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Friends
will make it happen The five main members of the “MAFIA” share their experience of being a part of this event. Pandula De Silva, President of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Millennium City said, “As I was making my way into the hall, I thought this was it! Today I will see the results of all those days of planning, preparation and sleepless nights.” It had been a mixed feeling of excitement mingled with fear, as the big question “did we miss anything” kept me up the entire night before the event. Well, the day had eventually dawned and as the event kicked off, there was an amazing buzz going around the auditorium, as the crowds started pouring in. “It was quite a pleasant surprise to see some clubs had more than one act to perform and the huge response we got from the outstation clubs,” said Pandula. Needless to say, their participation had been welcomed with open arms. Encouraged by the tremendous support received from the audience as they had been very responsive and aware of what was taking place on stage, he said. “Without a doubt the audience was treated to an exciting, refreshing array of talent and entertainment. Most important of all, it reflected the true meaning of FIA - fellowship and fun through the expression of talent!” he said. “It was an amazing experience working with three clubs as all of them contributed their best,” said Pushpitha Weerasekera, President of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West. As young professionals, they had thought of organising a talent search for the youth and future leaders of our country. FIA had given them a lot of courage, improved their joint organising capabilities and helped them further strengthen ties with their fellow club members. “I have been in the Rotaract movement for last nine years and have seen lots of successful projects. I can grade FIA as one of the best projects we have organised for a long time” said Pushpitha. Shehantha Dias, President of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid City, says, “La Cosa Nostra”, this is the way in which the universal Mafia identifies themselves. Translated to English it means, “This thing of ours”. “Exactly what this ‘thing’ was is a question a lot of people would pose. But for me after finishing the project “Friends In Action” it meant only one thing, “This Friendship of ours.” Getting back to the theme of the event “La Cosa Nostra”, it had been obvious that the majority at the event would not understand the meaning of this at first glance. But for them, it had been the whole point. We wanted them to give their own definition for what “thing”, would stand for, so that in the end they would realise the true meaning of this project. FIA had turned out to be a wonderful experience for him and one of the most important lessons he had learnt had been teamwork, said Shehantha. “Whatever the situation, and difficulty of the circumstances, if we can complement our strengths with each others then it can be overcome,” he added. The Organising committee had a blast in doing this project and it is with happy hearts that they say, “Viva la this friendship of ours.” Arjuna Mohottala, Director Community Services of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West said, “We came across numerous challenges, but with dedication and team work, the obstacles were overcome with astounding results.” It had given him great pleasure to work alongside some of the most active and senior Rotaractors in their District, and gaining knowledge and experience through interaction. “The
FIA ‘05 also brought out the best of our creativity when designing
the backdrop and the interludes to keep the audience entertained”
he said. Organising this event had given a new look at the meaning
of ‘Rotary Family’, where the Rotaractors from other
clubs had eagerly lent a hand in its organisation and last minute
preparations. |
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