MURTHAAZ BARRY
COLOMBO – This year marks a historic milestone for the Interact District 3220, Sri Lanka and Maldives, as the dynamic youth-led movement celebrates 60 years of empowering young leaders through community service, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding. As an integral part of Rotary International, the district has grown to become one of the most active and influential interact communities worldwide, with over 15,000 young members across 145 clubs in Sri Lanka.
The celebration took place in Jaffna, where Interact began in 1964 with the chartering of the first Interact Club at St. John’s College, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Jaffna. A nostalgic return to the birthplace of Interact, the event was a tribute to six decades of inspiring leadership and service. The festivities began with a symbolic campfire at Jaffna Central College on August 19th, followed by a special ceremony on August 20th at St. John’s College. The gathering honoured the district’s rich legacy and its ongoing commitment to serving above self.
To memorialise the occasion, the Interact District 3220 unveiled a 60th Anniversary Badge, celebrating the dedication and impact of thousands of young leaders over the years. The badge reflects the district’s enduring mission to create lasting change through peace, education, and service. As Interact District 3220 celebrates this historic milestone, it continues to thrive under Rotary’s guidance, fostering youth leaders and shaping a better future. With a legacy of “Service Above Self,” the district looks forward to building unity, inspiring new generations, and making an even greater impact in the years to come.
Interact is a global youth service organisation that brings together young people between the ages of 12 and 18 to make a difference in their communities through volunteer work, leadership development, and cross-cultural understanding. It is part of Rotary International and allows members, known as Interactors, to participate in projects that address local and global challenges, from promoting peace to improving health, education, and the environment. Through Interact, young individuals gain valuable skills, grow as leaders, and build lasting friendships while working towards positive change in the world. Interact in Sri Lanka empowers over 15,000 young people across more than 145 clubs in various zones, including Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, and Kurunegala, to lead community service projects, develop leadership skills, and promote international understanding. Rtn.PP.PHF Champa Perera is the present District Interact Committee Chairperson and District Interact Representative is Damian De Cruz.
Writer is the Former Interact District Representative and a content writer in a leading corporate firm in Sri Lanka)