Turning 40 is a great milestone to everyone and that is the sense of achievement we all felt when our club reached 40 years of service in the Rotaract movement.

Here’s how our special day in the calendar was celebrated.

Despite the heavy showers in a hustling Friday evening, all Midtowners found their way towards the Imperial Room at Mount Lavinia Hotel and were eagerly at work to make our special evening a reality. The event kicked off at 07.00 pm welcoming all the Past Presidents of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid Town to the event premises and the day’s agenda began by singing the National Anthem followed by the Rotaract formalities.

The opening address for the day was delivered by our very own IPP. Rtr. Insaf Ismail welcoming all the distinguished invitees who were gathered to be a part of this memorable day. This was followed by a curtain-raiser; a video that was played showcasing the significance of the event. Thereafter, the gathering was addressed by the District Rotaract Representative Rtr. PP. Krishan Balaji, who shared his experiences and memories about the club’s journey so far.

Moving forward, it was time for the most important segment of the event. In celebration of 40 continuous years, a Football Kit Donation project in the avenue of Community Service was initiated in partnership with Tafa Pvt Ltd, a private Football Academy based in Colombo.

A Charter Day Celebration wouldn’t be complete if we missed out on some of the wise words of our distinguished invitees who had been an integral part of the club throughout the years. The Key Note speaker for the evening, Past District Governor, Thariq Thulba addressed the gathering sharing his kind thoughts about the club for the past years and took the time to share his experience as a Rotaractor which had an inspirational take on all our young Rotaractors who were present that day. Following the Key Note Address, our Charter President and Past District Rotaract Representative, Zaid Aboobacker shared with us the origin story behind the inception of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid Town. It was indeed an honour to have the founder of the club here with us that day.

40 years of service is an extraordinary landmark for any club serving in the Rotaract movement and the number of memories made is countless and priceless. This was showcased by a history video that was being played that highlighted our journey here at the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid Town for 40 continuous years. Without a doubt, it was a walk down the memory lane and created a sense of nostalgia in all of us.

Finally, it was one of those moments we all were waiting for. It was time to cut the celebratory cake. You definitely can say, it was a reminiscing moment for all the Past Presidents who gathered around the table to cut the delicious cake decorated with the Mid Town 40 years’ logo which was specially designed to commemorate this momentous milestone in our Rotaract calendar. Moving on, tokens of appreciation were presented to all the Past Presidents who were present at the event in appreciation of their tremendous support extended towards the club over the years.

The event came to a conclusion, following the address by our very own President Rtr. Nipun Alwis, who made it an opportunity to thank and acknowledge the presence of all the Past Presidents. Furthermore, he expressed how delighted and proud he is to be the 40th President of the club and extended his sincere gratitude towards everyone who made this journey of 40 years possible. After clicking the customary group photo with all the Past and Present of Mid Town, it was time for the most eagerly awaited part of the agenda; refreshments and fellowship.

Our 40th Charter Day was a noteworthy event in our calendar because of everyone who took their time and effort to be a part of this event. Therefore, a special note of gratitude is extended to all the Past Presidents and other distinguished invitees who took the time to be a part of this special occasion despite their busy schedules. Last but not least, a special thank you goes out to each and every member who endeavored to make this Charter Day Celebration a success, including our own IPP Rtr. Insaf Ismail, who chaired the event and worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the event, making it a memorable night for all. 

By: Rtr. Nelushi Perera | Email: neluship@gmail.com