Quarterly Newsletter of Rotaract Club of Colombo West

VOL - 1 QUARTER - 1 RI YEAR 2023-24

It gives me great pleasure to add a few words as an introduction to the first of many editions of the quarterly Newsletter of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, a.k.a WestLife. It is another approach by the club to recognize those that have put their time and effort into service and also to go the extra mile to showcase the impact of the work we do in the community both as members of Colombo West and Rotaractors in general.

Through the recognition of the time and effort put into volunteerism and the showcase of service provided to sectors of the community in need, we truly believe that we are fuelling the vision of the Blueprint we are drawing for the next fifty years. To educate, empower and equip others to serve, which in turn multiplies the magnitude of the service we as Rotaractors do.

A humble request I make to all the readers is to read through this if you get a hold of it, learn more about the initiatives we have engaged in, reach out to our team if you have any suggestions to better our projects, as this will add value to the purpose of this publication and finally please do share and support the journey to educate, empower and equip.

Finally I would like to thank Rtr. Sharan Balasubramaniam and his Editorial Team of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West and for all those who have taken the time to work tirelessly in putting this together and really taking WestLife from a hashtag to the next level.

Wishing you a pleasant reading experience, Viva La Rotaract Rtr. Santhamurthy Balamurthy

01

01

PUBLIC RELATIONS

03

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

03

CLUB SERVICE

RTR. MANDIV KARUNARATHNE

RTR.KESHALI AMARASINGHE

RTR.SAHANSA MAHELIE

RTR.SENUDI VITHANA

RTR.YAASIR NAZRI

RTR.MOHAMED RIFAZ

RTR.NISULI KUMBUKEWELA

For five glorious decades, the Rotaract Club of Colombo West has been doing what we do best— changing lives, leaving a trail of excellence, and making the world a whole lot better!

Why? Because that's just how we roll.

What's our secret? Well, let's just say, we've got confidence in our comrades.

In preparation for the 50th year celebration of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, an engagement and outreach campaign named "Reaching 50 Years of Excellence" was planned.

The scope and objectives of the PR campaign was primarily aimed at the road to the club's 50th installation and Chartered Day celebrations. The campaign would highlight the club’s rich history, values, and impact while engaging both the Rotaract community and the bigger audience.

The PR team closely collaborated with club members to collect their quotes, views, experiences, and testimonials related to the club's history. These contributions were seamlessly integrated into the posts to infuse a personal touch and showcase the collective journey of the club.

Advance notice was provided to all members, informing them about the scheduled posts.

Members were encouraged to actively engage in the campaign through platforms such as WhatsApp and Meta, boosting its reach. ‘ With a focus on creative design, member engagement, and a thoughtful PR outreach strategy, the campaign aimed to resonate with both the Rotaract community and a wider audience, reinforcing the club's enduring legacy and unwavering commitment towards service and leadership.

With 50 years in the rearview mirror, we're not slowing down; we're revving up for the next 50!

Rtr. Santhamurthy Balamurthy is at the helm, and you can bet he's charting a course for even more prosperity.

Here's to us, here's to you, and here's to the next 50 years of excellence, leadership, and community impact. We are the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, where excellence isn't just a word; it's our legacy.

The Let's Interact project organized by the Rotaract Club of Colombo West took place on 24th of August 2023 with the aim of fostering connections and creating lasting memories among Rotaractors and Interactors from various clubs. Rtr. Sahansa Mahelie delivered the introductory remarks concerning the event. This was focused on connecting our members with the Interactors of Colombo, as this would open opportunities for connections that would then pave the way to joint initiatives to create change in our community and increase the magnitude of impact we bring through our projects. The session was planned in a way that it will be fun and interactive, and would have something for all participants Team building activities and interactive sessions were carried out as this allowed us to connect better with each other and get to know each other. The is was topped off by leadership development session which was useful for Interactors to take initiative and understand the values and Rotaract better for their future navigation in the movement.

It was a strategic move to open doors for joint initiatives capable of creating impactful change within the community.

The event unfolded with meticulous planning, ensuring it was not just informative but also fun and interactive for all participants. Team-building activities and interactive sessions became the catalysts for meaningful connections. As participants engaged in these activities, they not only got to know each other better but also began to appreciate the power of collaboration across Rotary generations.

The pinnacle of the event was a leadership development session, strategically designed to empower Interactors. This session went beyond the surface, providing insights into taking initiative and understanding the core values of Rotaract. It became a compass for Interactors, guiding them in navigating their future roles within the movement.

As the Let's Interact project concluded, it left behind more than memories—it left a blueprint for bridging the gap between Rotaractors and Interactors. The intentional connections made during this event have laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives, promising a future where collaboration thrives, and the impact on the community reaches new magnitudes. The Rotaract Club of Colombo West has indeed set a course for navigating Interactors towards active and impactful participation in the Rotaract movement, ensuring a brighter and more interconnected Rotary future.

The 'Speaker Within You' project offered a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to improving public speaking and communication skills. This year’s workshop themed to be "Unlock Your Potential: Public Speaking and Beyond" was hosted by two distinguished speakers from diverse sectors—Aquil Kuraishy from Kiss FM and Ovin Bimsara, Head of Marketing at Imperial College of Business Studies—the workshop provided a robust platform for participants to grasp the complexities of effective communication In a world where effective communication is a key determinant of success, the 'Speaker Within You' project emerged as a beacon, offering a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to honing public speaking and communication skills. The theme for this year's workshop, "Unlock Your Potential: Public Speaking and Beyond," resonated with participants as they embarked on a transformative journey guided by two distinguished speakers Aquil Kuraishy and Ovin Bimsara from diverse sectors.

The workshop, designed to be a robust platform for skill development, allowed participants to actively apply the concepts they learned. Through interactive exercises, role-playing scenarios, and personalized feedback sessions, attendees gained practical experience that transcended the theoretical realm.

The 'Speaker Within You' workshop not only equipped participants with the tools for impactful public speaking but also broadened their understanding of communication as a holistic skill. The event's success was evident in the newfound confidence and enthusiasm radiating from participants as they embraced their potential to communicate effectively in various spheres of life.

As the curtains closed on this year's workshop, the legacy of "Unlock Your Potential: Public Speaking and Beyond" lingered on, inspiring individuals to go beyond the ordinary, tap into their innate abilities, and embark on a journey of continuous improvement in the art of communication. The transformative experience offered by Aquil Kuraishy and Ovin Bimsara will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on those who attended, empowering them to navigate the complexities of effective communication with newfound skill and confidence.

"Friendship Beyond Borders" is a remarkable initiative undertaken by the Rotaract Clubs of Colombo West, Swoyambhu Nepal, Dombivili Suncity India, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and Chittagong Commercial City Bangladesh. This collaborative project stands as a testament to the unifying essence of friendship, marking International Friendship Day with a powerful message of harmony and fellowship.

Through an innovative online platform, this endeavor showcases the unwavering belief that bonds forged by genuine connections transcend geographical boundaries.

The project serves as a vibrant tapestry of cross-cultural interaction, where members from these diverse Rotaract clubs engage in meaningful conversations, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences. This harmonious convergence celebrates the beauty of diversity while underscoring the principle that authentic friendships can thrive irrespective of borders. The online platform acts as a virtual bridge, connecting hearts and minds across nations, and dispelling the notion that physical distances can hinder the growth of profound relationships.

"Friends Across Borders" embodies the spirit of unity in diversity, as participants collaborate on joint initiatives, channeling their collective efforts towards community service projects, creative collaborations, and knowledge sharing. This collaborative synergy illustrates the project's core belief that goodwill knows no boundaries and that together, transformative change can be catalyzed.

The pinnacle of the project culminates in an extraordinary virtual event on International Friendship Day. This celebratory event showcases the fruit of the collective labor, with cultural performances, heartfelt exchanges, and shared reflections underscoring the project's central message - that friendships cultivated across borders are rich in meaning and significance.

"Friends Across Borders" envisions a world where barriers are replaced by bridges of understanding, empathy, and goodwill, as participants and observers alike are inspired to nurture friendships that transcend borders and contribute to a more united and compassionate global community.

The Rotaract Club of Colombo West recently set out on an exciting journey to the Up Country, organized by Rotaract District 3220. Over two days, our adventure unfolded seamlessly, blending camaraderie, culture, and connection against the backdrop of Sri Lanka's scenic beauty.

Day one began with our spirits soaring as we ascended to the Kandy viewpoint, where nature painted a breathtaking scene of rolling hills and lush greenery. Bonds were forged amidst the panoramic splendor, and the morning breeze carried whispers of excitement.

A hidden gem in the Dunumadalawa Forest Reserves awaited us, offering a culinary feast nestled in nature's embrace. Our lunch unfolded like a poetic stanza, each bite echoing the harmony of flavors.As the sun dipped, a "Paduru Party" unfolded beneath the starlit sky, echoing with laughter and the rhythmic beats of camaraderie. The tunes of "Geethaiyin Geetha" created a melody that intertwined with the spirit of togetherness.

Night found us in the comforting arms of Hotel Suisse, where dreams intertwined with the soft hum of a tranquil night.With the dawn of the next day, a District Committee Meeting (DCM) took place. Post-meeting, we explored the majestic Dhalada Maligawa in Kandy, where history whispered tales of bygone eras.

Our Up Country visit wove a tapestry of fellowship. As we bid adieu to the hills cradling our memories, we carried echoes of laughter, the warmth of newfound friendships, and the shared melody of "Geethaiyin Geetha." This journey, a testament to Rotaract's spirit,was not just a visit; it was a symphony of hearts beating in unison against the backdrop of Sri Lanka's enchanting Up Country.

The 33rd Rotaract District Assembly was a significant and well-attended event at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Sri Lanka. With more than 700 Rotaractors participating from across the country, it reflects a strong and unified movement within the Rotaract community.

Events like district assembly are crucial for Rotaractors as they provide a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. They offer opportunities for members to share experiences, discuss projects, and strengthen the bonds of fellowship within the Rotaract community. Being an event that recognizes and appreciates the work of our Rotaractors this event also plays a vital role in fostering leadership skills, promoting Rotary's values, and encouraging Rotaractors to contribute meaningfully to society.

For the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, this year’s assembly was a time of recognition for the services rendered towards the leadership of the movement, over the past year, by our fellow members that were a part of the Rotaract District Steering Committee: 1. Assistant District Rotaract Representative: Rtn. Rtr. PP Nimesha Jayamanne 2. Assistant District Rotaract Representative: Rtn. Rtr. PP Rivi Wijerathne 3. Rotaract District Secretary: Rtr. PP Danica Harding 4. Rotaract District Treasurer: Rtn. Rtr. PP Vidushith Jayasundara 5. Joint Director – International Services : Rtr. Sharan Balasubramaniam 6. Joint Director – Public Relations : Rtr. Ravindu Ubeynarayana It was also an opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of a Rotaract Year by the club achieving a Silver Citation, for the completion of the mandatory requirements of the district citations, and also being recognized with a bronze award for the best Rotary Family Collaboration project and a Gold Award for the Longest Twin Club Agreement.

Finally this also was an occasion to recognise the appointments of our fellow members to the incoming District Steering Committee for the years 2023-24: 1. Assistant District Rotaract Representative: Rtr. IPP Elon Newton 2. Rotaract District Sergeant: Rtr. Ravindu Ubeynarayana 3. Joint Director – Professional Development : Rtr. Samadi Perera

As we conclude yet another exceptional edition of our newsletter, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this publication a showcase of our club's commitment to excellence.

In these pages, we've captured the spirit of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West—where dedication, service, and style converge to create a narrative of impact and inspiration.

Our members are not just contributors; they are architects of change, weaving stories of service that resonate far beyond the boundaries of our community.

Each project, initiative, and achievement reflects the ethos of our club—where every act of kindness is a step toward a better world.

I want to extend my appreciation to the entire editorial team for their hard work and dedication in bringing this newsletter to life. Your commitment to quality and passion for our club's mission shine through every page.

As we turn the page on this edition, let it stand as a testament to our collective strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service. The Rotaract Club of Colombo West is not just making headlines; we're making a difference.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here's to the continued success and impact of our Rotaract Club.

With gratitude and pride, Rtr. Sharan Balasubramaniam Editor 2023- 24

RTR. SHARAN BALASUBRAMANIAM

RTR. IMAZ ALI

RTR.ABDUL RAHMAN NAZIM

RTR.MOHOMED RIFAZ

RTR.AMAAN ZAHID

RTR.SALMAN IFTHIKAR

VIVA LA ROTARACT