Change is the essence of growth and progress. Without it, there would be no reason to move forward or improve at what we do. This phenomenon becomes even more important in the dynamic world of Rotaract, where transitions signify an opportunity to usher in new perspectives, ideas, and visions. The Rotaract Transition Meeting is a poignant farewell, where the outgoing leaders reflect on their journey, sharing their triumphs, challenges, and lessons they’ve learned along the way. The baton is passed on to their successors, igniting that special spark of ingenuity and possibility.

As the Sun rose to its peak in a cool Meeting hall, students started to trickle in as the new board of officials finally stopped pampering around with the decorations and the setting of the hall. The air was almost bittersweet; the taste of old excitement and nostalgia circulated the room, but there was that spark of newness and age-old nervousness that rose above everything for the future ahead. A salute to the previous board of officials is a must; their dedication and service had left an indelible mark on the community of Rotaract as a whole, as was rewarded on a grand stage a mere week ago at the 33rd Rotaract Assembly.

Too soon, the trickle of people grew into a tsunami of a crowd. The board members watched on with fascination and trepidation as the seats in the hall soon ran out and the line outside still remained a mile wide. These people, both new and old, had all gathered to witness the mantle being passed on from one President to another. The crowd barely managed to fit into the rapidly-becoming tiny hall as more and more people started to push in. With the greatest difficulty and barely any space left at all, the hall quieted down. The meeting had begun.

Our immediate past president, Rtr. Lathushanan Koneswara, addressed the crowd, pleased beyond compare with the people present and with the legacy he would leave behind in the very capable hands of our madam president, Rtr. Manisha Alwis. As she had been the secretary for the RI year 2022–2023, she began the secretary’s report, where the details of the previous year aligned with everything that had happened and were beautifully reported. Of course, a special thank you goes out to District Rotaract Representative PP Rtr. Sathma Jayasinghe and Assistant District Rotaract Representative PP Rtr. Sashitha Eldeniya for joining us on this transformative journey.

Rotaract embraces diversity as its strength, and the transition meeting was a beautiful representation of this principle. The outgoing and incoming boards, hailing from various backgrounds and experiences, come together as one united Rotaract family. As they exchange ideas and perspectives, the meeting hall becomes a melting pot of inspiration, enriching each member with fresh insights and a broader worldview. The transition meeting highlights the power of continuity in Rotaract’s journey. As the outgoing leaders hand over the baton, they create a seamless transition that ensures the projects and initiatives continue to thrive.

The transition meeting was a celebration of change, a testament to the power of collective vision, and a reminder that leadership is a shared responsibility. As we bid farewell to one chapter and welcome another, we embrace the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future filled with possibilities. As Rotaractors of the new board of officials, we promise to Serve and Inspire.

Penned By:

Rtr. Benushi Rajapaksha

Co Editor 23-24