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Explore Rotaract @ 3220 at a

glance

Nothing Better than Rotaract 5

Rtr. Ruwan Fernando shares his

experience of being part of IntroEx.

Know Your District Committee 6-7

Get to know two of your favourite

District Committee members, up and

close as we reveal interesting details

about them.

Congratulations! 8

Join us to congratulate the best

President of the month and best

Rotaractor of the Month for

December, January and February.

Editor’s Note

We are fortunate. We are blessed. We are whole. We

are powerful. It is a privilege to be who we are, with

what we have. What we do with this privilege is for

us to decide. As Rotaractors we get ample

opportunities to act responsibly and put this

privilege to greater use. The best thing Rotaract has

offered me so far is this chance to change the society

and in the process change myself by being a better

person.

The World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations 2013 is

one of the most significant experiences I’ve had as a

Rotaractor. Being involved in this project gave me a

feeling of being able to give back to the society, a

sense of satisfaction and achievement. To see the joy

that we brought to the lives of children living with

Down Syndrome in Sri Lanka helped me realize the

impact one human being can make on another.

With this, I praise the local university based Rotaract

clubs, DRR Rtr. PP. Dilhan Jayatilleke, the District

Committee, all the other individuals and clubs for

committing their time, energy and resources for this

great project. The efforts of the organizing committee

spanning for more than four months have paid off as

the event concluded successfully in the eyes of one

and all. I would like to thank everyone for the support

and encouragement extended to us throughout this

journey. Most of all, I thank Rotaract for its mere

existence and giving us a chance to be a saviour, a

healer, a comfort and a super hero in the eyes of so

many people…

The third edition of the bulletin is an attempt to recapitulate some of the amazing projects of Rotaractors under District 3220 in the third quarter of the Rotaract calendar. While extending my gratitude to DRR Rtr. PP. Dilhan Jayatilleke, the District Committee and other clubs for assisting me in numerous ways, I invite you to enjoy reading Explore Rotaract @ 3220. Rtr. Thilini Alahakoon Editor – Rotaract District 3220

Please send in your comments and suggestions to thiliniha@gmail.com. Your feedback is greatly

appreciated.

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hird edition of ‘Explore Rotaract @

3220’ brings me great happiness in

writing down this message as

District Rotaract Representative. This News

Bulletin brings a collection of news from all

over the country courtesy of active Rotaract

Clubs existing in Five Zones. Looking at the

response received upon issuing two

previous editions, I know very well that our

members have gained a great deal by

reading those. Information is very

important in today’s context. We need to

utilize whatever the tools available to grab

information. Considering that, this News

Bulletin contributes immensely towards

that purpose.

As the District Rotaract Representative, I

am indeed happy to see the contribution of

our Rotaractrors throughout this Rotaract

Year. The good thing is that it was never

less. Their efforts were increasing all the

time. As the District Committee, I am sure

that we did justice to all their efforts by

providing extensive media coverage in the

best possible manner right throughout the

year. For the first time in Rotaract history,

we provided Weekly coverage from our

Print Media Sponsor: ‘The Nation’. ‘TNL

Radio’ and ‘Lite FM’ joined hands with

Rotaract District 3220 as Official Radio

Partners. At the same time, we got ‘Sirasa

TV’, ‘MTV Sports’ and ‘CSN’ on board as

well.

All these were done for the betterment of

the movement. If you remember my vision

at the beginning of the Rotaract Year, it

clearly mentioned that I want our

Rotaractors to gain respect in society as

responsible citizens. It is not realistic

without creating awareness. Therefore,

creating awareness among general public

was the forte in our mission this year. I

cannot forget the effort put in by District

Editor Rtr. Thilini Alahakoon. Not to forget

the support extended by District Director –

Public Relations Rtr. Ransimali Warnapura.

Being the District Secretary, Rtr. Nadisha

Colombage also played a huge role in

assisting at difficult times.

Compiling an edition of this nature on a

Quarterly basis is not an easy task. This is a

painstaking effort of course to be utilized

fruitfully by all Rotaractors. Take your time

off to read this wonderful collection of

information put together to highlight

projects, events and activities organized by

your own fellow Rotaractors. When we

shine, the movement shines. We are the

ones who need to light ourselves in order to

make the Rotaract movement shine. Since

we now have the e-mail group to reach all

the Rotaractors in Sri Lanka in a click of a

mouse, this News Bulleting will be in the

hands of everyone. Readership has

increased from the First Edition to the

Second. In my opinion and experience,

when people are aware of what is

happening only that they make it a point to

attend. I sincerely hope that this Third

Edition of ‘Explore Rotaract @ 3220’ will

serve that purpose.

“Let’s Unite to Make Dreams Real”

Rtr. PP. Dr. Dilhan S. Jayatilleke

(District Rotaract Representative – 2012 /

2013)

Rotary International District 3220 (Sri

Lanka & Maldives)

T Message by the DRR – Rotaract District 3220

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Being a Rotaractor Explo

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Being a Rotaractor is a very special

and inexplicable feeling. Once you

become a Rotaractor, you realize that

you too can be a leader and that is one

of the most amazing things about

Rotaract, the way it transforms you. I

believe each Rotaractor has his/her

own definition of Rotaract and to me

Rotaract is all about friendship,

leadership, service and

professionalism.

Rtr. President. Kushil Thilakasiri

Rotaract Club of Colombo Fort

For me it's a life changer! And i believe we as a group have managed to change the lives of many individuals! Rtr. President Randinith Madanayake Rotaract Club of Colombo Down Town

Rotaract captures the responsibility to give back to the community that has already given so much to us and developing ourselves in doing so. To me, Rotaract is an opportunity to come together with like-minded people to work toward positive, interesting projects that make a difference.

Rtr. Harini Indiketiya

Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of

Management and Finance

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IntroEx – International Youth Exchange Project

INTROEX - The International Youth

Exchange Project organized by the

Rotaract District 3220 accommodated

approximately 40 visiting rotaractors

from the south Asian region. The project

was a joint effort of the District and the

Rotaract Clubs of Colombo, Rotaract

Club of Chemical Sciences, Rotaract Club

of Colombo Downtown Rotaract Club of

American National College, Rotaract

Club of Colombo Fort and the Rotaract

Clubs of Zone II.

The project spanned across 10 days

starting on the 1st of March 2013, with

the arrival date of the guests. This was a

golden opportunity for clubs to

participate in this project as "Hosts" by

accommodating these guests for the

mentioned period of time, being a

valuable addition to their portfolio of

International Understanding projects

for the year 2012/2013.

The key purpose of hosting INTROEX

during the first two weeks of March was

to enable the visiting Rotaractors to be

part of the 22nd Rotaract District

Conference for RI 3220. However, these

valued visitors were not limited to an

event in Colombo, they were taken on

many visits across the country and

within Colombo, and they were also

given the opportunity to bond with

many of the club members of hosting

clubs. These guests got the opportunity

to visit Ambekke (in Gadaladeniya),

Dalada Maligawa, University of

Peradeniya, Balangoda Hydro Plant,

Dankotuwa Factory, Puttalam Wind

Farm, Negombo Beach, Wattala Tea

Bagging Factory, Aluminum Extrusion

Factory, Galle etc all in the curse of 10

days!

According to Rtr. Ruwan Fernando of

the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, it

was an unparallel experience for him.

Even with his vast Rotaract history of 11

years, he has never had the opportunity

to meet such a large group of

international Rotaractors all at once. He

says the exchanges he made with the 14

Rotaractors from India and the 4

Rotaractors form Nepal were memories

he will cherish for a life time. He says

that this is a “must-have” experience for

his fellow Rotaractors and recommends

everyone to pitch0in for the next

INTROEX.

To say the project was a success would

be an understatement; many

participants were quite touched by the

hospitality of the hosting clubs and were

grateful to get an opportunity to re-visit

Sri Lanka during the next year. Finally, a

hats off, to Rtr. Tharaka De Alwis, the

Director for International

Understanding and Information

Technology for his untiring efforts to

make this project an ultimate success.

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District Director – Public Relations Rtr. Ransimalie Warnapura

Being employed at Etisalat Lanka (Private) Limited as an Accounts Executive and

reading for her BBA in International Business at University of Colombo, Faculty of

Management and Finance, Ransimalie is a Rotatactor that has achieved a lot within a

short span of time. Known as Ransi and an excellent writer, she is a cheerful and bubbly

character in the District who is very supportive at tines of need.

If you are to recommend Rotaract to a friend, what will you tell them? It’s one of the strongest and most vibrant youth movements I have experienced. More importantly, Rotaract has given opportunities to everyone to develop themselves as individuals.

What was the most memorable moment in Rotaract? If I am to point out my most rewarding experience, it would be the experience of seeing the smiling kids at the 2012 WDSD project.

What is the most difficult thing about being a Rotaractor? I believe difficulties make you stronger. One of my toughest difficulties was managing my time. I was only studying at the start of my Rotaract experience, so when I found it difficult to manage time, I had to learn to use the maximum of it. Now that I have started working, I fell that Rotaract has prepared me for the challenge in more ways than one.

According to you, what can we as a District do to strengthen and improve the movement? We need to be very supportive of upcoming and revived clubs; we should give them the necessary guidance and the opportunities to shine. More importantly, I believe that whatever ever we do, even the smallest of projects need to heard through PR.

Name one thing about yourself that most people do not know.

I asked my close friends what they could think of to answer this, and no one could come up with anything. I guess everyone knows me and my weird quirks pretty well.

What quality of people do you hate the most and why? I like to believe everyone has a good side, and you should try your best to concentrate on that. But if I have to pick one, I would say that arrogance is a bit of pet peeve for me.

What is the best compliment you have ever received? I have no idea.

Who inspires you? My parents.

What is success for you? Happiness. If I die today and have no regrets I think that’s a pretty good measure of success.

Favourite quote “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

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District Director – Professional Development Rtr. IPP. Malik Hannan

Former president of Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown, Malik is yet again another Rotaractor that has made great achievements within a very short time. His contribution over three years has acclaimed many awards, praise and admiration. A fun, easy-going and talented personality he is someone all Rotaractors look up to. Malik is currently reading for his LLB from the University of London while being a free-lance writer.

If you are to recommend Rotaract to a friend, what will you tell them?

Rotaract is a great way to meet people with the same mentality (fun people motivated to better the community), a great place to relax and make friends and a great way to travel the world.

What was the most memorable moment in Rotaract?

Being a part of "Run For Their Lives "project in aid of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital

What is the most difficult thing about being a Rotaractor?

Finding the time to participate in all the great projects that come my way while balancing work and studies.

According to you, what can we as a District do to strengthen and improve the movement?

Build better friendships with the general membership not just the executive post holding members of clubs.

Name one thing about yourself that most people do not know. I can’t swim :P

What quality of people do you hate the most and why?

Selfish people who let their talents and assets go to waste and misuse what they have. However, I wouldn't say hate because that word is too strong. I would say that i wish that kind of people would

put their time and effort in to avenues that matter .

What is the best compliment you have ever received? Grey hair looks good on you :P

What / who inspires you and why?

Parents (i don’t know anyone who works harder) and God (cause he forgives)

What is success for you?

Being happy with what I am currently involved in while moving forward the whole time.

Favourite quote

Work eight hours and sleep eight hours just make sure they are not the same eight hours!

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President of the Month

Rtr. Thilina De Silva

Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown

Rotaractor of the Month

Rtr. Binthi Adikari

Rotaract Club of Kuliyapitiya

Rtr. Gayani Wickramasinghe

Rotaract Club of American National

College

President of the Month

Rtr. Randinith Madanayake

Rotaract Club of Colombo Down Town

Rtr. Saduni Warnakulasooriya

Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts

President of the Month

Rtr. Raveen Liyanage

Rotaract Club of Negombo

Rotaractor of the Month

Rtr. Promila Jayraj

Rotaract Club of Spectrum Institute of

Science & Technology

Rotaractor of the Month

Rtr. Kaushali Yapa

Rotaract Club of Achievers Lanka Business School

December

January

December

January

February

February

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Friends in Action

otaract District 3220 is a

movement that is committed

to enhancing talents of the

youth while contributing to its

community. An event that caters to both

these objectives, Friends in Action was

held this year in aid of the cancer

hospital in Batticaloa on the 2nd March

2013.

Friends in Action 2013 took form of a

talent show and were hosted by

Rotaract Club of Achievers with the

guidance of Rotaract District 3220. It

provided the opportunity for both

Interactors and Rotaractors to showcase

their talents in three main categories;

solo singing, dancing and band

performance. Performances by guest

artists’ added value to the event while

being a crowd attractor.

The items of the programme focused on

different cultural aspects of Sri Lanka

and the world depicted through music,

drama and dance. The event also served

as a setting that spreads awareness of

the importance of peace and unity.

Friends in Action served multi-purposes

of being a professional development,

community service and international

understanding initiative challenging the

existing standards of talent shows!

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Sports Glory and Community

Service

HE INTER ROTARACT

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

(IRBT) was held on the 27th of

January 2013 (Sunday) at the

Mercantile Cricket Associations

Basketball Court. This annual sports

extravaganza was organised yet again

by the combined efforts of the Rotaract

Clubs of Colombo Uptown, University of

Kelaniya and University of Colombo

Faculty of Arts.

The Rotaract movement in Sri Lanka is

very much known for its community

service work, for well over 4 decades.

Rotaract Clubs in Sri Lanka have

provided young adults with the

opportunities not only to augment their

knowledge and skills, but also the

opportunity to address the physical and

social needs of their communities while

promoting international understanding

and peace through a framework of

friendship and service. While serving

the community has always and will

always be one of the main pillars of the

movement, a chance to build fellowship

amongst Rotaractors are always

welcomed and never overlooked. The

Inter Rotaract Basketball Tournament is

one of many opportunities for

Rotaractors in Sri Lanka to gather and

enjoy themselves while bonding over a

mutual love of fun friendly competition.

The tournament format was simple, the

top two teams from each group would

be chosen through a league format and

then knockout matches would take

place to determine who would make it

to the finals, and ultimately who would

take home the championship. This year

the male division challenge shield went

over to the Rotaract Club of Colombo,

the oldest club in the country and not to

mention the first ever winners of IRBT.

The runners up honours went to one of

the organising clubs as the Rotaract

Club of Colombo Uptown would go on to

win the silver shield. Third place went

to the Rotaract Club of Colombo

Millennium City. Over on the women’s

division, The Rotaract Club of Chemical

Science girls team were crowned

champions, while the Rotaract Club of

Colombo Uptown girls team emerged as

runners up. The Rotaract Club of

American National College girls team

walked away with the bronze.

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This one day tournament featured many

highly competitive 15-minute matches

as many of the teams boasted some star

talent. Seeing as how Rotaract members

range between the ages of 18 to 30, an

intriguing mix of talent could be seen on

the court. From schools players’ fresh

out of A/L’s to club players with years of

experience, to veterans who are no

stranger to the mercantile tournament,

a varied mix of sportsman could be

found which made for a pleasant mix of

styles and team work strategies on the

court as well as some incredibly

competitive play as was evident from

the score line of the Final in men’s

division, 14-15.

With 10 male teams and 5 female teams

representing Rotaract Clubs from across

the country IRBT 2013 proved to be an

entertaining well organised event, as is

most Rotaract events and with well over

180 Rotaractors in attendance. IRBT

2013 proved to be yet another example

of the unity within the Rotaract

community in Sri Lanka.

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Rotaract District Conference 2013

he 22nd Rotaract District

Conference was held in full

glamour and splendour on the

9th of March 2013 at the Galle Face Hotel.

The event was hosted by a Rotaract Club

of Kuliyapitiya with Rtr. President Anuja

Madushan as the project chairperson and

Rtr. Ramesh Seneviratne as the

Rotaract District Co-ordinator for the

event.

At the event, District Rotaract

Representative (DRR) Rtr. PP. Dilhan

Jayatilleke emphasised on the success of

his Rotaract year so far with more than

fifty projects completed at District level.

He also mentioned about the current

status of Rotaract in Sri Lanka and

highlighted its growth in terms of the

number of Rotaractors and quality of

projects.

The main attraction of the conference was

the formal induction of Rtr. PP. Abdul

Wahid as the District Rotaract

Representative Elect (DRRE) for Rotaract

year 2013/2014. Rtr. Abdul stressed on

the importance of equality and accepting

each other irrespective of their various

differences to reach success as a collective

movement. He also praised Rotaract for

being a platform which brings likeminded

individuals together to serve others, no

matter what their creed and culture is.

Another attraction of the event was the

elections for District Rotaract

Representative Nominee (DRRN) for

Rotaract year 2014/2015. This was a

significant moment for Rotaract Sri Lanka

as the future leadership of the movement

was decided. Rtr. IPP Hazeem Osman won

the election obtaining majority of the

votes, earning the prestige of being DRRN

for Rotaract year 2014/2015. He

emphasised that during his tenure

professional development and

membership development will be given

priority and requested all Rotaractors to

“Live your dream, Enjoy Rotaract.”

The keynote speaker for the day was Rtn.

Mahanama Dodampegama from Rotary

Club of Colombo, who stressed on self-

discovery and how to achieve success.

Other guests included Chief Guest for the

first session District Governor. Rtn. PHF.

Dharshan John, Chief Guest for the second

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session District Governor. Rtn. PHF. Imran

Hassan, Guest of Honour -New

Generations Committee Chairperson

Rtn.PP.Janaki Anandasundheram and

District Rotaract Representative of RI

District 3250 - Rtr.PP. Parameshwar

Mahato.

The Rotaract Conference was yet more

interesting as twenty international

Rotaractors from South Asian region

covering India, Nepal, Bhutan and

Pakistan (RI District 3132, 3292, 3150,

3080, 3250, 3131) who is part of an

international understanding initiative of

the District, “IntroEx” participated in the

conference. This served as an

opportunity for Rotaractors in Sri Lanka

to build international contacts and the

presentations of the foreign Rotaractors

served as a great cultural learning

experience to everyone.

This year, the Rotaract District

Conference took a new face synergizing

many avenues of Rotaract Service into

one mega event.

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World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations 2013

otaract District 3220

together with Kosala

Dullewa Foundation

organized World Down

Syndrome Day Celebrations

2013 event on Sunday, 24th

March 2013 at Navaragahala,

Royal College Colombo 07.

Hosting Rotaract Cubs of the

event were Rotaract Clubs of

University of Colombo Faculty of

Management and Finance,

Faculty of Science, Faculty of

Arts and Faculty of Law,

University of Peradeniya,

University of Sri

Jayawardenapura, University of

Moratuwa, University of

Kelaniya and Interact Club of

Royal College.

Art Competition and

Exhibition: art competition was held for children with both physical and mental

disabilities ranging from 5 years of age to 26 and above. With more than 600 art

received, 50 children were awarded with prizes for their talent on the 24th. All

art was displayed at the venue for public viewing. Ms. Sibil Wettasinghe helped

us on this.

Vehicle Parade: a vehicle parade to raise awareness about Down syndrome and

accepting these children as normal citizens was held. The parade was done in

partnership with Classic Car Club. 20 classic cars participated in the parade with

other vehicles representing Rotaract. The special feature was that children with

Down syndrome got a chance to ride in these vehicles.

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Health Camp: more than 350 children with Down syndrome participated in the free

health camp where expert attention in areas like pediatric, dermatology, eye, dental,

physiotherapy and speech therapy was given. There was a special counseling service

arranged for both children and parents with Women In Need (WIN). Also, free

medicine was given to participants as well.

Variety Show: the variety show started at 1.30 p.m. and included 12 items done by

children with Down Syndrome. It included dance, drama and song. District Governor

Rtn. PHF Dharshan John, Joint DRCC Rtn. Numan Zarajudeen, DRR Rtr. PP. Dilhan

Jayatilleke, Principal Royal College Mr. Upali Gunasekara and Master in Charge

Interact Club of Royal College were guests for the event.

Distribution of gifts and chocolates screening of movies, mascots to entertain

children, free popcorn stall and face painting created a carnival atmosphere at the

event allowing all participants to have a great time.

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Let’s Colour the dream with shades of green: Invest for a greener future

oday, Mother

Nature is being

disturbed due

to various human

activities in the name

of development.

Among the numerous

ways of destruction,

deforestation has become a major issue.

The rate of deforestation in Sri Lanka has

mounted in an alarming rate over the past

few decades, thinning the forest layer in

the country. As all of us will have to face

the consequences of our misdeeds, it is

high time for us to pay due attention to

the needs of Mother Nature.

Hence with the purpose of environmental

conservation, GREEN DREAM was

initiated by the Rotaract Club of

University of Moratuwa in collaboration

with “Friends of Bio-Diversity”,a non-

profitable organization at Roonakanda

Forest Reserve.

Roonakanda is the

second largest

lowland rainforest

in Sri Lanka, rich

in bio-diversity,

extending over an

area of 4500

hectares and has

been exposed to a

great deal of

deforestation due to various human

activities. The initial phases of GREEN

DREAM already carried out by the

Rotaractors have been successful in

clearing and replanting about one acre

of the deforested land. They now have a

nursery of about 100 rare endemic

saplings which includes Hora, Beraliya,

Kirihambiliya. Batukena, Aaridha,

Malaboda, Batadola, Pelen, Ham

Pelenda, Gal hadawaka, Kithul,

Katadomba, Badulla, Batadomba,

Polhadawaka, Madoll, Kudumberiya, Path

kala, Godapora, Diyapora and

Diyamidellla . These saplings will be

planted in the forest in due time. The

nursery is being maintained with the help

of the villagers and "Friends of bio-

diversity". The Rotaractors frequently

visit the place to ensure the consistency of

the project.

On 3rd of March 2013, a media

conference was held at the Royal College

Union Skills Centre with the presence of

Rtn. Brian Selvanayagam and DRR Rtr

Dilhan Jayatillake to raise public

awareness regarding environmental

issues related to deforestation and

reliable solutions for those issues.

Now you have the opportunity to be a

part of the GREEN DREAM program. With

you being the investor, an endemic plant

will be grown in to a tree. It is time we all

stand up to color the dream with shades

of green.

By Rtr. Nuwani

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Walk for a Cause – The Step of Hope

ope is faith holding out its

hands in the dark”

Some days in your life

deserve pure celebrations, graduations,

weddings and birthdays, just to name a

few. For many people there is another day

that they consider one of the happiest

days of their lives. It is the day that they

are told they are cancer free.

In order to support and to be a hope for

every person struggling for their lives, the

Rotaract Club of Matale organized their

major community services project “The

Step of Hope” in aid of the construction of

the Cancer Treatment Unit in Kandy

remarking another milestone in its

history. It is with this ray of hope that the

members stepped together with the

public at large on the 16th of March 2013

at Matale against the rapidly spreading

disaster, cancer.

The Cancer Treatment Unit of the Kandy

General Hospital has been in existence for

decades handling over 4,000 new patients

per year and currently experiencing many

limitations in terms of equipment and the

need for modern medication. The new 10

storey Oncology Unit proposed will unite

all the Cancer centre’s clinical programs

under one roof and will be of service for

patients with the most complicated and

lethal cancers.

Sometimes hope comes from a smile, hug

or a high-fi and indeed the few steps we

took together would not have contributed

to a major change, but still made an

impact on the society raising awareness

to take all necessary steps to reduce the

effect. The Rotaract Club of Matale was

chartered in the year 1984 and ever since

then the members have contributed for

the development of many aspects of the

society while enhancing young leadership

and talents. The Cancer walk – THE STEP

OF HOPE was also another major public

event raising awareness of the passion of

the Rotaractors to serve the community.

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Saving Paws

t came to me that every time I

lose a dog they take piece of my

heart with them, and every new

dog who comes into my life gifts me with a

piece of their heart. If I live long enough all

the components of my heart will be dog,

and I will become as generous and loving

as they are.” – Anonymous

The Rotaract Club of University of

Colombo Faculty of Management and

Finance organized a vaccination of the

stray dogs inside the faculty on the 18th of

January 2013. They were vaccinated for

rabies and released back by the Health

Officers from the Colombo Municipal

Council.

Loved by students and staff alike, these

dogs have found a temporary home in

everyone’s hearts. They have never

displayed any sign of viciousness towards

any party. However, as a precaution the

Rotaract Club took the initiative to get

these pups vaccinated as a Community

Service project.

13 grown dogs and 7 new puppies were

vaccinated on the day. Club members

were seen running around both within

their own faculty and the Arts Faculty

trying to find more dogs for the cause.

Surprisingly, most of the dogs remained

calm and the task was an easy one for the

officials.

If anyone out there is interested in

adopting any of them please feel free to

email rcucfmf@gmail.com for details.

Written by: Rtr. Ransimalie Warnapura

and Photo Credits: Rtr. Lakmal

Ranasinghe

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Conquer the Peaks

band of hikers, in one mind to raise funds in aid for the diabetic in our

country, are woke up on a Sunday, Ravindra in this case “The Nade Gura”.

Everyone got ready for the first climb in a series of 25 which will take these

climbers to the top 25 mountains of our country in 13 days.

“Misty Mountains” a tea estate under management of Mr. Sajith Egodage is a self-

sustaining environment with its own produce of vegetables and dairy products. Under

this project, a sponsor can sponsor one or more hikers’ with the amount of ‘a rupee for

every foot’ they climb above 5000 feet from sea level. Using this as a motivation all

hikers got to the highest peak of knuckles mountain range with the height of 6123 feet

from the sea level. At the top everyone gathered to put the first flag, which was

continued to every other mountain with the names of the climbers. The “Rotaract Club

of Kandy”, had the 17th General Meeting with a breath-taking view.

The quest didn’t end here. The team lead by the President and Project Chairperson Rtr

Ravindra Tammita went on to climb the rest of the mountains. Dr. Shehan

Karunathilake, Udaya Ratnayake and R.M.Rehan completed the full 25 mountain along

with the President while some joined at various stages of the project. Altogether the

climbers climbed more than 250,000 feet from 5000 feet over mean sea level.

It was no easy task as the climbers faced many challenges as some mountains were

conquered in total darkness. We are proud to say that if you ever go conquering any of

these mountains you will be able to witness the “Conquer the Peaks” flag planted on the

summits stating the date and the time of conquering as well as the names of the Team

Members.

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M6 Honours Ms. Miranda Hemalatha: renowned Dancer, Educationist

and Social Worker

long with the celebrations of the

Rotaract week, the six clubs

starting or that has “M” in any

part of their name, known as the “M6”

once again got together in order to give

gratitude to yet another amazing lady

who has devoted her whole life to social

work.

The “M6” consists of Rotaract clubs of

Colombo Millennium City, Colombo Mid

town, Colombo Mid City, University of

Moratuwa, Matale and Jaffna Mid town.

In order to carry on the traditions build

years ago the Presidents of year

2012/2013 of the six clubs got together

and gave tribute to a well-known social

worker named Mrs. Miranda Hemalatha.

Miranda Hemalatha is a respected dance teacher, choreographer, dancer, actress, and an educationist in the field of Aesthetic Education. She has served the country in the fields of Dance, Drama,

Puppetry, and education for the last Fifty seven years in Sri Lanka. She is the first Director of education in Aesthetic education. She won the first Colombo plan scholarship for Dance in 1963.

Her contribution in the field of

developing differently able children is

very much appreciated by the

educationists. Already she has

developed Down syndrome children as

teachers and for various other

occupations. Now she is working for the

development of a residential training

centre, Diridaru Piyasa.

We were truly honored by her presence

and ware grateful for the wonderful

deeds carried out by her and hope to

help her in any way we can to carry out

her future plans successfully.

Article By: Rtr. Chevon David

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E-mail Group for Rotaract District 3220

An e-mail group that links all Rotaractors in Sri Lanka together is now available. This is

a critical stepping stone in the communication aspect of Rotaract in Sri Lanka. E-mails

related to events and projects can now be sent to announcements@rotaractsrilanka.org.

23rd Rotaract District Assembly

The 23rd ROTARACT DISTRICT ASSEMBLY will be held on the 29th of June 2013 at the

Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.

1st Slot Registrations are now open at the ‘EASY-ON-YOUR-WALLET’ rate of Rs.1700/=

(valid from 1st April 2013 – 30th April 2013). First 100 Rotaractors to register and

confirm payment will receive a special collector’s item as well.

2nd Slot Registration is at Rs. 2000/= (Valid from 1st May 2013 - 31st May 2013) and 3rd

Slot Registration: Rs. 2300/= (Valid from 1st June 2013 - 28th June 2013). Also note that

on the Spot Registrations will be Rs. 2600/=.

Please deposit the amount to;

Name of Bank A/c: Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens

Bank A/c No. 8116014448

Bank: Commercial Bank

Branch: Reid Avenue and send a copy of the scanned deposit slip to

rotaractdistrictassembly23@gmail.com

Publicity Opportunity with media partner The Nation

Clubs have the opportunity to send in articles to be published in “free” magazine of The

Nation paper. The length of the articles should be 400 – 500 words together with three

photographs of the project been featured.

Clubs also have the chance to be featured on the cover of the same magazine by sending

us any selected photograph of a project organized by the club.

Do not miss this opportunity!

Note: Articles should be sent to thiliniha@gmail.com

District Announcements

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