with the mistakes that

are common in present day CVs.


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The participants were also given the opportunity to get their own curriculum vitae

checked and corrected during the session. The past Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club

of the University of Moratuwa, who are now successful professionals in the industry

helped in this regard.

‘Are You Ready? 2013’ was chaired by Rtr. Himantha Alahakoon and Rtr. Sumudu

Herath of Rotaract Club of the University of Moratuwa. Rtr. Anushka Abeyrathne and

Rtr. Sameera Gunarathne chaired the inaugural session, the ‘CV Clinic’.

This time 'DIMO' joined as the Strategic Partner with ‘Are You Ready? 2013’ where as

‘Brandix’ served as the Platinum Sponsor and ‘Mobitel’ as the Gold Sponsor for the

whole event.


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Funtaract 2013

Funtaract 2013 was an eventful day full of activities and fun that provided an opportunity

for not only Rotaracters form different clubs, but also Interactors to compete in teams of

five. Funtaract was organized by the Rotaract Club of Colombo Fort and Rotaract Club

of Colombo North on the 09th of November 2013 at the Excel World from 8.30 am to

3.00 pm.

The day saw Rotaracters and Interacters engage in friendly competiton, sometimes

against their own club members, to win some fabulous cash prizes and have a good

time. Members were encouraged to merge with members of other clubs to form teams

of five instead of representing their own clubs to promote friendship, cooperation and

healthy competition. The teams could also come up with their own name, which was

surely a display of wit and creativity.

FUN!!! FUN!!!

FUN!!!


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COIN A MILE for Thalassemia

…to travel that extra mile for those who fight with their own blood for an extra day to live

The Rotaract Club of Kandy organized their annual Thalassemia awareness/fund raising project for the 10th consecutive year on the 23rd of November 2013. This project was carried with two objectives in mind; one was to create awareness among the general public, and the second being raising funds for the Thalassemia Unit in Kandy and other hospitals. The event began at 8.00 am and went on till 5.00 pm. The organizers attempted to create awareness by conveying the message to the public through an announcing vehicle, distribution of leaflets and a display of banners. A performance of street dramas was also held for this. A free Blood testing Centre was set up as well. Fund raising activities were carried out through the collection of coins and notes laid along a passage of bamboo fixed on the railing on the side of the pavement through the following route: 1. Hatton National Bank Kandy (Main Branch) to General Anuruddha Ratwatte Statue along Dalada Veediya

2. General Anuruddha Ratwatte Statue to Panideniya Bus Halt 3. Swarnamahal - Colombo Street junction along Yatinuwara Veediya along Colombo Street till D. S. Senanayake Street 4. Queens Hotel - along Queens Corridor till it ends



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THE BAILA NIGHT 2013

BAILA NIGHT 2013 was organized by the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo,

Faculty of Arts and the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens on the 23rd of November

(Saturday) at the Solis Hotel (Kotte)

from 7.00 p.m. onwards. It was a fun

filled evening that brought some baila

grooves back on complete with

exciting games, food and beverages.

The funds collected were utilized in

aid of the Kalaabogaswewa

Vidyalaya, Vavuniya.


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T.R.R. RAJAN 20/20 CRICKET CARNIVAL

ROTARY & ROTARACT INTER CLUB CRICKET TOURNAMENT

The T.R.R. Rajan 20/20 Cricket Carnival in memory of our beloved late Past President Rtn. T.R.R. Rajan was held for the 11th successive year, on Saturday, 16th November 2013 at the TCK Cricket Grounds, Asgiriya commencing at 8.30 am.

There were two Six-a-side Cricket Tournaments – one for the Rotary Clubs and the other for the Rotaract Clubs, played in a similar fashion to the previous year. The Memorial Trophy was awarded to the winners of the respective tournament.

Special awards were given in the following categories: Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Fielder, Man of the Series and the Best Dressed Team etc. to both Rotary & Rotaract Clubs.


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‘Ayubowan India’: A joint initiative by the Rotaract Clubs of

Colombo Fort and SLIIT

Dating back to history, Sri Lanka and India have been two inseparable sisters in the

Indian Ocean to date. Their common feeling of togetherness has kept even the minute

distance along the Palk Strait that separates the two lands, negligible to consider. With

this spirit of harmony, the people of both soils have always found it easy to

communicate and socialize. Taking this opportunity into consideration, we Sri Lankans

have embedded an Indian touch to many of our products and services. From cuisine to

trade, India has established its wonders without hesitation. On such grounds, it is

always pleasant to accept them with our culture and make them feel ‘Sri Lankan’.

The Rotaract Club of Colombo Fort along with the Rotaract Club of SLIIT joined hands

to welcome three visiting friends from India. This project came to light recently where

the President of RCCF, Rtr. Thaha Adamjee along with the Rotaractors from RC of

SLIIT received them at the Bandaranaike International Airport early that morning.


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The visiting friends were Rtr. Himanshu Aggarwal, Rtr. Shikha Pandey and Rtr. Pooja

and they were hosted by Rtr. Thaha Adamjee (RCCF), Rtr. Imalsha Udawatte, Rtr. Isuru

and Rtr. Lahiru from RC of SLIIT. The visitors were delighted at the welcome and were

ready to devote some of their valuable time and see what we had in store for them.

They stopped for breakfast at Sasha Restaurant and exchanged their views on

Rotaract. Towards the end of the conversation the hosts decided to accompany them to

the famous Negombo beach.

While enjoying the saline breeze and the August sun, the visiting friends took a long

walk along the beach, further exchanging their views on the two nations. With king

coconuts served to quench their thirst, the visitors loved the hospitality presented to

them. They also didn’t forget to capture some of these moments on a celluloid reel to

refer in future and cherish the good times they had. As means of exchanging goodwill,

there was also an exchange of badges and letters to add to the collections of souvenirs

they had. Hence it was a memorable day for all Rotaractors alike.

International Understanding is one of the most important avenues of service in Rotaract

mainly because it is from here that locals can enter a global arena just by maintaining

bonds across borders.

This Youth Exchange Programme is one of the many

programmes that have been initiated so far. The

most popular International Understanding program

‘INTROEX’ (INTernational ROtaract EXchange)

initiated by the Immediate Past DRR Rtr. PP. Dr.

Dilhan Sampath Jayatilleke has now become one of

the most awaited events on the Rotaract calendar.

The President of RC of Colombo Fort, Rtr. Thaha

Adamjee was happy to coordinate this programme

and lead the way right from the outset, while joining

hands with a newbie in the family, RC of SLIIT.

Rtr. Imalsha Udawatte (President of RC of SLIIT)

along with his friends pulled out their best to make it

a memorable day for all. The visiting friends were

here on a seven-hour transit, while on a tour to China and on their departure they

promised to make a comeback some time later to spend few more days with us and

enjoy Mother Lanka’s best!


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Acoustic Night - Saving Lives from Local to Global

The terror of "Haiyan" hit Philippines a month back, destructing more than 5,000 lives. With loved ones lost, no proper food or shelter, the physical and emotional trauma faced by these victims is said to be devastating. However, as partners in service, we believe that the collective power of youth is much stronger than the power of any such disaster. That is why we decided it is time to reach out to serve the needy community, beyond borders. end the day at Acoustic Night, chilling with some great live music "Acoustic Night - Saving Lives from Local to Global" - a night of live music in aid of victims of Haiyan, was held on 15th December, Sunday from 6.00 PM - 09.00 AM at Agra Tickets were priced at LKR 500 and all funds were donated to the typhoon victims through Red-Cross.


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Rotaract BBQ Night

Chaired by Rtr. Jehan, the District BBQ Night fundraiser was held on 26th October 2013

at No. 51, Fife Road, Colombo 05 to raise funds for equipment for the Sports Club.

The Event was a roaring success and was attended by a large crowd of Rotaractors

and friends.

The funds raised were used to purchase cricketing equipment for the Rotaract team.

Await another BBQ night soon!


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Rotaract 3220 spreads its wings in the North of Sri Lanka

As Rotaract spreads its wings to the far corners of the country, it was heartening

to see a bus full of youth make their way to the North on a journey of

camaraderie and gaiety. Widely acknowledged as ‘awesome fun’, the journey

combined the serious tasks of the Installation Ceremonies of six Rotaract Clubs,

an Intercity Meeting, and the District Council Meeting for the month.

A packed 3 day weekend schedule saw the Rotaractors start off from Colombo to

Chunakkam. They started the weekend with a District Council Meeting organized

by the Rotaract Club of Chunakkam on Friday morning. This was followed by an

Intercity meeting which

saw the participation of

the Rotaract Clubs of

Jaffna, Jaffna Midtown,

Nallur, Chunnakam,

Kilinochchi, Mulaitivu,

Colombo West, Colombo

North, Colombo Fort &

Spectrum Institute of

Science & Technology.


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Installation ceremonies followed, and the delegation attended and felicitated the

newly installed Boards and Presidents of the Rotaract Clubs of Jaffna, Jaffna Mid

Town, Nallur and Chunnakam as well as the Joint Charter Installation

Ceremonies - RC of Killinochi & RC of Mullattivu.

A tree planting initiative organized by the Rotaract Club of Jaffna Midtown with

the Rotaract Club of Wellawatte was part of the itinerary.

Thereafter the troop of merry young men and women enjoyed some fellowship,

ice cream and cultural sightseeing to round up an important event in the Rotaract

District 3220 calendar.


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A Step Closer To A

Happy Life Held at the Brahma Krishna’s Yoga

Center, Dehiwela on the 01st of

December 2013 the Rotaract Club of

College of Chemical Sciences organized

the meditation session as an approach to

enhance the spiritual path of an

individual. Meditation helps to promote

relaxation, build internal energy or life forces. The program started off with an

introduction of meditation.

A sister from the yoga center commenced the program. She taught us what we really

are! “We are no one but a point of light,” she said. She further elaborated on the topic

and taught us more of the elements of meditation.

Next, this person taught us about “Life Line” and he helped us to recall our childhood,

the good times to remember and to learn from our failures. The program continued with

further meditations that took our minds to a different world.

They taught us to see problems in

our lives in a whole new way and

we learned to establish happiness,

and self-esteem.

Members from the Rotaract club

of Colombo uptown, Battaramulla,

Wellawatta and Cinnamon

gardens as well as Rotarians from

our parent club participated too.


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SHOOT the Ball! Rotaract Club of Nuwara Eliya and Rotaract Club of Beacon Hill Academy proudly presented their community service project "Shoot the Ball 2013" at Beacon Hill Academy, Nuwara Eliya.

The game was played in three different levels with one basketball net. This project was to help the school (Beacon Hill Academy) by painting their basketball net and buying a new basketball for the next year batch 2014!

Blood Drive

The Rotaract Club of Colombo South joined hands with the

Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Law Faculty to

organize a Blood Donation Campaign in aid of those in

need, together with the support of the National Blood Centre

on the 06th of November 2013 from 12.00pm to 3.00pm at

the UOC Law Faculty- Common Area.


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Run For Their Lives 2013

Continuation is never easy, especially when it involves improving over past success

which largely exceeded expectations in the first place. However, when it comes to Run

For Their Lives, it’s unwavering organizer – the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown

(RCCU) - always parades it’s confidence in the 5 kilometer charity run that has now

become the largest and most recognized charity run for cancer in Sri Lanka.

Every year’s Run becomes a little more difficult to organize than its predecessor, yet the

RCCU persists to uphold the promise it has made to the National Cancer Institute in

Maharagama – to continue steady, annual donations (as medicine and treatment) for as

long as they remain a club.

When they started off in 2010 with 350 participants, none of them expected to see a

tenfold increase in just four years. Neither did they expect to see their inaugural

donation of 350,000 rupees in medicine and treatment rise to more than 2 million. From

its inception, the RCCU has made it their pledge and their utmost promise to continue a

steady stream of donations and have yet never failed to deliver on this promise.

2013’s fun fair is by record the biggest fun fair the charity has ever set up. If any one

participant was dissatisfied by the free water and bananas provided, they sure were

satisfied at the variety of food and drinks for sale by well-known brands in Sri Lanka. If

they were dissatisfied by their position in the race, they were certainly given a chance to

make up for it by the vast number of games available. If they wished to remember their

participation and needed a souvenir immediately, a variety of merchandise including

immediate photos was available. Several caffeine-filled hours went on to making sure

everything was set up accordingly and the outcome certainly made every bitter cup of

coffee worth the indigestion

afterwards.

Rotaractors Thilina De Silva,

Narendra Senaratne and Abdul

Qadir have raised the bar for

every Run For Their Lives that

follows. The brains behind

2013’s installment, they

together with every member of


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the RCCU worked tirelessly towards its success.

Sri Lanka is seeing a rapid rise in activism. Not among only the youth, but among all

those young at heart as well. Social media is probably at the core of the reason why.

Yet it takes quite a considerable amount of effort to get off the computer chair where

mass amounts of likes and shares are generated and actually be present in person at

an event filled with activists just like themselves. The trend seems to graciously shifting

from “Keyboard Warriors” to real contributing heroes.

Every one of those 3000 people who attended Run For Their Lives 2013 are heroes. It

is not simply the diverse (yet unique) band of 38 people which make up the RCCU that

make Run For Their Lives great. It’s every organizer, volunteer and participant that

makes it the fun, social and

charitable event it is.

Run For Their Lives is an event

that believes in building upon

smiles. For smiles produced by

the happy and fun-loving

participants certainly do generate

smiles among those afflicted with

cancer not just for the treatment

donated, but for the knowledge

that people unknown to them are

willing to go to the furthest extent

to raise awareness of their plight and thus show them, that someone, somewhere in Sri

Lanka is thinking about them and wondering how to help.

Run For Their Lives will continue growing and offering its participants greater returns for

their contribution. Yet among the hubbub of socially-driven charity, we must never forget

the effects of an unforgivable disease that does not discriminate in its infliction. A

disease that shows no mercy while bringing about insurmountable moments of grief,

depression and sorrow. Catering to the needs of a population forgotten by many is our

utmost priority as human beings. We must never lose ourselves in the comfort of our

lives and we must always stand up, voice our opinion, participate and display our

activism when our own people need us the most.


36


37

Passion 2013

The Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens Presented Passion 2013, An Art Exhibition

with the aim of giving young artists a platform to showcase their talent, to promote art

among the youth and educate the public on Contemporary Sri Lankan art. The event

was held on 15th of December at The Galleries of Sapumal Foundation, Barnes Place,

Colombo 7.

This year’s featured Artists were

Pathmal Yahampath

Georgiana Chitac

Hash Bandara & Umanga

Samarasinghe

Chathuranga Gamage

Mayantha Perera

Denver Pereira

Bhanuka Bodaragama

Shantan Kumarasamy


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RAFTIESTA

Raftiesta” was an open event which was organized by the Rotaract Club of Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), which was held on 30th November 2013 in Kitulagala. This was held with the participation of more than 50 enthusiastic and marvelous Rotaractors of island wide Rotaract Clubs and non-Rotaractors. The participants were clustered into groups of six members, where each team was asked to come up with unique nametags. Professionals of the field made the competitors aware with the way they have to raft, precautions that should be taken and other crucial safety information. We selected the best troupe who ended their adventurous path within the shortest amount of time as the winners.

The winners were the Fasters (rugby team of SLIIT) who walked away with

the cash prize of Rs.15,000.00 as they were able to complete the whole

distance of five kilometers with in a lesser amount of time than the rest of

the team. The rest of the participants took a once in a lifetime experience

back home with them.


39


40

CHILLZ HALLOWEEN PARTY

COME AS YOU ARE NOT!

With the dawn of the last week of October, what

lingers in everyone’s mind is “trick or treating”,

Costume

parties,

pumpkins,

Jack-o-lanterns

and horror

films. All these

lead to one holiday, the only holiday you don’t have to

look good; All Hallows Eve or more commonly known

as Halloween.

In the midst of all the Halloween parties oraganized

during the first week of November, the Rotaract Club

of Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology held

a party with a difference; “Chillz” Halloween

Night.“Chillz” was held on the 1st of November from

7.30 pm onwards at the Royal College Union Skills

Center.

The venue looked really ghoulish, that anyone who stepped into RCUS felt the “Chillz”

down their spine after seeing the

lanterns lit under dim light, the

hovering ghosts and skeletons and

everyone dressed up portraying

different characters.

The night was rocked by the

astounding music of DJ AYU.

Everyone who attended had the


41

night of their life. The whole event was a success thanks to the hard work of

Rtr,Ibraheem Nasir and Rtr.Uwin Lugoda. Whatever said and done, Rotaract is a

movement dedicated to serve the society and help others while having fun.

The Rotaract club of Spectrum Institute was able to be a part of hosting International

District Youth Exchange team of three Rotaractors from the district 3202, India. Marking

the importance of International understanding a main avenue of Rotaract. Yet again

proving the Motto of Rotaract “Fellowship Through Service”

The Rotaract Club of SIST proved this fact by holding “Chillz” as a fundraiser for the

upcoming Rotaract project “Rainbow of Hope” in aid of the Maharagama Cancer

Hospital.

By Sakuni Rankothgedara


42

“Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more....”

It’s Christmas time!!!! The season to be jolly. . . But then there is something about Christmas that requires a rug rat. Little kids make Christmas fun. . . .

As children, all of us believed in Santa. Christmas meant gorging on cookies, milk, and pudding, opening the gifts with gusto, and listening to grandpa’s stories around the Christmas tree.

But not every one of us is lucky enough to share a similar moment in childhood. “Light

Up a Life 2013” is a Christmas party successfully organized for the underprivileged,

differently-abled and orphaned children by the Parent Club, the Rotary Club of Colombo

Regency, on 29/11/2013.

It was indeed a touching sight to see the children fled to the Havelock Kiddies Park (the venue of the party).

The Rotarians and our club members welcomed these kids by providing refreshments. They were more than happy to receive them.

Light up a life

2013


43

This is where we actually got the feeling that Christmas is not a season; it’s actually a feeling. Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.

It was such an eventful day that included dancing, magic shows, face painting and many more games. Such a lovely sight it was, to watch these kids enjoying and owning the evening. Face painting was indeed a hit of the day. Our club members eagerly painted according to the kids desires It was surely a day to remember. Also the wonderful members of the Grom Rotary club from Norway have been a great help and support. They had a great time as much as the kids did. Later, the kids received gifts and were stunned.

Then, for the most awaited SANTA CLAUS & MRS. CLAUS.

That’s the true spirit of Christmas; people being helped by people. Christmas is not a

time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous

in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. Never worry about the size of your

Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. Christmas waves a

magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Such

an amazing day it was!!! So many happy faces and innocent hearts to cherish!!! This is

exactly what we love about Christmas time. The children had a great time and all thanks

to the great team pulled off.


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Coming Up! Rotasia 2014 - Mysore

Rotaractors worldwide are gearing up for Rotasia 2014, to be held in the scenic heritage

city of Mysore. Over 30 participants from RI District 3220 will make their way to the

historic and beautiful city of Mysore.

For the Rotaractors of District 3220, this will be an extended soiree of fellowship as fun

as they visit the cities of Bangalore and Chennai as well!


45

Sports Club

A healthy mind in a healthy body

Get fit and hearty and contact your team representative if you wish to join any of the

below Sports Clubs.

In addition to the below regular sessions, the swimming club is to commence and all interested Rotaractors please contact Riyaj Fasik on 0777406846 to register yourself

Sports Club : Football

Sessions : Weekends - Sunday Time : 7am - 9am Venue : Cooray Park / Colombo Uni grounds Contact Person : Wishanth Bala - 0771737718 Resource Person / Coach : No coach at the moment, Initial stages of getting the group

together and having consistent sessions Sports Club : Basketball Sessions : Weekends - Sunday Time : 8am - 10am Venue : Amal International Court / Otters Contact Person : Rtr. Abdul Qadir - 0779446676 Resource Person / Coach : Non - All members are qualified to coach the team but

sessions led by Captain of the team.

Sports Club : Cricket Sessions : Practice sessions Time : 6.30 – 7.30pm every Friday Venue : CCC indoor nets Colombo -7 Contact Person : Riyaj Fasik - 0777406846 Resource Person / Coach : Shihan Jainudeen

Sports Club

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Quiz: Sharpen your skills

Answer and Win a Gift Voucher worth Rs. 5000/- from

NOLimit! Send in your answers to [email protected] indicating your name, Rotaract Club, email address, and mobile number

Last Quiz Answers!

1. What number do you get if you add together the number of blackbirds baked in a pie, the number of blind mice and the number of fiddlers in ‘Old King Cole’?

30 (24+3+3) 2. What is the oldest and only remaining member of the original “Seven Wonders of the World”?

The Pyramids of Giza 3. In which sport do you drag, spin, tie, reel and sometimes snag a line?

Fishing 4. What is a Baker’s dozen?

13 Given making a loaf of bread with exacting attributes is nearly impossible by hand without modern day tools, bakers began giving more to make sure they went over and never under. If a vendor or other customer were to order a dozen or several dozen loaves of bread from a baker, the baker would give them 13 for every dozen they ordered. 5. Who was Alexander the Great’s famous tutor?

Aristotle

Congratulations! Rangitha Kuruppu Winner of the first

Quiz!

This Quarter’s Quiz!

1. Who discovered the Blood circulatory system?

2. Who directed the movie Pulp Fiction?

3. What is the biggest planet in our solar system?

4. What is the Capital city of Ukraine?

5. In which country was Nelson Mandela born?

Trivia Quiz

48

INSTALLATIONS The second quarter has been filled with celebration and felicitation at numerous beautiful and well-conducted Installation ceremonies. Rotaractors all over Sri Lanka welcomed their new Boards, with promises of new memories to be made. The calendar for the year saw the below Installation ceremonies take place this quarter, and we take a look at a few of them in the pages that follow.

October 4th RC Colombo Downtown 5th Trinco visit – RC of Trincomalee 12th RC Negombo 13th RC University of Kelaniya 18th North Visit - 19th RC of Jaffna Midtown RC of Jaffna RC of Chunnakkam RC of Nallur 20th RC of Killinocchi RC of Mullaitivu 27th RC of Colombo South

November

2nd RC of Nikaweratiya

7th RC of KDU

December 7th RC of Colombo South

15th RC of Col East

17th RC of NSBM

Get the District Calendar on your smartphone by clicking the link below and adding it to your Calendars! Being notified was never easier!

https://goo.gl/hmsib4

Installations

https://goo.gl/hmsib4

49

The Charter Installation

Ceremony of the Rotaract

Club of National School of

Business Management

First impression, first sight, first trip and the

pioneer of many events ahead have their own

beauty encompassed with freshness and novelty.

So was the charter Installation of the Rotaract

Club of the National School of Business

Management (Sponsored by the Rotary Club of

Colombo West) , which was held on the 17th of

December 2013 at the NSBM Auditorium.

At this event of pride, Rtr, Adheesha Dharmakeerthi was collared as the charter president of

RCNSBM by the President of the Rotary Club of Colombo West Rtn,PHF. Jerome Rajendram in

front of the Rotaract District 3220, headed by DRR.Abdul Wahid.

The charter president of RCNSBM then pinned badges to all the members of the charter Board

of RCNSBM marking the beginning of a new journey, congratulating and wishing all the very

best for the year ahead.

RCNSBM is the first ever student movement to be established in the history of NSBM and NIBM

and holds a great

responsibility and

pride in crafting

the student

culture of NSBM

creating a platform

to develop skills of

young Rotaractors

of NSBM and also

by enabling to

practice ‘in class

learnings’ in

managing a

student

organization in the

Installations

50

structured set of formalities and procedures of Rotary international, making it easier for future

NSBM graduates to take up leadership in the corporate world.

The members of RCNSBM planned their Charter Installation with unity and harmony that

cracked all forms of challenges that came their way as a new club.

Setting a new beginning, and being the newest addition to the prestigious Rotary family of

Colombo West the Rotaractors of RCNSBM organized this graceful event despite which college

faculty members are in distinguishing the true meaning of “friendship and fellowship” of

Rotaract.

The Charter Board of RCNSBM

Standing(From Left):Rtr. Supun Wickramasekera(Sgt. At Arms), Rtr.Imadh Ismail(Director,

Finance), Rtr. Siddique Iqbal(Treasurer), Rtr. Adheesha Dharmakeerthi(Charter President), Rtr.

Shalitha Senarathne (Vice President), Rtr. Ama Silva (Asst. Dir, Professional Development)

Sitting(From Left): Rtr. Kalashini Peiris(Editor), Rtr. Nipuni Wideshya(Editor),Rtr.Ruckshani

Weerasekera (Asst.Dir, PR), Rtr.Naduni Jayasinghe (Secretary), Rtr. Rushini Thalagala (Asst. Dir,

International Service, Rtr. Sashini Caldera (Director, Professional Development), Rtr. Vatsalya

Ranaweera (Asst. Dir, Club Service), Rtr.Chamathya Fernando (Director, International Service),

Rtr. Sina Mayadunne (Asst. Dir, Community Service)

Absent: Rtr. Nadunika Pallegangoda (Asst. Secretary), Rtr. Nazneen Majeed (Director, Club

Service) Rtr. Nohim Galgamuwa (Director, Community Service), Rtr. Shanya Fernando (Director,

PR).

Installations

51

Rtr.Adheesha

Dharmakeerthi Making

his first speech as the

Charter President of

RCNSBM

Guest of Hounor

DRCC. Rtn. Marshad Barry

Addressing the gathering

Chief Guest, Rtn. PHF.

Jerome Rajendram

(President, Rotary Club

of Colombo West)

DRR. Rtr. Abdul

Wahid

Installations

52

Some significant milestones in the Installation

Calendar included….

8th Installation Ceremony of The Rotaract Club of

Nikaweratiya

The Rotaract Club of Nikaweratiya installed President Chandana Wanninayake & his board of

Directors on 2nd November 2013, 6.30pm at the Rotary Niwahana on Puttalam Road, Nikaweratiya.

Charter Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club

of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University

The Charter Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence

University was held on Thursday, the 7th of November, at 6.45 p.m at the University premises.

Revival Installation Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of

Colombo East

was held on the15th of December 2013 at 9a.m. at Royal College Union Skills Centre.

rotaract district 3220 sri lanka official newsletter - the colloquium issue 2. jan 2014

News & Politics