The Rotaract Club of IIT had its installation ceremony of the 11th President Rtr. Malkine Lokuge and his board of directors on the 23rd of September 2020 at the Informatics Institute of Technology, Lecture hall, Colombo 4. The Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid Town was present to witness this phenomenal day as they officially embarked on a new chapter of their Rotaract journey. 

To commence the proceedings dignitaries were invited to light the traditional oil lamp following which the Sergeant-at-Arms called the house to order and the outgoing president called the installation ceremony to order once the dignitaries took their seats at the head table. Following which the National Anthem and the Rotaract formalities; Flag Salutation, Rotaract Invocation, Four-Way Test and the Rotaract song was delivered by the joint Club Service Director, Rtr.Ishfaaq Siddeek. Thereafter, Rtr. Avisha de Mel, joint club service Director,  delivered the welcome speech. Afterwards outgoing Secretary Rtr. Harkim Thameem presented the secretary’s report for the year 2019-2020. It was evident that the year had seen the successful completion of 90 projects out of which 29-Club Service, 30-Community service, 13-Professional Development, 13 -International Service, 15-Public Relations. He stated that the year has been challenged yet successful year as the executive committee, board of directors and all project committee members put in their best efforts that got the club to where it is today. He also stated that last year, the board never failed to stray away from their goal which was to improve with both quality and quantity and thanked everyone who helped them along the way. He also highlighted a few projects that stole the spotlight last year such as E-Mithudama, IGF, Sally’s Manor, Dansala and Hot Dog Showdown and thanked all the respective committees and their chairpersons. The awards won at the 30th district assembly including the most outstanding club and the most outstanding president were acknowledged followed by a video presentation of the 10th year of the Rotaract Club of Informatics Institute of Technology including a glimpse of all the projects carried out.

Next, the President for the year 2019-2020 Rtr. Pasan Ganewatte addressed the gathering for one last time as the 10th President of Rotaract Club of Informatics Institute of Technology and shared his experience and memories and extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his year of presidency. Then tokens of appreciation were given to the outgoing board of directors and the executive committee of the year 2019-2020, and later on, his executive committee members gifted Rtr. Pasan Ganewatte with a special memento.

Next on the agenda was the most anticipated moment of the event as it was the introduction of the incoming president followed by the collaring of the incoming President Rtr. Malkine Lokuge and handing over the gavel and charter certificate by the outgoing President.

Next, the newly appointed president Rtr. Malkine Lokuge addressed the gathering for the 1st time as President, he stated that “Rotaract Club of IIT aims to support the underprivileged and help people understand serious social issues”. He also mentioned that “All of us in Rotaract share a vision in making a change in the community, to bring peace and prosperity through service no matter how big or small” and introduced the theme for the year “Perseverance with integrity”. Furthermore, he added that “considering all the challenges 2020 brought upon us, my vision for this year is working together to serve others before ourselves, despite the difficulties and always being honest and upholding strong moral principles”. 

Next, he introduced the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the year 2020-2021 in an interesting and unique way for each one. 

The Executive Committee and Board of Directors for 2020-2021 are as follows;

Next on the agenda, the District Rotaract Representative Rtn. PP. Kasun Sigera, District Rotaract Chair PDRR. Rtn. PP Amjad Yoosuf addressed the gathering followed by a mesmerizing performance by the talented rotaractors of IIT which added color to the spectacular evening.

Afterward Guest of Honor Rtn. Chairmaine Rathnagopal of the Rotary Club of Pan Colombo and Chief Guest Ms. Naomi Krishnaraja, Dean for Informatics Institute of Technology addressed the gathering following which guests and dignitaries were given Tokens of Appreciation by the President.

Thereupon, the stage was opened for felicitation, following that the vote of thanks was delivered by the secretary for the year 2020-2021 by Rtr. Amesha Vithanage after which President Rtr. Malkine Lokuge officially adjourned the ceremony.

It was indeed a pleasure for the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid Town to be part of this occasion and would like to wish Rtr. Malkine Lokuge and his Board of Directors for yet another “Outstanding” year ahead.