30 Years! The legacy is Unmatched!

Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa has celebrated their 30th Anniversary (Charter Day Celebration) on 18th of December, 2025. So, What’s special about being fascinated? Here it is!

Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa is the first institute-based Rotaract Club of Rotary International District 3220 - Sri Lanka & Maldives. It was chartered on 08th of December, 1995, marking an establishment of a club where technical education and social responsibility poured for extra-evergent development of professionalism & volunteering support for the betterment of the society.

The chartering of the club within University of Moratuwa, a premier center for engineering and technological studies, introduced a novel paradigm: the application of rigorous technical logic and project management methodologies to social service.

The club was formally chartered under the guidance of Past President Thushan Wijesinghe of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, who was concurrently an undergraduate at the University of Moratuwa. This dual affiliation facilitated a seamless transfer of Rotary values into the university’s academic environment.

Rotaract Mora commenced its journey with a foundational group of 16 members led by Charter President Nishan Weerasooriya. The initial years were characterized by a focus on "acclimatizing undergraduates to shoulder the responsibilities in the corporate world," a theme that would eventually crystallize into the Professional Development avenue.

Early milestones including the initiation of their first career guidance program in 1997-1998 marked the inception of "Are you ready?" in 1998, the massive initiative that runs up to now annually. The club's early commitment to healthcare was evidenced by its support for the Ministry of Health's Polio Plus campaign, where Rotaract Mora organized 72 immunization centers in the Moratuwa area. These early activities established the club's reputation for logistical competence and community reliability.

Strategic Architecture and Organizational Evolution

The growth of Rotaract Mora from 16 members to a fraternity of over 250 active individuals necessitated a sophisticated internal governance structure. The club operates under a multifaceted management tier system, ensuring that large-scale projects are handled with professional-grade precision.

The contemporary organizational structure is divided into five primary avenues of service, complemented by secondary administrative and public image wings. This diversification allows the club to address complex societal issues from multiple angles.

Community Service: A Legacy of International Excellence

The reputation of Rotaract Mora is most strongly defined by its Community Service initiatives, which have repeatedly achieved international recognition from Rotary International. These projects are characterized by a "technical mind" approach, where members use their academic background to develop novel, sustainable solutions.

First Milestone achieved in Global Rotaract Community:

Project “You Are Not Alone”: Awarded “Best Community Service Project - South Asia” in 1999.

Grama Prabodhaya

Initiated in 2016, "Grama Prabodhaya" stands as one of the most successful community service models in the history of District 3220. The project was conceived to address the systemic marginalization of rural villages in Sri Lanka by implementing a series of sub-projects focused on water sanitation, education, economic empowerment, and infrastructure.

In 2017, Grama Prabodhaya was named the "Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards - International Single Club Winner". This was a historic moment, as Rotaract Mora became the first Sri Lankan club to win this global title.

Manusath Handa

The "Manusath Handa" project exemplifies the application of digital innovation to social inclusivity. Recognizing the lack of educational resources for the visually impaired community in Sri Lanka, the club developed a massive virtual audiobook library. This was not merely a collection of recordings; it was a curated educational platform designed to provide audio-based vocational training and academic support for students.

Its technical sophistication and humanitarian impact led to it being awarded the Rotary International Most Outstanding Project of the year for 2020-21. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the fifth time the club had been recognized at the Rotary International level, solidifying its position as a global leader in Rotaract service.

Hand in Hand: Multi-Decadal Support for Cancer Patients

"Hand in Hand" is perhaps Rotaract Mora’s most enduring community service initiative, centered on supporting pediatric cancer patients at Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama and the Teaching Hospital in Karapitiya. The project functions both as a direct support system and a massive public fundraising campaign.

Professional Development: Bridging Academia and Industry

The project "Are You Ready?" is the definitive professional development initiative of Rotaract Mora and has become the benchmark for university career fairs in Sri Lanka. Initiated in 1998, the project was created to provide undergraduates with a "helping hand to realize the scope and challenges of the corporate world".

Beyond "Are You Ready?", the Professional Development avenue has pioneered several niche projects:

• Maestro: An annual business case study challenge designed to evaluate young individuals on their ability to analyze corporate situations and devise innovative solutions. In 2019, 76 teams participated, with the final competition held at the DHPL Auditorium in Colombo.
• Data Storm: A project catering to the growing interest in data science and analytics among undergraduates. It was recognized as the "Most Outstanding Professional Development Initiative in Training and Skills Development" at the 32nd District Assembly.

The club also addresses the unique challenges faced by women in STEM fields through initiatives like "MentHer," which provides structured guidance and career advice to female undergraduates through a series of sessions with industry professionals.

Environmental Stewardship: Protecting the Marine Frontier

Zooxanthellae: Restoring Coral Ecosystems

Named after the symbiotic algae essential for coral survival, "Zooxanthellae" is a multi-year coral transplanting and reef restoration project. The project addresses the degradation of Sri Lankan coral reefs caused by pollution and warming sea temperatures.

The project was recognized as the South Asia Regional Winner in the 2018/19 Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards & UGRAM Award under category for inspiring Rotaract projects of South Asia in 2024/25. Its impact is long-term, as the deposited frames are expected to form fully functional new reefs within four to five years.

Delivered Inspiring Service as an institute-based Club in the District

Glimpse of awards won at the Rotaract District Assembly (We’re the best)

1998-99 - Best Club in the District

2009-10 - Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

2015-16 - Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

2016-17 - Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

2018-19 - Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

2019-20 - Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

2021-22 - Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

2022-23 - Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

2023-24 - Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

That’s a lot!!!!!!!!

Here’s the Awards won by Rotaract Mora in 33rd, 34th & 35th Rotaract District Assemblies….

33rd Rotaract District Assembly

• Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

Gold Awards

• Most Outstanding Secretary: Rtr. Malintha Fernando
• Most Outstanding Effort in adapting to RI Dues and Membership Management
• Most Outstanding Project under the Rotary Focus Area Supporting the Environment: Zooxanthellae
• Most Outstanding Overall Membership Development and Retention Effort
• Most Outstanding Overall PI Effort of a Club Initiative: Rotaract Mora Model United Nations
• Most Innovative International Service Initiative: Boon Digiti
• Most Outstanding Professional Development Initiative (Personal Development): MentHer
• Best Financially Managed Club of the Year
• Rotaract District Citation: Gold Distinction

Silver Awards

• Most Outstanding Fundraiser in aid of Club Administration: Are You Ready?
• Most Outstanding Professional Development Initiative (Training and Skills Development) Silver: Data Storm
• Most Sustainable Professional Development Initiative: Data Storm
• Most Exceptionally Executed Professional Development Initiative: Are You Ready?
• Most Outstanding Club Service Initiative (Membership Expansion): Rota Spark
• Rotaract Champions League Champions 2022-23: House Tokyo
• Spirit of Service: Rtr. Malintha Fernando

Bronze & Special Recognition

• Most Outstanding Initiative with the Rotary Family: Dream Cricket
• Most Outstanding Newsletter
• President of the Month (March): Rtr. Charithma Hettiarachchi
• Recognition for hosting the district Project Sustainability Summit 2023
• Secretary of the Quarter 2: Rtr. Malintha Fernando
  

34th Rotaract District Assembly

• Most Outstanding Rotaract Club

Gold Category

• Most Outstanding President: Rtr. Yasiru Athugaldura
• Most Outstanding Secretary: Rtr. Chiyaga Handunpathirana
• Most Outstanding Innovative Use of Technology: Aya
• Most Outstanding Professional Development Initiative (Career Guidance): Are You Ready?
• Most Outstanding International Understanding Initiative: RMMUN
• Most Outstanding Disease Prevention and Treatment Initiative: Hand in Hand
• Most Outstanding Maternal and Child Health Initiative: Hand in Hand
• Best Financially Managed Club
• Rotaract District Citation: Gold Distinction
• Most Outstanding Annual Report

Silver Category

• Most Outstanding Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Initiative: Grama Prabodhaya
• Most Outstanding Professional Development Initiative (Training and Skill Development): Data Storm 5.0
• Most Outstanding Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Initiative: RMMUN
• Most Outstanding Community and Economic Development Initiative: Manusath Handa
• Most Outstanding Project Focusing on District's Focus Areas: Grama Prabodhaya

Bronze Category

• Most Outstanding Inter-Zonal Initiative: Compagnia
• Most Outstanding Fundraiser in Aid of Club Administration: Are You Ready?
• Best Sustainable External Partnership
• Most Outstanding Effort in Adapting to RI dues and Membership Management

Special Recognition

• Most Outstanding Newly Established Twin Club Agreement
• Most Sustainable Professional Development initiative: Data Storm 5.0
• Spirit of Service: Rtr. Chiyaga Handunpathirana (RI Year 2023-24)
• In Recognition of Best Rotaract Club by Rotary District Awards
  

35th Rotaract District Assembly

Gold Awards

• Most Outstanding Secretary: Rtr. Brinstan Peries
• Most Outstanding Project in line with Rotary Focus Area – Basic Education and Literacy: Nena Aruna
• Most Outstanding Project in line with Rotary Focus Area – Supporting the Environment: Zooxanthellae
• Most Outstanding External Partnership – Based Initiative: Devthon 2.0
• Most Outstanding Professional Development Initiative – Career Guidance: Are You Ready? 2025

Silver Awards

• Most Sustainable Professional Development Initiative: Devthon 2.0
• Most Outstanding Membership Initiative: Rota Spark
• Fellowship & Network: Binara Padura
• Best Reporting Club

Bronze Awards

• Most Outstanding Professional Development Initiative – Personal & Skills Development: Data Storm 6.0
• Most Outstanding Club Blog
• Tourism: Zooxanthellae

Special Awards & Recognitions

• Rotaract District Citation
• Club Recognition for hosting Rotaract District Conference
• Spirit of Service Recognition: Rtr. Brinstan Peries
  

Here’s a bit of facts about Rotaract Mora. There are a lot of things that feel bright like Rotaractors, Volunteering, peer support etc. Writing about Rotaract Mora is a kind of pleasure to my heart. It’s the place that felt like home at University. I am being respected, recognized for the first time in my university life & guided & gave me opportunities to move on to the right direction in my undergraduate period.

With my fullest of gratitude, I wish Rotaract Mora to retain its brightness to do more sustainable projects that helps the betterment of the society, continuing the legacy forward.

Rtr. Tharindu Jayasekara,
Co-editor,
Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa,
RI Year 2025-26.