The installation ceremony of the 9th President Rtr. Bhanuka Gunarathne and the Board of Directors of the Rotaract Club of College of Chemical Sciences was held on the 31st of August at the PPGL Auditorium, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.

In order to begin the event, the dignitaries were invited to light the traditional oil lamp and were requested to take their respective seats at the head table. The Sergeant at Arms called the house to order which was followed by National Anthem and Rotaract Formalities; The Flag Salutation, Rotaract Invocation, The Four-Way Test, and Rotaract song.

To commence the proceedings, project chairperson of the Installation Rtr. Dinithi Sri Jayasekara welcomed the gathering.  Afterwards the two joint outgoing Secretaries Rtr. Savini de Silva and Rtr. Irani Navarathne presented the secretary’s report for the year 2019-2020. It was evident that the past year was a momentous year for them in which they managed to successfully initiate and complete worthy and impactful projects amidst the hectic academic schedule at CCS. Some of their signature projects were Speak to the future, Seeds of happiness, Modern professionals, Rotaract goes to gavel, etc and their cluster project “Walk into the woods” was a huge success.

Next, the Outgoing President Rtr. Devin Abhayatunge addressed the gathering for one last time as the 8th President of Rotaract Club of College of Chemical Sciences and spoke about his experience of being in the Rotaract movement and also how he along with his team were able to complete a successful year and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who supported him during his journey. Before winding up, he offered certificates of appreciation to the board and members.

Next on the agenda was the most anticipated moment of the event as it was the introduction of the incoming president which was done by the outgoing club service director Rtr. Kanchana Madanayaka followed by the collaring of the incoming President Rtr. Bhanuka Gunarathne and the handing over of the gavel and the charter certificate by the outgoing President Rtr. Devin Abhayatunge.

The newly inducted president addressed the gathering for the 1st time as President and mentioned that he chose to join Rotaract as he wanted to improve his skills and to provide service to others and to help fellow citizens of Sri Lanka. Next, he introduced his Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the year 2020-21.

Up next, the club website was launched by Chief Guest Prof. Sujatha Hewage, Dean of the College of Chemical Sciences and Guest of Honour PHF. Rtn. Kasun Hewamalika. 

Next on the agenda was an address by the dignitaries; the District Rotaract Representative Rtn. Kasun Sigera, Guest of Honor PHF. Rtn. Kasun Hewamalika and finally by Chief Guest Prof. Sujatha Hewage followed by distribution of tokens of appreciation to dignitaries by the President Rtr. Bhanuka Gunarathne. 

Following the felicitation, the event was concluded with the vote of thanks by the new Secretary Rtr. Jayath De Silva after which President Rtr. Bhanuka Gunarathne officially adjourned the ceremony.

We, the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid Town would like to extend our best wishes to the Rotaract Club of College of Chemical Sciences for a great year ahead.