Interact Club
Staff Advisor:
- Mrs. Thilini Laksara
Teachers-in-charge:
- Mrs. Kanchana Withanage
- Mrs. Thamali Wijethunga
- Mrs. R. G Rasika Lakmini
Office Bearers:
- President – Int. Menoli Yatigammana
- Secretary – Int. Pomodhya Karunanayake
- Treasurer – Int. Arani Dorabawila
- Vice President – Int. Sanudi Masinghe
- Assistant Secretary -Int. Ovini Jayatissa
- Assistant Treasurer – Int. Nemindee Perera
- Editor – Int. Ehara Samarasinghe
Board of Directress’s:
- Directress of Club Service – Int.Hadara Wydeman
- Directress of Community Service – Int. Ranuthi De Silva
- Assistant Directress of Community Service – Int. Onara Fernando
- Directress of International Understanding – Int. Dhananji Senanayake
- Assistant Directress of International Understanding – Int. Navini Perera
- Directress of Finance – Int. Anusara Akmeemana
- Directress of Green Life – Int. Mishanthi Padeniya
Our journey this year:
- Project “Illuminar 4.0” – Phase 01 concluded on July 27, donating medicines worth 1 lakh and dry rations to Lady Ridgeway Hospital. The rations were distributed to families at the hospital, easing their financial burden. Following healthcare professionals’ advice, specific medications were donated for the patients’ needs.
- Feed A Stray – This project involved Interact Club members distributing food to street dogs in different locations. The aim was to help provide meals to strays and make a small positive impact on their well-being. It was a simple but meaningful effort by our members to show care for animals in need.
- The Club Orientation and Annual General Meeting – occurred on August 15, 2024, with over 40 members present, including new and existing members. Notable attendees included Joint Youth Advisor Rtn Rajiv Silva and Past President Int. Chankeli Rupasinghe. Rtn. Rajiv gave an insightful talk, followed by an orientation covering Interact and Rotaract overviews, service avenues, and report preparation procedures. The event concluded with a Club Meeting led by the president and board officials.
- Under the “Clean Up Sri Lanka” Initiative, the Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya conducted a beach cleanup at Dehiwala Beach on September 28, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Ten participants collected 10 bags of garbage, aiding in environmental preservation and promoting awareness about clean public spaces.
- Project Eztrella is a poster campaign by the Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya aimed at raising awareness about animal cruelty and promoting animal protection. Through informative and visually appealing posters, the campaign highlights animal mistreatment issues and encourages public support for animal welfare. It is scheduled for completion on October 10, 2024.
- The 4th District Meeting organized by the Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya successfully gathered nearly 150 Interactors, enhancing collaboration and strengthening club bonds. The club showcased its organizational skills, ensuring the event was impactful and promoted effective communication and teamwork, highlighting its commitment to district-wide Interact initiatives.
- 41st Installation Ceremony – The Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya held its 41st Installation on October 3, 2024, celebrating the achievements of the outgoing board and welcoming the new officials. The ceremony united students, teachers, and supporters, honoring past contributions while inspiring a renewed commitment to community service.
- Charitable – The Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya partnered with various clubs to organize Project Charitable, attended by around 90 participants. The initiative raised awareness of humanitarian challenges faced by Palestinians, featuring a seminar with expert speakers discussing historical context and current needs in healthcare, education, and displacement. The event inspired support for relief efforts and concluded with the play “Patterns of Our Genocides,” honoring lives lost in Palestine.
- The District Diwali Celebrations – organized by Interact Clubs from various schools, took place during the 5th District Meeting for District 3220, themed “Radiating Unity and Embracing Hope.” Celebrating Diwali’s symbolism of light over darkness, the event expected up to 700 Interactors from Sri Lanka and included cultural performances, speeches, games, and prizes, fostering networking and collaboration while honoring Diwali’s cultural significance.
- Harmonia was a poster campaign initiated to raise awareness and promote unity by addressing racism in Sri Lanka. Through impactful visuals and messages, the campaign aimed to inspire conversations and encourage actions toward a more inclusive and harmonious society.
- Euphoria ’24, organized by the Interact Clubs of Visakha Vidyalaya, St. Peter’s College, and Wycherley International School Gampaha under the Interact Avenue of Finance, was a vibrant music festival held at Rise Up. Featuring performances by some of Sri Lanka’s greatest musical acts alongside emerging artists, the event provided a dynamic platform for youth aged 13-21 to connect, celebrate, and showcase their talent, fostering growth and creativity within Colombo’s youth community.
- Project Miracles & Mistletoes, organized by the Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya and the Rotaract Club of Colombo Heritage, aimed to bring joy to children at the Cancer Hospital, Maharagama. They donated medical equipment worth Rs. 10,000 and created handmade cards and gifts for Christmas. The initiative highlighted compassion and community service, making a lasting impact on both organizers and recipients, showcasing the power of collaboration and kindness.
Glimmering Grace – The Interact Clubs of Visakha Vidyalaya and Mahanama College launched “Glimmering Grace,” a holiday initiative across three phases:
Phase 1: Residents at St. Andrews Elderly Care Home enjoyed carols and received gift packs and rations.
Phase 2: 32 children with cancer at Indira Cancer Trust participated in activities and received gift packs.
Phase 3: A needy family was supported with essentials and baby products, showcasing community spirit.- The inaugural Visakha Kite Festival, organized by various student committees, celebrated creativity, teamwork, and community spirit. Centered around the theme ‘Zero Plastic, Sustainable Future,’ it highlighted environmental awareness for youth. Students designed and flew their own kites, engaging in creativity and collaboration. The event also included activities, food stalls, and entertainment, creating a memorable experience for students, families, and the community.
- Mistletoe Eve, organized by the Rotaract Clubs of the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, Colombo Mid Town, and the Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya, brought together around 100 participants to celebrate the holiday spirit. The event featured themed photo booths, a 360° photo booth, lively music from a DJ, food stalls with seasonal treats, and face-painting artists. Interactive games and festive decorations added to the fun, making it a memorable celebration of community and joy.
- Project Paw Patrol, organized at a local dog shelter, provided a meaningful opportunity to care for and bond with abandoned dogs. During the two-hour visit, participants spent quality time with the dogs, spreading love and compassion. Additionally, essential items were donated to support the caregivers, ensuring better care for the animals.