A Legacy of Leadership: The Triumphs of the Interact Club of Ananda College

The Interact Club of Ananda College, founded in 1970 and revived in 1981, has set a remarkable standard in the Interact movement. Under the leadership of Int. PP. Kavinda Arthnayake and his successor, Past DIR Int. PP. Arjuna Gunawardena, Ananda College has produced 11 District Interact Representatives (DIRs)—the highest number from a single club. This distinction underscores the club's exceptional impact and leadership in Sri Lanka’s Interact community.

The club’s achievements are noteworthy, with a significant milestone reached in 2003/2004 when Past DIR Int. PP. Shammi Weerasinghe led the club to win 14 citation awards at the Interact District Assembly. In 2008/2009, the club earned the inaugural "Governor’s Shield" under Past DIR Int. PHF. PP. Harinda Senarathne, and later secured it again through Int. PP. Tharinda Basnayake. “Interact Reimagined” represents the club's ongoing commitment to innovation and service, aiming to surpass previous accomplishments and make a lasting impact.

Throughout its 35-year journey, the Interact Club has excelled across all avenues of service. From the long-standing "Morning of Friendship" (MOF) to the innovative "Project I-R," the club has consistently raised the bar in club service. Its "Hope" initiative has made a profound impact through major health camps and community projects. Notable finance projects like "Transcendence" and creative fundraisers such as “Splish Splash” and "Colour Conflict 2014" have further highlighted the club’s dedication to excellence. The club’s leadership extends to its past members who have achieved prominent roles as Head Prefects and District Interact Representatives, including Arjuna Gunawardena, Birendra Katugampola, Nishantha De Silva, and Harinda Senarathne.

Board of Officials

Teacher In-Charge: Mrs. Shiroma Gulawite
President: Int. Aweesh Ganegoda
Secretary: Int. Methuka Wijeratne
Joint Vice Presidents: Int. Ginura Kariyawasam and Int. Sonith Rajapakse
Treasurer: Int. Sandas Usgoda Arachchi
Sergeant at Arms: Int. Danuk Lamasuriya
Editor: Int. Nisal Thejana
Assistant Treasurer: Int. Yasas Mudalige

Past DIRs Produced by the Interact Club of Ananda College

Int. PP. Arjuna Gunawardena (1984/1985)
Int. PP. Shehan Gunawardena (1988/1990)
Int. PP. Sanjeewa Wickramarachchi (1991/1992)
Int. PP. Duminda De Silva (1993/1994)
Int. PP. Chamath Athulathmudali (1997/1998)
Int. PP. Nishantha De Silva (1998/1999)
Int. PP. Birendra Katugampola (2000/2001)
Int. PP. Shashike De Silva (2003/2004)
Int. PP. Shammi Weerasinghe (2005/2006)
Int. PP. PHF. Harinda Senaratne (2010/2011)
Int. PP. Dinuka Sumithrarachchi (2011/2012)
Int. PP. Sandupama Basnayaka (2013/2014)
Int. PP. Chathula Fernando (2016/2017)
Int. PP. Asel Karannagoda (2018/2019)

Past Interact Presidents, Secretaries, Editors, and Interactors Who Became Head Prefect of Ananda College

1985/1986: Int. PP. Arjuna Gunwardene
1987/1988: Int. PP. Samantha Rajapaksha
1988/1989: Int. PP. Rukshan Wijerathne
1991/1992: Int. Rangika Sellahewa
1994/1995: Int. Rajeewa Serasinghe
1995/1996: Int. PP. Chinthaka De Zoysa
2000/2001: Int. PP. Birendra Katugampola
2004/2005: Int. Gamika Kodagoda
2005/2006: Int. Janaka Sumithraarachchi
2006/2007: Int. PP. Sanjaka De Silva
2010/2011: Int. PP. PHF. Harinda Senaratne

Among these distinguished individuals, three have achieved distinction as both Head Prefect and District Interact Representative of Sri Lanka, Interact District 3220:

Arjuna Gunawardena
Birendra Katugampola
Nishantha De Silva
Harinda Senarathne

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