Taking on the responsibility of service
On 11 October 2026, at Ramada by Wyndham Katunayake, I was installed as President of the Rotary Club of Ja-Ela–Kandana for 2026–27. District Governor Kumar Sundararaj joined us as Chief Guest as we marked the club’s 52nd installation and introduced our incoming board. Wearing the presidential medallion for the first time was a proud moment. It also made me think about the people who had earned the club’s place in the community through more than five decades of service.
In my address, I spoke about what I learned as club secretary. I saw how much Rotary depends on members who give their time, bring others into the work, and follow through on what they promise. As president, I want us to keep doing that well. For me, “Create Lasting Impact” means listening to what our community needs and working with local partners on projects that people can benefit from long after the day they launch.
Some of my favourite photographs from the evening are the ones with my wife and daughter. I’m grateful I got to share the moment with them, and with the fellow Rotarians, friends, and guests who came to celebrate. These photos take me from the formal handshake and the address at the lectern to the family portraits and the laughter on the dance floor. I’m glad we have a record of both sides of the evening.
