The Rotary Club of Colombo West recently marked a significant milestone with the installation of Rtn. PHF. Harsha Rajan, as its 66th President at an elegant ceremony held at the Mahogany Ballroom, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
The installation ceremony was attended by Rotarians, distinguished guests, corporate leaders, and well-wishers, and was graced by District Governor RID 3220, Kumar Sundararaj, who attended as the Chief Guest. The event also featured a keynote address by A. S. Venkesh, Trustee of The Rotary Foundation (2026–2030) and Rotary International Director (2021–2023), whose inspiring message emphasized Rotary’s enduring commitment to service, leadership, and community impact.
The installation heralded the beginning of a new Rotary year under the theme “Create Lasting Impact,” reflecting the club’s commitment to delivering sustainable initiatives that improve the lives of underserved communities across Sri Lanka.
Addressing the gathering, President Harsha Rajan outlined his vision for the year ahead, emphasizing meaningful projects that address critical healthcare and educational needs while creating long-term benefits for vulnerable groups.
Rotary Club of Colombo West is committed to support the flagship project of the Rotary District 3220 for the year 26/27 “Sharp Eyes, Learn Better,” which is a project aimed at improving children’s vision and educational outcomes. Recognizing that uncorrected vision problems can significantly affect a child’s ability to learn, the project will conduct school-based vision screening programmes, provide free eye examinations through qualified specialists, and distribute prescription spectacles to underprivileged students. The initiative will also focus on creating awareness among parents and teachers about the importance of early detection and eye health. By addressing vision-related challenges at an early stage, the project aims to enhance children’s academic performance, classroom participation, and overall quality of life.
The club will also continue its commitment to life-saving healthcare through the “Save a Kid’s Life” Children’s Heart Surgery Project. The initiative seeks to provide critical cardiac surgeries for children from economically disadvantaged families who cannot afford treatment. Working in partnership with hospitals, cardiologists, and pediatric cardiac surgeons, the project will identify children requiring urgent intervention and raise funds to cover both surgical and post-operative care expenses. Beyond medical assistance, the club will support families throughout the treatment journey, giving children the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives while easing the financial burden on their families.
Another key healthcare initiative planned for the year is the Cataract Surgery Project, designed to restore sight and improve the quality of life of elderly and low-income individuals affected by cataracts. Through community screening programmes, the club will identify patients requiring treatment and facilitate free cataract surgeries, medication, and post-operative care. The project is expected to help beneficiaries regain their independence, improve mobility, and participate more actively in social and economic activities.
These initiatives reflect the Rotary Club of Colombo West’s continued dedication to addressing pressing community needs in the areas of healthcare, education, and social welfare. Through impactful projects such as Sharp Eyes, Learn Better, Save a Kid’s Life, and the Cataract Surgery Project among various other projects, the club aims to create measurable and sustainable change in the lives of those who need it most.
As the club embarks on its 66th year of service under the leadership of President Harsha Rajan, it remains committed to upholding Rotary’s enduring motto, “Service Above Self,” while transforming the theme “Create Lasting Impact” into meaningful action within the communities it serves.
