Exordium First Quarter

2
CONTENTS
Editors report ................................................................................................................................. 3
Instalation Ceremony ...................................................................................................................... 4
Presidents Speech .......................................................................................................................... 6
Members only ................................................................................................................................ 7
Orphanage project ......................................................................................................................... 14
Team bonding ............................................................................................................................... 15
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2014/2015 .............................................................................. 16
Canfi .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Wine Harvest Season in Czech Republic...................................................................................... 19
Rotamoments ................................................................................................................................ 22
Moments to cherish ....................................................................................................................... 25

3

EDITORS REPORT

As the editor of the reviving Rotaract club of Kelaniya I am excited and pleased to present The
EXORDIUM the quarterly e magazine of the Rotaract club of Kelaniya.
Rotaract club of Kelaniya has been a vibrant movement in the area a few years back, and to get
back to our position, this year the club was revived under the presidency of Rtr.Themiya Cabraal,
backed by a talented board and enthusiastic members.
This year RCK has a dream OPEN MINDS OPEN HEARTS. We believe with open minds we
can open our hearts to help the community in need. We have been successful in the first quarter
by completing several projects and look forward to improving and continuing the good work.
This year is clearly an EXORDIUM for RCK since it marks the rebirth of a new era for the
young Rotaractors in Kelaniya.
This issue covers the introduction of the board and its members, the first quarter activities and
revealing the many projects to come.
I thank all those who helped me in various ways to make this e-magazine a reality and all the
readers, whose feedback is most welcome.
Enjoy reading!
Rtr.Viranga Perera
Editor 2014/2015

4

INSTALATION CEREMONY BY RTR. SAHANI WIJEKOON
"Together we can make things happen
For our fellow men, like no other"
(Quoted from the Rotaract song)
Together we did make it happen! The Rotaract
club of Kelaniya which was chartered in 1999,
became inactive since the year 2007. It needed a
new start, a new beginning. Fulfilling that need,
the installation of Rtr. Themiya Cabraal and his
Board of Directors for the year 2014/2015 took
place successfully in the month of August.
5

The Rotaract club of Kelaniya with a strong membership of 16 young individuals took its first
step towards the installation months before the ceremony. Rtr.Shalindra Weliwita was appointed
as the project chair. Together with him all the members worked hard to raise funds with
sponsorships and prepare for the club's big day. Every one of us had many sleepless nights to
make this day a memorable one, not only for us but for all the past members of the club.

The dream of the Reviving installation ceremony
of Rotaract club of Kelaniya became a reality on
the 9th of August 2014 at FTMS Global
Academy Auditorium, Access Towers. The
guests for the evening were, Rtn. PHF.IPP.
Panini Adhihetty of Rotary club of Kelaniya,
Youth Services committee chair, Rtn. Kumudu
Warnakulasooriya, Co-DRCC Rtn. Hussain
Khaleel and DRRE, Rtr. PP.T.Sathiyeandra. The
sponsoring club members of the Rotary club of
Kelaniya, Members of fellow Rotaract clubs and parents of the club members were also present
at the ceremony.
The event comprised of collaring and induction of the incoming President, introduction of the
Board, valuable speeches from the guests and also an entertainment item showcasing talents of
the club members.
Installation ceremony of the Rotaract club
of Kelaniya came to an end making the
9th of August a remarkable day of the
Rotaract year calendar. Sixteen
youngsters who knew they could make it
happen.

6

PRESIDENTS SPEECH

The Rotaract club of Kelaniya has been one of the most active clubs in the past. It was charted on
the 21st of June 1999 together with the Rotary club of Kelaniya.
I have the challenging task of waking up and creating awareness about the Rotaract club of
Kelaniya to the wonderful youth residing in Kelaniya and its neighboring areas. I have the
privilege of becoming the president of the club which has been revived after 8 years and have
very high expectations for the future of the club. My fellow Rotaractors and I are ready to make
changes to the people of Kelaniya and around Sri Lanka. I will try to do the best for the club and
honor the Rotaract district 3220 and my country at large.
Since I was elected as president I have met some amazing people in all walks of life and I have
16 amazing members who have been there for me every step of the way, helping me to revive
this club.
Finally I would like to thank the immediate past District Rotaract representative PHF.PP Abdul
Wahid who motivated me in many ways to revive this club and put it together. How can anyone
forget to thank their parents, I take this opportunity to thank the Rotary club of Kelaniya. They
have been there for us every step of the way and have given us their fullest support and
encouragement. Special thank you goes out to Rtn.PHF.IPP Panini Adhihetty who was really
keen to revive this club. A big thank you goes out to Rtn.PHF.President Milroy and his board.
Viva la Rotaract!
Rtr. Themiya Cabraal
President 2014/15

7

MEMBERS ONLY

Name Themiya Cabraal
Role in Rotaract President
Age 22
School St. Thomas Preparatory
School
College Australian College of
Business and Technology
Area of Study Software Engineering,
Computer Sciences and
Enterprise Recourse
Planning
Educational/Professional
Qualifications
Diploma in Computer
Science, Diploma in
Microsoft Dynamics NAV
C/side Development,
Software Engineering and
computer Sciences B. SC
(Reading) and Microsoft
Certified Trainer (MCT).
Employer Jinasena Infotech (Pvt) Ltd.

Name Surith Devagiri
Role in Rotaract Vice President
Age 20
School St. Josephs College
College Charted Institute of
Management Accountants
Area of Study Commerce
Qualifications
GCE Advance Level /
CIMA
Employer Full-time Studies

8

Name Chathushka Gunawardena
Role in Rotaract Secretary
Age 27
School D. S. Senanayake
College/Gateway College
College University of Western
Sydney/University of
London
Area of Study International
Economics/Law
Qualifications
Bachelor of Economics
Employer Litro Gas Lanka Limited

Name Thanushki Adhihetty
Role in Rotaract Treasurer
Age 21
School Ladies' College
College University of Colombo
Area of Study Management/Finance
Qualifications
Reading for Bachelor of
Bus. Management/
CIMA(T4)
Employer Full-time studies

Name Viranga Perera
Role in Rotaract Editor
Age 20
College Mercury Institute
Area of Study Accounting
Qualifications
Reading for ACCA
9

Name Reihan Stephen
Role in Rotaract Director Club Services
Age 23
School St. Josephs College and
St. Nicolas
College Strategy College
Area of Study Marketing
Qualifications
CIM
Employer Video Stream Presenter at
Life Online and Hi
TV/Journalist at Daily
Mirror

Name Maneesha Sandarage
Role in Rotaract Director Community
Service
Age 20
College Mercury Institute of
Management
Area of Study Accountancy & Finance
Qualifications
Reading for ACCA
Employer Ernst & Young

10

Name Rukshani Adhihetty
Role in Rotaract Director International
Understanding
Age 24
Area of Study Finance
Qualifications
CIMA Passed
Finalist/Reading for CFA

Name Sahani Dilusha Wijekoon
Role in Rotaract Director Professional
Development
Age 20
College Wisdom Business
Academy
Area of Study Management Accounting
Qualifications
Reading for CIMA
Employer Just finished my internship
at Commercial Bank

Name Shalindra Weliwita
Role in Rotaract Director Information
Technology
Age 22
College Staffordshire
University/APIIT
Area of Study Software Engineering
Qualifications
Bachelor of Software
Engineering
Employer E-futures Private Limited

11

Name Amal Vonodh Attapattu
Role in Rotaract Sergeant-at-Arms/Director
Finance
Age 26
School Nalanda College
College University of Sri
Jayawardenepura
Area of Study Finance/Economics
Qualifications
B.Sc. Bus. Admin (Bus.
Econ)/CIMA (Strategic
Level)
Employer Ass. Accountant - Unilever
Sri Lanka

Name Niran Kevin Perera
Role in Rotaract Member
Age 22
College Staffordshire
University/APIIT, IDM
Area of Study Information Technology
Qualifications
Reading for Bachelor of
Software Engineering and
BIT

12

Name Sasha Devinda
Hettiarachchi
Age 20
School Wesley College
College Heriot Watt University
Area of Study Business/Finance
Qualifications
Bachelor Bus
Administration/Association
of Business Executives,
UK/CIMA (Operational
Level)

Name Chathura Kanakaratne
Age 21
School D. S. Senanayake College
College Royal Institute
Colombo/University of
London
Area of Study Law
Qualifications
Reading for LL.B (Lon)

13

Name Bhagya Kanakaratne
Age 23
School Visakha Vidyalaya
College University of Moratuwa
Area of Study Fashion Design & Product
Development
Qualifications
Bachelor of Design in
Fashion Design & Product
Development
Employer MAS Holdings

Name Nilangika Fernando
Age 24
School St. Bridget's Convent
Area of Study Economics, Development
Studies
Qualifications
BBA (Spe) Business
Economics and ACCA
Employer Verite Research

Name Avishan Weerasekera
Age 19
School Colombo International
School
College Royal Institute
Area of Study Economics/Accounting &
Finance
Qualifications
Undergraduate studies
Employer Entrepreneur

14

ORPHANAGE PROJECT BY RTR. MANEESHA SANDARAGE

The Rotaract club of Kelaniya held its first ever
community service project since its revival at
Senehasa Dari Sevana Kirillawala, an orphanage
which houses 25 little girls. The project was proposed
as a result of an idea of Rtr. Sahani Wijekoon. To
make a visit to the orphanage around the time we had
our initial meetings, but was put to action during the
month of April, as we thought this festive season
would be an ideal time to meet these little kids and
greet them with the vibes of the new year as well.
The project was held on the 21
st
of April with the
participation of the entire club and a few Rotarians
from our parent club. It was an evening of fun filled events full of enthusiasm and laughter for the
little kids and was indeed a wonderful and heartwarming experience to us members as well. The
entire evening was spent entertaining the little
girls with various events, including a few
games which are popular among the kids
during the season of avurudu & the winners of
these games were presented gifts at the end of
the event.
Our project was mainly sponsored by
Pelawatte Dairies, which helped us in
arranging food and beverage for the event, the
gifts and all the other supplies were arranged
with the financial support given by the fellow
club members.

Rtr. Maneesha Sandarage
Director Community Service 2014/2015

15

TEAM BONDING BY RTR. VIRANGA PERERA

As soon as the Rotaract club of
Kelaniya was revived we all felt the
need of a closer relationship among
the club members. We couldn't turn to
anyone else other than our very own
Rotary club of Kelaniya.
Then the team bonding session idea
was put forward during the
discussions with the Rotarians. Under
the direction and guidance of Rtn.
Nandana the team bonding session
was held with lots of games and
different activities which led us to get
to know each other well. Through
these activities we were also able to
improve our leadership qualities as
well as decision making abilities.
End of the day it was a fun filled
session which we all enjoyed and it
also helped us to move along with
each other in our club activities.

16

ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2014/2015 BY RTR.
RUKSHANI ADHIHETTY

I was nervous and excited at the same time to be a participant at RYLA. At first insecure
thoughts raced through my brain like Im not going to know anyone there (except for Amal of
course), What if I look stupid, What if I did something embarrassing like trip and fall on my
face, What if I couldnt make friends?! Despite these thoughts, Amal and I took the transport
provided by the District from Colombo. For the first few hours all of us in the bus were complete
strangers but gradually we introduced our selves and got into conversations. The bus ride to
Kandy was LONG! There were a FEW Rotaractors (so we thought) waiting to take the bus from
the Kandy station. To our surprise almost 30 RYLA participants, not only from Kandy but also
from Jaffna and Trincomalee got into the bus. Thats when I knew that this weekend would be
absolutely unforgettable. We are here! The joyous news reached all our ears as we stretched
our stiff muscles and eagerly got off at the Pallekale Army Camp.
During RYLA, we all got very close through the games, group activities, meals, and chatting. It
didnt matter where we were from, what we believed in, what our goals were, or how talented we
were. It didnt change the fact that we were all there to learn, not just how to lead, but also to
connect with others. I know for those three days, I made lifelong friends. Not to mention that
most of us live in different parts of the country. So, I feel like no matter where I go around the
country I will always have a friend.
As for the actual content of RYLA, there were lectures on Entrepreneurship, public speaking
which were very interesting done by two Rotarians and we had an entertaining yet helpful
technical session on Leadership and Personal Grooming. It was thoroughly astounding and we
were educated on so many different aspects. The last session was on the impact of media in the
community which was an eye opener to all of us.
17

While I loved the speakers, I cant help but appreciate the fun quirks of the RYLA too. We
played so many games. There were activities like the ice
breakers, group performances, out bound training and physical
training. The very first day we were taken outside
for the ice breaker so that the estrangement among
the participants was destroyed and teams of
Tuskers, Bugs Bunnies, Spartans and King Kongs
came into being. That evening each group was given
a time slot to do an entertainment item and all the
teams did really well and they were all hilarious! The
next morning sharp at 6 a.m. we were on camp
grounds for physical training. This training was
difficult for some of us, nevertheless we all enjoyed it.
OMG!! We had SO much of fun during Out Bound
Training. Passing the two ropes in the dog knot was dreadfully awkward
but it was super fun. Running in squares was exhausting but everybody enjoyed it. Before we
broke for dinner the groups had to do the 'Radio station gone wrong' entertainment item. All of
the plays were very creative and humorous and my team, The Tuskers won the best act! The day
just got better! A majestic camp fire was set up and everyone sang and danced around it like
there was no tomorrow.
RYLA is truly something special and unique. It is a once in a lifetime experience and
opportunity. I didnt want this weekend to end and I am
not alone in this feeling. Giving each other a hug, we
bid farewell and exchanged contact information,
even creating our own private page for RYLA
2014/15-BEST CLASS, in hope of having a
reunion in the near future. RYLA is such a
wonderful program, that I hope many more youth
will receive the same opportunity we had.
Lastly, for all those Rotaractors who havent
already participated, "Explore yourself and build
an Unforgettable experience through RYLA!"

18

CANFI BY RTR. THANUSHKI ADHIHETTY

Canfi is a CSR project conducted by the Wisdom Business Star Community with the objective of
fighting against cancer. It was founded in year 2010 and this year our Rotaract club, among
many other clubs, decided to partner up with them in the hope that we too could help give a ray
of hope for those affected and are in need.
As a partnering club we were given
merchandise such as t-shirts, key tags and
pens to sell and help raise funds. The canfi
walk was on the 20
th
of September.
Everyone wearing canfi t-shirts was ready
to walk under the hot sun or join the rally in
their vehicles. And of course we enjoyed
our dickey ride from Wisdom all the way
to Royal grounds. It was quite fun with
photographers all over and everyone
stopping on the road at least once to get
their pictures taken. The walk was concluded
with an entertaining evening with a few known
artists present to further lighten up the evening. It was a successful event and all funds collected
will be used to meet the medical needs of the Maharagama National Cancer Hospital.

19

WINE HARVEST SEASON IN CZECH REPUBLIC BY IVA
SALOMOUNOVA (GEORGIA ROTARY STUDENT 2013/14)

Even though the Czech Republic is more famous for beer, South Moravia, a region
located in the southeast, bordering Slovakia and Austria, is a well-known wine region.
Every year in fall, namely in September, various wine festivals take place all around
the area, after the grape harvest has commenced and the first grapes from the new
harvest have been pressed. Local wine makers bring their samples for wine tasting, accompanied
by live traditional music, local food, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and a magnificent parade
in historical costumes.
The town of Znojmo hosts the largest festival. Apart
from this event, grape harvest celebrations also take
place in large wine making areas in Uherske Hradiste,
Mikulov and Valtice.

Celebration at Marianske Square - The Parade
Burcak
It goes without saying that the main purpose of the
festival is wine tasting and especially the tasting of
Burcak. This is a typical Moravian beverage, also
called as "young wine" or "new wine". It is a partially
fermented grape juice mostly made from white
grapes, which were exclusively harvested and
processed in the Czech Republic. It may only be sold
between the 1
st
August and 30
th
November of the
current year. First-class Burcak has a yellowish
cloudy color with a 4-6% alcohol content and tastes
of sweet grape juice, with a yeasty flavor and bubbles.
It is drunk at room temperature. There is also Burcak
made from red grapes, but this is practically never
sold. One of the wine and Burcak booths
20

Of course, Burcak can be something of a wolf
in sheep's clothing: its high-sugar and cloudy
juice-like content fooling some first-timers
into underestimating its punch. But, as long as
you don't overdrink it, Moravians will say you
can't expect to be healthy unless you drink at
least seven liters of the young wine each year!
Burcak tasting is traditionally connected with
the wine festival, nevertheless its season is
very short. The fermentation of this beverage
is still underway at the time it is consumed and
the right taste only lasts a few days.
Burcak booth

Slovacko Wine Festival and Open Heritage Uherske Hradiste
The royal city of Uherske Hradiste offers a unique experience in the spirit of the best wine-growing
traditions. This prestigious folk festival welcomes more than sixty towns and villages from around
the area of Slovacko. You will see dozens of performances by folklore ensembles, cymbal and
brass bands, and you can also enjoy a big fair of folk crafts, childrens attractions, and free tours
of many sights in the city and surrounding area. The main program begins with Saturdays folk
costume parade from the wine cellars to the main square.

The 12
th
annual festival took place the second weekend
in September this year. Even though the weather was
not amiable - it was cloudy with occasional rain
showers, the attendance was exceptional. Visitors from
all over the country came to enjoy the hospitable
atmosphere of the historical city center.

Marianske Square - the center of the festival
It was unique that despite of the inconvenient weather the parade had about 3,500 participants,
from little children to old veterans. Many of them wore raincoats or carried umbrellas because of
the vulnerability of the old costumes. By the time the parade entered its final destination at
Marianske square the rain stopped and soon after that the sun came out.
21

Visitors had also an exclusive opportunity to see some of the sights that are usually not open to
public, such as the old pharmacy or prison. They can also watch the demonstration of old crafts in
the streets.

Traditional Art Crafts Demonstration
In conclusion one of the organizers Ivo Valenta
said: "The visitors coming to Uherske Hradiste
created such a positive atmosphere that
overcame the cloudy weather. People enjoyed
their time spent exploring the town, culture and
talking to each other. This is the main purpose
of the event, to bring people together in a
friendly and peaceful southern town, far away
from the rush of cities. It is an expression of
ancient philosophy of Slovacko."

22

ROTAMOMENTS
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

ROTARACT CLUB INSTALLATIONS

23

SOAP FOOTBALL

HOTDOG EATING CONTEST

24

Doodle Art by Sahani Wijekoon.
25

MOMENTS TO CHERISH

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