The Blogger Q2 - English

E N G Li tI Si oHn
e d

Quarter 02 THE february 2022

Imesh Akalanka Imesh Akalanka
Ibraheem Rifthie Ibraheem Rifthie
Pasindu Serasinghe
Supuni Vidanagama
Bernadette Jayasooriya
Hanna Sheikha Rahman
Suwani Nethmani Hettiarachchi

02 the blogger The Board of Officials for the term
2021-22

CONTENTS

EXCLUSIVE! 04 MESSAGES

77 20 QUESTIONS WITH A few words from our dearest President and Co
CHANNUKA DEVININDU Editors.

31 34 06 PICTURE PERFECT

PUZZLE CORNER CREATIVES Read through to check out some breathtaking
clicks.
Take some time off your An article for every
mind with our exciting question in mind, read 07 FEATURED
puzzles. through to find out
A novel on crime and mystery to get you
gripped!

AVENUE UPDATES

09 CLUB SERVICE

Club engagement, read through to find out
more.

16 COMMUNITY SERVICE

How was the community benefited?
Find out.

18 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professionally developing with the many
projects, read through.

21 INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

Read how the club connects across the
oceans.

26 PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public appeal of the club, check out the projects
done.

28 SPORTS

Keeping the club in shape, find out the projects
done

President's Message

Nimsara Fernando
President 2021-22

If you want to change the world, pick up the pen and
write

Martin Luther King Jr.

Being the inquisitive kid while I would like to convey my heartfelt
growing up, I wondered why most of gratitude to our Editorial panel for
the good things lack consistency, their hard work and dedication
even though it is said that the 'First towards the success of The Blogger
step is the always hardest'. A sudden as the mantle passes down the line
energy pop might trigger us to start from generation to generation. I
something but it does not contain humbly invite every one of you to
enough firepower to keep us going.
cherish the entirety of the second
This is the Quarter 02 edition of The quarter, which has been perfectly
penned down by the ninth
Blogger where we mark our generation of the Rotaract Club of
SLIIT. Witness our journey towards
consistency and this edition has
being Enriched with Service.
captured the essence of Rotaract in
Viva la Rotaract!
the second quarter of Rotaract year
Rtr. Nimsara Fernando
2021-22, including mesmerizing President 2021-22

creations of our very own club

members.

04 the blogger

Editor's Message

Imesh Akalanka Ibraheem Rifthie
Co Editor 2021-22 Co Editor 2021-22

The rule of a writer is not to say what we all can say,
but what we are unable to say

Anais Nin

It is with great pride we are A world that paused was never a
presenting the magazine for the
second quarter of the year 2021-22. thought in anyone's wildest
It brings us great joy that you have
taken time to look through the imagination nor was it even
magazine.
considered possible. Yet, the
Immense dedication, hard work and
time has been put forward not solely impossible did become a reality. As
by us but by many others to make
this a reality. a collective club, we were able to

It has been over two years since the harness this To Enrich with Service,
dreaded pandemic hit, however, that
is no barricade for us. We continue as goes the motto of the term.
to publish updates via the Rotaract
Club of SLIIT's blog page. Till we meet again, we hope you
have an enjoyable read, wish you
good health and stay safe. Until next
time, adios!

Rtr. Imesh Akalanka Rtr. Ibraheem Rifthie

Co Editor 2021-22 Co Editor 2021-22

the blogger 05

1 noissimbuS yhpargotohP
12 :tcejbus eht htiw [email protected] ot
eussi txen eht ni derutaef eb ot shpargotohp ruoy timbuS
PHOTOS BY RTR. SRIRAM RAJESWARAN

PICTURE

PERFECT

3 1  Rtr. Sriram captured the bucolic world around him at Ratnapura
2 The start of Bambarakanda Falls when seen through the Wangedigala forest
06 the blogger 3 Bambarakanda Falls from another view point

featured

One of Us is
Guilty.

Pain.
I can vividly recall our Professor, endlessly goading about the dynamics of pain. “Pain is
subjective.” he said. If logic dictated that being held at knifepoint was a threat, your brain would
expect pain from the steely edge of the blade, inevitably, slicing into your flesh, tearing through
the thick dermis, and severing your artery. A gruesome portrayal. But, at the time, its existence
was only confined to the pages of a perfectly laminated and hardcovered textbook. Or so I thought.

WORDS BY BERNADETTE JAYASOORIYA

Now, I could feel it. It crackled She had always managed to look “This can’t be happening. No… no…”
ethereal. Like an exquisite rose, she Rita whimpered as she sat on the
through my paralysed being, had stood out from the rest with her cold floor, curled into herself, rocking
flaming red hair, tall and imposing back and forth. Twin streams of liquid
electrocuting my nerve endings with figure, and those kohl-lined eyes; it glistened against her cheeks as she
was her spitfire personality, the coy sniffled and continued to mumble
great vehemence as my neural expression that frequented her unintelligibly. She looked no better
delicate face, the mischief in those than me; her dress torn at the seams,
network lit up like a Christmas tree. It blue orbs. littered with a patchwork of dirt and
She had been entitled, unforgiving, twigs.
was red-hot, black, and blue… and merciless, cruel, and so daringly Jay was pacing, running his hands
beautiful. Magdalene Smith had through his already-unruly dark mane
blinding white. A glamorous, spectral come from the absolute crème de la while Tobias leaned against the
crème of the ultrarich modern adjacent wall, smoking a joint of
display of colours behind my eyelids oligarchs; a centimillionaire’s spliff. They both looked equally
daughter with an empire promised to dishevelled and bruised.
and yet it was excruciating. her. I watched intently, through the haze,
And now, she lay before me, helpless, as he lifted the joint with shaky
I managed to crack open my eyelids bloodied, and lifeless. fingers and took a long drag of the
An empty vessel. rich menthol essence, exhaling as a
and catch the luminous glare of a Her cornflower-blue orbs stared cloud of vapour encompassed his
blankly at me and yet – even now – I brooding figure, offering him a veil of
single florescent light bulb, dangling could still catch a glimpse of that protection.
unyielding defiance and cruelty in the Supposedly feeling my gaze on him,
from the ceiling. I also noticed depths of the blues. Only she could he tipped the joint towards me.
go through with it. Only Magdalene Under normal circumstances, I would
blurred movement. An unintelligible could look so cruel in death. Only have refused the offer however, my
Maggy. brain was in desperate need of a
sound left the seams of my cracked Death… temporary asylum – one where the
She was Dead… exquisite hallucinogens in the quality
lips as I turned onto my side. A flash weed could possibly erase any hint of
the present.
of white-hot pain sizzled through my

limbs.

Oh God, where am I?

Once I managed to sit up, I gingerly

inspected myself. The, once, rhubarb-

red textile was now in tatters; littered

with patches of dirt and dried blood.

In it, I had once felt opulent, but now,

I felt filthy.

I pressed my palm against the cold

floor and tried to sit up but stopped

when pain ricocheted through my

wrist. Glancing down, I admired the

purple bruising but froze at the sight

before me.

Cornflower-blue irises stared

lifelessly into my hazy brown ones.

the blogger 07

featured

One of Us is
Guilty.

WORDS BY BERNADETTE JAYASOORIYA

Taking a long-needed drag, I revelled “Oh, shut up, Jay. For all we know you Despite, how shaken up she was, the
could’ve killed her. Everyone knows nervous glances she exchanged with
in the refined palate of the refreshing you’re obsessed with her!” My her twin were agitating me.
composure had finally dissolved. I “Where were you anyway?” I finally
menthol as my senses tingled with was angry. asked her. All eyes turned to her.
Angry at the situation. Angry at Rita, She flushed under all the scrutiny.
remnants of deliriousness. Jay, and Tobias. And Angry at “None of your business.” She retorted,
Magdalene. shying away from my relentless arrest.
“Can you remember anything?” Jay Even in death, you manage to haunt Tobias and Jay stared at each other
us, Maggy. for a moment longer and diverted
asked harshly, voice trembling as he I wanted to laugh. their gazes.
Tobias cleared his throat and spoke, Is there something they aren’t telling
settled next to Rita. diverting his arresting gaze to Rita. me?
“I for one recall Rita flexing her claws None of this is making any sense!
“No.” I replied hoarsely. “Why? Where at Maggy.” He sneered. A palpable tension settled in the
We all watched, perplexed and weary small enclosure, with each of us
are we?” as her expression morphed into one sneaking glances at each other.
of pure malice. “Oh, don’t act all Who did it?
Tobias shrugged. “None of us can innocent now. We all hated her. Be “Of one thing, I’m certain.” They
honest for once, we were only friends looked at me. “One of us is guilty.”
remember anything. We don’t know with her, and each other, because
believe it or not, we’d be nothing Submit your articles or short
where we are.” He muttered. without her.” stories for a chance to be
“Perhaps that’s why you were so featured in the next issue to
“What do you mean?” My throat eager to please her. Her little slave.” I [email protected]
retorted. with the subject: Featured
burned as I spoke. “Don’t be salty, Taylor.” She smiled Writings
sarcastically. “Everyone knows. They
From my peripheral, I saw Rita rise could practically smell it every time
we were with her. We were her
hurriedly and approach me. Grasping bloody puppets!”
“Speak for yourself.” Tobias muttered,
my shoulders, I felt her nails dig into as he scratched at the marred skin of
his elbows.
my flesh as she shook me. Silence.
Glancing at Rita, suspicion clawed at
“What’s the last thing you remember?” me, as I took in her dishevelled form.

She asked, voice frantic.

Prying her fingers off me, I rose to my

feet – albeit shakily – and leaned

against the stained walls.

Shuddering, I replied, “Um… I was at

the bar with Maggy. We were sipping

on Cosmopolitans.”

“And then?” She clawed at my

forearm.

“I don’t know, Rita! I don’t remember.

Give me a break.” I snapped,

snatching my arm away from her

manicured talons. I had always

abhorred her. For what reason, I

could not recall.

“A break? Really Taylor? We woke up

in a dingy cellar with Magdalene

Smith’s corpse next to us and you

want a break?” Jay shrieked. I gritted

my teeth.

08 the blogger

club
service

The nervous system of Rotaract where members
feel the euphoria of this movement. Built upon the 3

aspects; fellowship, membership development &
regional engagement.

QUARTER 02 the blogger 09

PROJECT
MELOMANIAC

By Hirudika Premaratne

Music has healing

power. It has the ability to

take people out of

themselves for a few

hours Elton John

Music is referred to by many as SLIIT. The event was carried out Nadun Wijesundara
the universal language of via the Zoom platform, and it Kavindi Fernando
mankind. From the sound of birds commenced at 6.00 PM with a Nilmi Peiterz
chirping heard when we wake up participant count of over 100. The Tharuni Baddegama
in the morning, to the lullabies official sponsor for Melomaniac Sathya Jayalal
sang by our mothers at night was Zoom Host LK. Chavindu De Alwis
during our childhood, music is It was announced that going The first performer of the evening
something we all enjoy during the forward, Melomaniac would be a was Sayuru Bopitiya, who
course of our lives. Music has the monthly occurrence which would immediately got the audience
power to make us feel happy and not only be limited to music, but into the groove with his
at peace even at the most instead would be a platform to performence of ‘Right Here
stressful times. showcase various talents of the Waiting’. His performance was
“Unleash your melody” was the undergraduates of SLIIT. On this followed by Sachini Bhagya, who
theme for Project Melomaniac, melodic evening, a talented group delivered a beautiful
which was held on the evening of of young singers representing all performance of ‘Prathihari’.
the 15th of October 2021.The the faculties of SLIIT entertained Afterwards, the song ‘Aadara
project was organized by The the audience with their Sithum’ was performed by Viduni
Rotaract Club of SLIIT under the performances. Pathirana to the delighted
Club Services Avenue. The main audience.
objective of this event was to Sayuru Bopitiya Everyone seemed to be enjoying
showcase the musical talents of Sachini Bhagya the performances as the chat was
the young undergraduates of Viduni Pathirana filled with compliments towards
Panchali Hewawasan

10 the blogger

each performer. Next under the

spotlight was Panchali

Hewawasan who performed

‘Pawela Kodu Akase’, which was

loved by the audience. Moving

onwards was Nadun Wijesundara,

who got a song request directed

his way. He got the audience

hooked with his performance of

‘Hearts Don’t Break Around Here’.

An enchanting performance

‘Ganga Addara Ma’ by Kavindi

Fernando was up next.

An energetic performance of

‘Stitches’ by Nilmi Peitersz was

followed by a beautiful rendition

of ‘Talking to The Moon’ by

Tharuni Baddegama. The

audience was stunned by this

performance with one audience

member stating that it bought

them close to tears. The

penultimate performance was

done by Sathya Jayalal with her

outstanding performance of ‘Love

Story’. The final performer of the

evening was Chavindu De Alwis,

who ended the night with a bang,

with his performance ‘Sheela’.

We are thankful for the talented

performers who delighted the

audience with their performances.

We would also like to thank the

main sponsor of the event Zoom

Host LK for helping us in making

Melomaniac a success. Finally, we would like to thank all the participants for their participation in this

wonderful event.

the blogger 11

PROJECT
SOCIUS 21

By Bernadette Jayasooriya

If Pac-Man had

affected us as kids, we’d

all be running around in

dark rooms, munching

pills and listening to

repetitive electronic

Organised with creative intellect music
from the Rotaract Club of SLIIT,
the Chairperson – Rtr. Sithum Marcus Brigstocke
Gammanage and Rtr. Abirami
Thanabalasundaram along with participants made an appearance, Participants had a joyful
the Rotaractors of the Club no doubt excited for the thrilling
Services Avenue took the initiative night that followed ahead. experience, divulging into their
to make Socius 21 – a Virtual On Friday, the 26th of November,
Game Night, a reality. It was at 7.30 pm, participants were artistic minds as we all shared a
presented as an opportunity to welcomed to the virtual Game
extend and develop our Night via ZOOM. Taking great laugh trying to decipher
fellowship amongst the members advantage of the pulsating
of the Club, keeping the Club ambience, the moderators dived what the drawing represented.
active, despite the halt in right into it.
extensive activities due to the Sketchful.io is a Pictionary-like Nevertheless, you cannot cease
Global Pandemic. browser game that you can play
Socius 21 took a week to plan and with your remote team members. the fun after one Game!
execute, recruiting coordinators The game shares some similarities
and obtaining registrations for the with the others, in which players Finally, participants were put to
event was a challenge, albeit need to acquire the most points
rewarding. 60+ enthusiastic to be the top player. the ultimate test in an Escape

Room. Enchambered:

Sacramento Escape Room is an

escape room experience.

Participants were locked inside

two virtual rooms for 60 minutes,

each team handing out clues to

the other to make the ultimate

escape.

12 the blogger

PROJECT
ABRACADABRA

By Sheikha Hanna

When the witches go
riding, and black cats are
seen, the moon laughs
and whispers ‘tis near
Halloween!

It’s that time of year when disappoint. The event was hosted bingo session was held, where
for three days on October 31st, each participant had a unique
pumpkin sales rise, horror movie November 6th, and November sheet of scenarios to cross off
13th, 2021, and was filled with fun when called. The event
specials sell out, and everyone quizzes, spooky journeys, and concluded with such enthusiasm
mysteries that needed to be and eagerness, and, of course,
appears to be costumed as a solved. Needless to say, the event with the essence of Halloween.
was highly anticipated by all our Day Two was held even spookier,
vampire or zombie. Even though participants, eager to engage in a where participants were divided
virtual Halloween celebration. into breakout rooms for a series of
the barrier of the pandemic was Day One was filled with a spooky fun Halloween activities. Tongue-
introduction to the event, which twister games, horror stories, and
taking a toll on all of us, it did not kicked off with a questionnaire. a murder mystery were given to
The quiz was based on horror the participants to solve, where a
stop the Rotaractors of SLIIT from movies, and the participants’ video was played, and the clues
responses were overwhelming, were hidden within it. It was an
hosting the biggest online each trying to figure out the titles exhilarating experience for all the
of the spooky movies. A horror members, and the idea of having
Halloween celebration of the year! video was also played to raise the to solve mysteries as detectives
goosebumps of all the was appreciated by the entire
The Club made sure that there participants, and to top it all off, a group of participants.

was no blockade to lift everyone

in their creepy Halloween spirits

and have a spooky night of the

year.

This year, the Rotaract Club of

SLIIT hosted the annual

Halloween celebration,

“Abracadabra: The Party of Cursed

Spirits,” virtually via Zoom, and it’s

an honor to say that we did not

the blogger 13

Day Three was the most highly
anticipated day of Abracadabra,
where our participants were
eagerly awaiting the chance to
step forth into our Costume
Contest and charm themselves
with a small clip of their
characters. The participants were
given one week to film a short
video of their character and be
elected as the winner and most
popular costume of the event.
Selecting a winner was a difficult
task, as all of the participants’
entries were outstanding. Ranugi
Rathnayake was selected as the
Best Costume by portraying the
“Killer Queen”, and based on the
participants’ votes, Nimani was
voted as the Most Popular
Costume. The winners were
graced with exciting prizes from
our silver sponsor, Label
Aishwaraya’s Fashion and our gift
sponsor, Phlox.
Finally, the event was carried on
with many more exciting games
and ghost stories, and was
rounded off with hearty
congratulations to the winners for
their efforts, and it was indeed
certain that every participant had
the most amazing time for
Halloween.

14 the blogger

PROJECT
BINGE

By Sheikha Hanna

No good movie is too
long and no bad movie is
too short

Are you a movie binger? The event started with Phase I, participants on Kahoot. It made
where movie polls were shared all the participants jump off their
Passionate about movie theories with the participants to vote for seats to win a place on the
their favourite movie or TV series. podium of their favourite
and plots? It’s time to unleash There was a lot of enthusiasm fandoms. The phase directed
among the participants to decide questions from Marvel, DC, Harry
your inner movie craziness, which movie or TV series was Potter, Disney, Anime, and K-
worth watching. Dramas, and every participant
whether you are a Marvel, DC, a The event was made even more competed in each category to
exciting when it moved to Phase win a spot on the podium as the
Potter head or a fanatic of K- II, in which the participants had to best movie fanatic. After a whole
guess the soundtracks brought in series of fun, laughter, and
Drama, and that’s why the from each movie or TV series. It competition, the final winners
brought tonnes of nostalgia and were decided and congratulated
Rotaract Club of SLIIT tested every emotions when the official movie on their deserved victory.
soundtracks were played, and the They say all’s well that ends well,
individual’s knowledge of movies, participants thoroughly enjoyed and the event did end in a
themselves by listening to their wonderful blast. The participants
TV series, and many more, at the childhood favourites. were overjoyed with having to
Phase III was the last and best of escape from reality to test their
event “Binge”: a session to test all the rounds, where categorised movie skills and have a dynamic
questionnaires were given to the night full of excitement and
how broad your movie knowledge nostalgic ambience.

really is.

The event was hosted on the 28th

of December 2021 via ZOOM,

where all the fans joined together

to test their movie knowledge

with other competitive

participants. It sure was a break

from all our heavy schedules and

it allowed us to thrive deep into

the movie world.

the blogger 15

community
service

The avenue of the dedicated, socially responsible &
disciplined individuals gathering around to do their part
for the betterment of the community & the environment.

16 the blogger QUARTER 02

PROJECT MIRROR

By Nithjapoopathy Sundaramoorthy

The Project Mirror was initiated by

the Rotaract club of SLIIT on 2nd

of October 2021 under

Community Services Avenue. The

session was conducted via zoom

platform. The theme for the day

was “Reflecting on my reflection”.

The Project Mirror has started at

7PM with 260+ participants to the

session.

The guest speakers of the session

were Ms. Shanuki De Alwis, a and mind, healthy and positive It added interest and fascination
body which is more important towards the project.
freelance creative consultant, than the look – fat or skinny body The project provided valuable
or dark or fair skin tone. And it information for many
speaker, motivator and gives the confidence to stand in participants. And finally, the
front of the mirror and reflect on session successfully concluded
changemaker and Mr. Danushka your reflection in a whole new with the vote of thanks by SBS
light of beaming confidence. So, group member Mr.Nadev
Kodikara a motivational speaker, our unconditional self-love and Ravindran. We would like to
acceptance, is Reflecting on our sincerely thank Ms. Shanuki De
strength-based trainer, national reflection. Alwis and Mr. Dhanushka
The answer for the question “Why Kodikara on the effort and time
commonwealth champion and did you choose to be Chubby they took for the successful
rather than take any effort to wait” completion of Project Mirror. And
online personal trainer. This also clearly discussed how a also we would like to be thankful
person looks confidently on our official sponsor British
project was powered by British his/her looks not for others cosmetics for the contribution to
comments. In the middle of the the success of the Project. It is
Cosmetics. session some creative awareness also important we thank the
videos by well-wishers were also organizers of this event for
Project Mirror was focused on shown to us which were about bringing opportunities and a
positivity of body shaming and special thanks to all the
body positivity, how to reflect skin tone. participants for making this a
success.
against negative thoughts of

humans for the skin tone and the

body shaming. The guest speakers

discussed their life experiences

and practical knowledge and how

they overcame the negative

mindset of people against skinny

or fat body shaming.

It was an extremely effective tool,

to the audience, to get knowledge

about how to get a positive body

the blogger 17

professional
development

The avenue endeavors to enhance the skills of individuals by
providing guidance on developing personal & professional skills
via mentoring to bring a realistic view to enrich ones' experience.

18 the blogger QUARTER 02

VOCÉ


By Dewmi Ashuthosa
Public speaking is one of the most important
and most dreaded forms of communication.
People will forget what
Rotaract Club of SLIIT initiated project VOCÉ
under Professional Development Avenue with you said, people will forget

the purpose of improving public speaking what you did, but people will
skills. VOCÉ was consisted of six phases and never forget how you made
ending ceremony.

Phase one consisted of a discussion them feel

moderated by Rtr. Akaam Zain, President of

Hill Capital Toastmasters. This was a public

speaking introductory session. This session

showcased Rtr. Akaam’s path in public

speaking, from his beginnings to his current

position. While the session was going

moderators collected details of enthusiastic

participants via a Google form with the

purpose of continuing the training with them.

The phase two was an Ice Breaker Session to

have both the participants and the mentors

introduce themselves. During the sessions

participants played a “Two Truths and One Lie”

game which required to come up with two

truths and one falsehood bout themselves,

with the others guessing what the lie was.

Before passing the turn to the next

participant, the correct answer was eventually

disclosed. The Ice Breaker Session was very

interesting and later all participants were The third phase was a Script Writing session with guest

separated into five teams and each team had speaker Mohamed Yasir who is the immediate past

a mentor to monitor them after the main president of Hill Capital Toastmasters Club. The session

sessions.Mr. Akaam Zain, Ms. Rifka Fathima, was moderated by Rtr. Chathushi Gunapala. Mr.

Ms. Jithmini Amunugama, Ms. Jayani Herath Mohamed Yasir shared his experience and knowledge of

and Mr. Randika Ranathunga were the screenplay writing, from the art of integrating quotes

mentors of this great event. and humor to revealing ways to seduce the audience.

the blogger 19

Stage Presence Session was the fourth phase We would like to sincerely thank our mentor the guest
of VOCE and Mr. Shareef Mihlar was the guest speakers on the effort and time they took to complete
speaker of the session. Mr. Shareef Mihlar has this project successfully. And also we would like to be
been a toastmaster since 2014 and he is the thankful to all participants for making this a success.
current Vice President of the Qatar
Toastmasters Club and the founder president
of the Matale TMC. This session was
moderated by Rtr. Pasindu Gunawardhana.
Mr. Shareef Mihlar mainly focused on stage
fear and he clearly discussed how to
overcome it.
The fifth phase was a Body Language Session.
The current President of Matale Toastmasters
Club and Content Specialist of D82 Public
Relations team Ms. Fathima Rifka was the
guest speaker of the session. Rtr. Sithumi
Gunarathne was the moderator of this session.
It was taught and presented how to employ
gestures successfully in front of an audience,
as well as how to keep excellent posture.
The Vocal Variety workshop was the sixth
phase of VOCE. The Vice President Education
at Hill Capital Toastmasters Club in Kandy and
the former Local Committee Vice President
for Business Development at AIESEC in the
University of Peradeniya Ms. Nepa
Wickramasinghe was the guest speaker of the
session. During this session the guest speaker
clearly discussed how to use voice tone and
pitch as vocal variation in public speaking. The
session was moderated by Rtr. Shamah
Badurdeen. he project VOCÉ was successfully
concluded with the ending ceremony.
Towards the end of the ceremony Rtr.
Shashini Hewadewa and Rtr. Senara Perera
recapped what we learned so far in every
main session. Mentors and Mentees shared
their 3 month experience with this project.

20 the blogger

international
service

The avenue that links the world of Rotaract in ways that uplift
and enrich the skills of members whilst also serving the
community..

QUARTER 02 the blogger 21

PROJECT ROTTI & TEA
By Ibraheem Rifthie

Rotti & Tea, a name that signifies
two nations under one slogan
with its own uniqueness. This was
name of the project that was
organised by the International
Services avenue of the Rotaract
Club of SLIIT from Sri Lanka and
the Rotaract Club of SRM
Kattankulathur from India. ‘Rotti’
represents the youth from India
whilst ‘Tea’ represents the youth
from Sri Lanka.

Hopping onto a ZOOM call, the participants had
an engaging and a fun time with banter and
activities done to keep everyone engaged. Teams
were categorised and activities were dominantly
team based.
The activities included games such as hangman,
charades (of movies), trivia quizzes and many
more fun activities that provided a much
needed stress reliever to the participants. Having
begun the project at 7PM over ZOOM, the
project due to the demand from the
participants exceeded the time going till 11:30PM
after which lasting memories were made. From
not knowing each other to building bridging
bonds with each other.

Project Rotti & Tea concluded successfully after many hours of laughter, fun and joy bringing two
neighbouring nations even closer. We would like to thank the organisers and participants for making this
possible, a much needed project!

22 the blogger

PROJECT VENUS

By Kasuni Kavindya

“VENUS” can be described as one

of the most talked about, but not

the most talked-about sex

education topics of recent times.

Partners in its success are

Rotaract Clubs of SLIIT of RID3220,

SRM Kattankulathur of RID3232 in

collaboration with SRM Easwari

Engineering College, SRM IST CSH

VDP, and SRM Vadapalani of

RID3232. More than 100 people

joined the zoom meeting to more detail about our gender, Herpes Simplex Virus, Hepatitis,
sexual orientation, eroticism, and
witness this discussion which emotional attachment, and thus Human Papilloma Virus,
showed human beings how to
started at 6.30 pm on Wednesday, manage our sexual health. lows, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis
policies and human rights,
December 1, 2021. education, society and culture, Chancroid, which can be infected
economics, and our health system
The event was hosted by Rtr. have a lot to do with managing with the bacterial and parasite
our sexual health.
Vinda Daga. The audience and Dr.Harmeet Singh, Consultant and virus parasite. About Lice, Scabies.
Head, Accident and Emergency
the invited speakers were max Vaishali, Chairman World It also clearly showed the nature
Emergence Care Academy,
welcomed by Rtr. Mitraj Khar. The Clinical ambassador remedies the of these diseases, the factors that
UK presented the second guest
evening consisted of three parts speaker. In his lecture, the can identify them in the body, the
participants were able to gain a
and the first guest speaker was Dr. deeper knowledge about sexually possible treatments for them, and
transmitted diseases. He mainly
Pabasari Ginige, Current Head, discusses the Human the mechanisms by which these
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV),
Senior Lecturer / Honorary infections can be prevented.

Consultant Psychiatrists, In the third part, the questions of

Department of Psychiatrists, the audience were presented,

Faculty of Medicine, University of and the guest speakers were

Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her lecture given a very friendly and clear

covered the key areas of concern answer. Over more than an hour,

for sexual health and the multi- there was a lengthy in-depth

sectoral and major domains in discussion of sex education,

managing sexual health. which was largely unrelated to

Accordingly, when it comes to the social context.

sexual well-being, we went into

the blogger 23

PROJECT

INHERENT

By Harini Chamathka

Many have questioned the value We declare that
of Human Rights in a world of human rights are for all of
huge refugee flows, seemingly us, all the time: whoever
interminable conflicts, and rising we are and wherever we
levels of xenophobia and are from; no matter our
inequality. What does this signify class, our opinions, our
for the millions of asylum seekers sexual orientation
detained around the world?
To the Rohingya, who are Chinese Proverb
escaping Myanmar’s ethnic
cleansing? To the children, who Human Rights have not only freeing all slaves, declaring that
have died because of bombings in failed to offer greater justice, but people should have the right to
Syria and Yemen? To George have even contributed to the choose their own religion. The
Floyd, who was brutally murdered situation. Before we move on, Cyrus Cylinder, therefore, became
on the streets of Minneapolis, each person reading this would one of the first Human Rights
Minnesota? need to have a mutual declarations in History. Since
Many people believe that the understanding of basic Human then, Human Rights have
optimism of the post-World War II Rights. So, what are they and why evolved, offering people of all
era, when the international care about it so much? races, ethnicities, and cultures the
Human Rights framework was In a historical medium, people ability to live their lives in liberty,
established, has died. Some critics were granted rights if they had equality, and with respect for
go even further, claiming that memberships; were born into human dignity.
Aristocracies or had According to UNICEF, Human
insurmountable wealth. Rights are standards that
In 539 BC, Cyrus the Great, after recognize and protect the dignity
conquering the City of Babylon of all human beings; governing
performed the unexpected by how individuals thrive in society

24 the blogger

and with each other, and their should be given the right to work.
relationship with the State and They should be able to go to
the obligations that the State had school.”
towards them. Humans are not born racist,
However, despite the flourishing, homophobic or sexist. We are
modern maelstrom of society, born equal. One life is not less
inequality, conflict, and violence important than another. One
continue to prevail across religion is not “more correct” than
communities, violating the rights another. We were all born with
of individuals and threatening the innate ability to show love,
their peace. compassion, and courage. In
Various countries, corporations times of moral crisis, maintaining
and institutions continue to neutrality does not help the
violate human rights; contributing victims of atrocious acts. Our
to supress rights in other silence only encourages the
countries. Others ignore the plight oppressors.
of people in other countries Hence it is time to take a step
whose rights are severely denied forward, to make a stand and to
in leverage of their own economic make our voices be heard. Earth
and political interests. will never be a paradise if conflict
While the U.S withdraw troops for remains, for it breeds catastrophe.
Afghanistan, Afghan women and We will not always be able to
girls brace to defend their prevent injustice either, but
livelihoods. Meanwhile, Human humanity will not be lost until we
Rights Activist, Malala Yousafzai, fail to protest. In the words of
addressed the need for Afghan Emma Watson, “If not us, Who? If
girls to have access to education, not now, When?”
noting that Afghanistan is the
only country that does not allow CLICK BELOW TO VIEW SUBMISSIONS
secondary education for women.
Malala quoted: “They are SUBMISSIONS
prohibited from learning, and I
have been working together with
Afghan girls and women’s
activists, and there is this one
message from them, that they

the blogger 25

public
relations

The avenue that manages the clubs social footprint hence
connecting the club to the world. The avenue plays a crucial

role in publicising the goodwill of the club.

26 the blogger QUARTER 02

PROJECT
KICKSTARTER
2.0

By Hirudika Premaratne

what are the difficulties that they

faced, how they overcome hard

times and etc. They have shared

their experience throughout the

successful journey as

The project Kickstarter was creative mediums from batik, entrepreneurs. Many important
pottery, jewellery, fine arts in oils,
initiated under the Public watercolor and pencil. Mr. Dulinda points related to
Perera is the CEO of IKON group
Relations Avenue in order to of companies and the director of entrepreneurship were discussed.
Ceylon Robotics Technological
emerge entrepreneurs and Corporation. Mr. Janik Jayasuriya is The participants got the chance
the founder and the managing
encourage small businesses director of Celeste Daily. He is a to raise their questions through
successful entrepreneur who
during this pandemic. The project initiated his business and the chat box and clarify their
developed it successfully during
was held on 30th of October via this pandemic situation. doubts. All the speakers gave
Kickstarter was a project initiated
zoom platform with over 60 for emerging entrepreneurs to their maximum contribution to
gain insights from professionals
participants. and encourage small businesses clarify their doubts with
in the local community during the
The guest speakers of the session pandemic situation. The guest informative explanations.
speakers were clearly discussed
were Mr. Jiffry Zulfer, Mrs. Sonali how they approach the business, The project Kickstarter provided
how they develop the business,
Dharmawardena, Mr. Dulinda valuable information for many

Perera and Mr. Janik Jayasuriya. participants. We would like to

Mr. Jiffry Zulfer is the founder and sincerely thank Mr. Jiffry Zulfer,

the CEO of PickMe. And also he is Mrs. Sonali Dharmawardena, Mr.

a serial entrepreneur counting 16 Dulinda Perera and Mr. Janik

years of founding and successfully Jayasuriya on the effort and time

running several technology-based they took to complete this

ventures. Mrs. Sonali project successfully. And also we

Dharmawardena is a batik would like to be thankful to all

designer and an artist. She is an participants for making this a

artist who has worked with many success.

the blogger 27

sports

The avenue responsible for initiating & managing all sports
related projects, focusing on ensuring the physical & mental

wellbeing of the club members.

28 the blogger QUARTER 02

SPORTSTRE

By Harini Chamathka

The only one who
can tell you ‘You can’t
win’ is you, and you don’t
have to listen

That’s right, the Rotaractors of The session was divided into two Round 1 began, where a
SLIIT do not disappoint when it rounds, in which Round 1 was a questionnaire was shared among
comes to spreading diverse questionnaire of 100 questions to 20 teams, and each team had to
knowledge, and this time, it was be filled within a limited period of use their own forms of
based on the topic, ‘Sports’, time, and Round 2 was based on communication to finish as much
marked as a project session a questionnaire face-off, where as they could before time ran out.
named ‘Sportstre’. The project was the participants were asked In the end, only eight teams were
initiated in order to test the sports-related questions face-to- chosen to proceed to the next
knowledge of the sports world, face. round.
from Football to Netball, work on The participants had the freedom
the participant’s quick-thinking to choose their own teams of
skills, and the session was indeed three, and each team contributed
a huge success. eagerly with their members. The
The session was held on questions were based on
November 28th, 2021, via Zoom common sports and sports news
related to football, basketball,
with a number of participants netball, and many more, and it
who were very enthusiastic about was definitely a race against time
winning exciting prizes from the where all teams were competing
session’s gift partners, Muscle for the final prize.
Factory, Blueberry Holdings, and
Sugar Fairy.

the blogger 28

Round 2 was challenging, where
the teams were placed in
individual Zoom sessions and they
had to answer questions as much
as they could before they ran out
of time. The rule was that if the
team chose to skip a question,
they were exempted from
answering questions for 5
seconds.
The struggle to answer the
questions by the teams was
indeed exciting, and each
participant did their best to score.
Finally, the winners were
announced, where team 2 Fast 2
Furious topped with first place,
followed by Hurricanes and
Pahalawela Buffaloes. The teams
were overjoyed and the session
was finally concluded with an
appreciation from the organizing
committee. However, we would
like to be thankful our official gift
partners Muscle Factory, Blueberry
Holdings, and Sugar Fairy for the
contribution to the success of the
Project.
It is also important we thank the
organizers of this event for
bringing opportunities and a
special thanks to all the
participants for making this a
success.

30 the blogger

puzzle
corner

Now that you've read through our achievements & projects,
it's time for you to shine by completing the puzzles for your

chance of winning exciting prizes!

QUARTER 02 the blogger 31

D S V I AMN E Z D U R T E V

word Search S U O V I N E J O R K MMO Z

ED L GU J K N L OO F W I E

N N U R L MU T T I W T GU L

OI N T E RNA T I ON A L W

S W T R R MG H I M L O T R P

L E E N T U R R D S H L L OY

F R E S S Y P L N WO Z U R N

S E RO T A R AC T J I LKT

WE L P D I OYQRG K S V N

ROS L P C F D J R X B I OD

L G H WO L E K D S A Q D K I

O J T OHWS E R V I CE D B

F L I S J L SYHUD T VS J

R S L V SC I HMA Y P E A D

T V A D A F OD I N XG L O F

SMY J E J NMS P Z DOX Z

V H Z N T J A AMP T L P F L

GM B B UH L U J UM B MD U

DQ P B V A T E Y B NC E T R

J CR Z Z F HNX L V I N E R

I OA L F S L G T I WO T EC

E F K OQ D N B N C X I B Y N

Rotaract Rotary
Development International
Community Fellowship
Volunteer Public
Professional

32 the blogger

Crossword

4 Across 1 Venue for the

First place international rotaract
whereinternational conference 2020
rotaract conference
recognised by rotary 2 One of six areas focused
international took place
by Rotary international
6 City in which Rotary was grants

founded 3 Introduced Rotary to its

7 A Rotary Youth program motto

for post primary school 5 Rotary founders main
students occupation

10 A rotary program for 8 Rotary founder

Young Adults

12 Rotaract motto consists 9 The word that follows

the word service and? 'Community' & 'Club'

13 Month in which Rotary Only international
was founded
11 rotaract conference
14 One of the four main
recognised by rotary
avenues international
Down

the blogger 33

Creatives

For novels, poems, articles, tips &
tricks and many more,

read ahead to find an amazing pool of
write-ups

from our very own editorial team

34 the blogger QUARTER 02

WELCOME TO
MIDDLE-EARTH

By Esandi Udana Liyanaratne

Imagination is a powerful quality Unlike the readers, film viewers who played the role of Bilbo, has
that one can possess. It has the partially understood the story done such a remarkable job in
ability to give life to stories that ‘Hobbit’, thanks to the release of portraying the character in a very
are written in the pages of a story the Lord of the Rings trilogy in the appealing way. The movie starts
book. In the year of 1932, J.R.R early 2000s, also directed by Peter off by showing us how Bilbo’s life
Tolkien wrote The Hobbit, and for Jackson. The Hobbit was released was suddenly disturbed by a
centuries, this story was birthed in as a trilogy too, and the first was party of dwarves, under the
all sorts of views that differed from The Hobbit; An Unexpected leadership of Thorin Oakenshield
one reader to another. In the year Journey. (played by Richard Armitage),
of 2012, director Peter Jackson The first part of the trilogy has and by Gandalf the wizard
released the first part of his own covered the beginning of the (Played by Ian McKellen). Then
creation of this story to the silver adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a the story leads as to how Bilbo
screen, which settled the curiosity quiet hobbit who lived a peaceful joins this company in order to
of the readers and the film life in the Shire. Martin Freeman, save the dwarf kingdom from a
viewers. fire breathing dragon

the blogger 35

named Smaug (played by Every star in the movie matched
Benedict Cumberbatch). The their roles in a surprising way. The
second part of the story, the music, which was composed by
Hobbit; The Desolation of Smaug, Howard Shore, too was appropriate
shows how this group was able to to every scene of the movie, and
steer the dragon out of their elevated the magical sense of the
kingdom into Laketown, and how movies.
it was slain by Bard (played by The stunning making of The
Luke Evans). The third part, The Hobbit trilogy was compelling. I
Hobbit; Battle of the Five Armies, was completely blown away after
covers the war that took place watching the trilogy, and so was
amongst dwarves, goblins, elves, my whole family. The magical
orcs and men. It portrays the quality of the story, the making of
tragic death of Thorin nightmarishly scary mythical
Oakenshield, who was slain by creatures, and the outstanding
Azog the Defiler (played by Manu acting were enough to get me
Bennett). addicted to the movies. Some
These three movies have covered critics might say that the CGI was
most of everything in the book by overdone, but my opinion is that
Tolkien, and were able to wow every particular thing about this
me. I was, since I can remember, a trilogy was able to amaze me and a
very enthusiastic fan of the Lord of whole audience of viewers, and the
the Rings and the Hobbit, and the movie was done well enough to
movies did a favor to us readers by receive many awards after the
giving us a specific view as to how release. So, to put it in a nutshell,
the stories are interconnected. the trilogy is worth watching, and it
The Hobbit movies, which were is surely a welcome to Middle-
shot in New Zealand, were so Earth.
beautiful to watch as they have
chosen many scenic routes to
cover the adventures. I was
immediately in love with how well
the mythical creatures were
brought to life with the help of
CGI, and these creatures were
able to haunt my dreams. The
lifelike making of dragons and
orcs were so very well done, and
the casting was on point.

36 the blogger

WAYS OF IMPROVING
YOUR LINKEDIN

By Bhagya Peramuna

Have you ever heard about a It will enable the user to give a Mention your job title and add
social network called LinkedIn? If
it’s a no, this is just for you. If it’s a positive impression on viewers at some attributes which would help
yes, still, you won’t waste your
time reading this till the end. first sight. Also, make sure that you you to stand out. Request some
Just like Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, and thousands of add a background picture to recommendations from your
other, LinkedIn is also a social
network. We can say that LinkedIn highlight your brand. Then it is superiors so others could have an
is one of the nerdiest social media
platforms which people use to mandatory to update the profile idea about you. Grow the network
share their professional matters
rather than personal events. There with the correct location and by connecting with people on
are some basic facts that a person
should implement to build up contact details. LinkedIn so they would be able to
their professional In-profile to
influence their future. Being strategic about endorsing discover you. Share interesting and
First foremost, the profile user
should update the profile picture skills is another significant fact for valuable content in your feed, it will
with a professional-looking
photograph. consideration. Adding skills useful demonstrate your passion for what

in the industry and the job role that you do. At last but most essential

the user is interested in would be step a LinkedIn profile user should

meaningful rather than including put into action is to make the

every skill that the user is talented. profile public.

Another thing to consider is the It will allow the user to get spotted

URL of the profile. Make it by the recruiters.

customized so others would easily So why are you still waiting? Grab

find you on LinkedIn. your opportunities through

LinkedIn is a social network Make LinkedIn. Create your profile and

sure that you improve your improve it. Success is at your

headline. fingertips.

the blogger 37

THE PROMISE

By Heshani Hewagama

Sunlight streamed through the She looked down at the tiny hand Joanne ran out of the school
branches of the trees in the gripping her thumb. Clarity began gates, waving back to her friends.
cemetery. The yellow rays shone to return to her eyes. She knelt in She came to a stop in front of an
on a pair of coffins laid out near front of the little girl and adjusted old woman standing nearby.
freshly dug soil. The coffins were the butterfly clip in the little one’s “What are you doing right in front
plain wood, simple and hair. With tears in her eyes, she of my school grandma!” Joanne
unadorned. A woman stood by made a silent promise to the grabbed her grandma’s arm and
them, standing still as a statue. As parents leaving behind a beautiful tugged her away from the school
if in a trance, she couldn’t take her daughter. building, towards the main street.
eyes off the two boxes laid out in “I will look after her and raise her “Thought I’d surprise you!”
front of her. well. I promise.” Joanne’s grandma handed her a
One held her daughter, the other 15 years later…. brown paper bag “A batch from
her son-in-law. Her whole family…. “Joanne! Where are you going? my newest recipe. It’ll be a hit
Wait…no… Stay for a while!” with the customers!”
Not her whole family. “Uh…I should go home now, bye!” Walking a few steps ahead,
Joanne reached back, grabbed
the bag, and started munching on
the cookies. “Well, at least she
makes the best cookies,” she
thought.
Back home, Joanne hung her bag
by the front door and turned to
her grandma.
“You shouldn’t come to my school
anymore”
“What’s the matter, dear?”
“Grandma! You always leave the
house in those same ratty sandals
and that old sweater! You never
buy new things for yourself; it’s
embarrassing to be seen with
you!”

38 the blogger

And with that Joanne rolled her “You are lucky to have her. Why
eyes and went to her room, your grandma never buys herself a
slamming the door behind her. thing! Always wanting to save up
Her grandma was stunned by the for her beloved granddaughter.”
outburst. She hesitantly looked “W-what?…no…that’s not true, she
down at her well-worn sandals hates buying things for herself”
“These will hold up a few more stammered Joanna.
years…” she thought, “….why get “Your grandma and I are very close.
new clothes for an old lady” I’ve known her for years. Trust me,
A few days later dear, she loves shopping.” With
Joanne got a call from her that, her neighbour left, promising
neighbour, “It’s your grandma, to visit again.
dear. She’s at the hospital and Joanne stood up in shock.
she’s very sick” “I-I…never…. realized”
Joanne stood by the hospital bed She gave a cry and dropped to her
and tucked the blanket under her knees by the bed.
grandma’s chin. She sat down “Now, I will look after you grandma.
next to her neighbour on the I promise.”
plastic chairs.
“Thank you so much for bringing
her here Ms. Brown”
“No worries dear, good thing I was
with her when she fell. Exhaustion
the doctors say. Poor thing, she
works all day in that shop, never
taking a day off.”

Joanne listened to these words in
silence. She looked at her
sleeping grandma. All that
medication allowed her to have a
much-needed rest.
“When did her hair get so white?”
she thought, “Did she always have
so many wrinkles?”

the blogger 39

CINEMA BEYOND HOLLYWOOD

By Sriram Rajeswaran

The global film industry has Chinese film industry, and Is cinema only about business?
grown and established a far better No, this is more about a cultural
position from just moving black Nollywood are being ranked at thing, people are willing to watch
and white pictures to fully movies of another ethnic group.
computer-made 3D films by now. the top; Indian and Nigeria for the It’s a cultural change. Earlier,
In popular culture, we all are well everyone wanted to be western,
aware that Hollywood – Cinema of number of films they make, on a but now it’s changing. People
America, is a highly reputed need to be progressive with their
cinema industry in the world as it special note these two are multi- own unique identities. This has an
is the oldest industry and also the impact on cinema as well. A
largest industry in terms of linguistic countries with high Korean film parasite has won
revenue. During the early years of Palm d’Or and 4 main awards at
the twentieth century, Hollywood populations. China, having a the 92 academy awards. This
developed technical and narrative proves the quality of the products
styles, single language-dominated that these industries are bringing
Cinema is not just an art, as you all in.
know it has a lot of factors having industry has emerged As cinemas are being closed in
an impact on this industry, the current pandemic times, OTT
Investment, Politics, technology, as the biggest market in the platforms have become more
and audiences are a few of them. popular all over the world to bring
More than a century old Indian world. In recent times cinema to home. This makes
film industry, people all over the world explore
Bangladesh, Korea are also some the stories of a community that
they have never seen lively.
other industries peaking up, this Cinema is not just entertainment,
it’s more about life experience in
market opening, and the OTT my own words. By now the
cinema outputs are coming from
platforms bring in investors from all over the world, it’s reasonable
to say the cinema has gone a lot
the US and Europe to produce beyond and wider than
Hollywood, which has to be
films of these lands, they aren’t welcomed as people are willing to
watch stories of their own and
just producing films, they are others too.

building the platforms of these

industries to learn and develop

themselves to present their own

business.

40 the blogger

HER WEDDING
DAY

By Eshini Meegaskumbura

Liz was beautiful. Everyone said so. The thought made her heart race as a son in law. And so, they tried
And she was – with her startling – but not with the joy that was everything to make them stay
green eyes and her willowy figure, expected of a bride, but with a together – even guilt tripping Liz.
everyone who saw her turned to sick sort of desperation. ‘He’s a handsome man, stop
get a second look. Today, her For the millionth time today she acting like this is the end of the
beauty reached another degree questioned herself, world!’
because she was in her gorgeous Am I really going to marry ‘Think about us – we have done
wedding dress. Richard? everything for you!’
However, despite her radiance, Richard was the man that her She bites her lip hard. He was
her face was full of a deep, parents picked out for her. The handsome. Dark hair that curled
desperate sadness that filled her ‘suitable’ match was what they at his temples, a toned, muscular
being. She twisted her white called him. He was rich and well- body and a playboy smile that
glove in her hand as she gazed connected, and her parents saw should – by all rights make Liz
out of the window. him as an opportunity to vastly swoon – but – it did not.
In an hour I will be wed… improve their own lives with him

the blogger 41

Nothing Richard did ever excited Damon wasn’t rich – he had a small that it was out of her hands –
her or made her long for him. house and no connections but… was it?
Buying her Gucci and Chanel did whatsoever. Liz throws open the balcony
not make her happy. She did not When Liz told her parents about doors. It was only a short climb
need or want those things… they her feelings for him, they had down…then she could go to who
were just… material things to try threatened to cut Liz out of their her heart yearned for…
and force her to be happy. lives completely if she ever went Damon…I’m coming…
The way Richard looked at her near Damon again. Then they as a son in law. And so, they tried
made her feel desired by him – upped the wedding day to today… everything to make them stay
but loved? Her heart is tearing itself apart. together – even guilt tripping Liz.
She faces herself in the mirror, her She stares at her tear-stained face, ‘He’s a handsome man, stop
green eyes burning, “You should “I will never love…Richard…will I?” acting like this is the end of the
be happy! Your parents are right – Her heart screamed ‘Never!’ – there world!’
you will live in the lap of luxury was only one person she loved and ‘Think about us – we have done
with a beautiful man who will only one person who loved her and everything for you!’
give you anything you could ever the fact that her parents were She bites her lip hard. He was
want!” condemning her to a life of handsome. Dark hair that curled
She watches her tears running unhappiness for their own gain, at his temples, a toned, muscular
down her cheeks. just confirmed that they did not body and a playboy smile that
Oh Damon… love her. should – by all rights make Liz
Was it a crime to love a different Liz could picture Damon’s shy swoon – but – it did not.
man on your wedding day? smile and his big blue eyes as they
Damon was the complete gazed at her with nothing but the
opposite of Richard. He was deepest love…
skinny, he stammered when he She knew Damon’s heart was
spoke, and he was so shy and breaking when she told him that
quiet that people barely noticed she could never see him again –
his presence sometimes… but he didn’t yell or try to hurt her –
“He’s so…good…” whimpers Liz, which just broke her own heart
covering her face. more. He seemed to understand

42 the blogger

24 HOURS

By Priyan Nawamohan

We are in deep enemy territory escape and many prying eyes Manager of the Gold Trade
nearly cut off from all supplies. We wanted us dead. Building, My Dad. He did not
took shelter in an old rusting Suddenly, a static burst out of the answer.
building surrounded by a rather radio “Bravo team do you cop- we I took mom immediately to the
short, barbed fence. I lay near the received a request for evacuation, Trade building. I found my dad
window talking to my comrades. a chopper team will arrive in 24 among the rubble lying there
Then a moment a faint static on hours” My men were in joy as their with no life in his eyes, I rushed
the radio came “Do you cop- Brav- nightmare of being pinned in a towards him in hopes of saving
do you- “then complete silence lonely house in the middle of the him, but that moment was gone,
again. In a moment of relief that enemy territory was coming to an my dad died in the bomb blast.
someone heard us, I peered over end. Suddenly, more gunfire, and That fateful day is when I decided
the only window in the building we could see them moving to join the military because
and suddenly rapid gunfire towards us we fired back somehow, I thought it would
poured in my direction, my relentlessly knowing that we had avenge my dad. My mom was
helmet flew off and I lunged only 24 hours to survive to afraid that she’d lose me too, “If
immediately falling on the hard become free, my men fought you want to go down that path
concrete floor. For the next valiantly and then “Click click” and have your revenge it is your
minute, the gunfire continued, sound echoed, they threw a choice” “But remember your dad
each passing second felt like a grenade through the window, at would not have wanted this” she
day, we were surrounded with no this moment I remembered why I said but I was too overwhelmed
escape and many prying eyes joined the army. by emotion, and I never listened
wanted us dead. It was a Sunday morning I lay on and I am wrong, I should not have
the sofa staring into the ceiling, gone down this path, I thought
my mom rushed across the hall to people who took my dad were
switch on the television. “A bomb animals, but I have become them,
kills 250 people in Downtown how many sons and dad have I
City,” said the news reporter, this killed, how many of my decisions
peaked my attention, I walked led to the killing of others. I have
towards the tv standing next to become an animal just like them,
mom. Mom seemed worried, “The A coldhearted killer with no
bomb blast took place in the Gold regard for love. My dad died ten
Trade Building”, These words sent years ago, now the only thing that
a chill down my spine, I panicked lies before me is a grenade, “I
and immediately called the should have listened to you mom”
*A flash of light…*

the blogger 43

KARMA OR COINCIDENCE

By Pawara Gunathilake

I was waiting for the traffic light to However, now that I think about I began to cover up my ears with
turn green when suddenly it, the cause for my “sudden my hands hoping it would go
something came falling down the silence ” was most likely due to away. But naturally, it didn’t have
sky and landed right on the the confusion that I had to fight any effect whatsoever. A couple of
middle of the hood of my car with through to recollect my thoughts. seconds later, I could feel a
a loud “THUD”. Even though I The car bonnet was severely gradual and continuous drop off
could see it beforehand of the dented. It took me a couple of of the volume level which helped
collision, it caught me off guard seconds to assess the severity of me immensely towards my initial
that I could barely stop myself the dent as it was barely visible goal of ”gathering myself
from screaming out loud. But I through the thick layer of smoke together”. But then a new enemy
was glad that I could prevent seemingly coming out of the emerged out of nowhere
myself from letting out a loud cry hood. On top of the visual reshaping the situation from bad
at the time because I didn’t want constraint, my head was ringing to worse.
to tarnish my image in front of the very loudly with an added The numbness in my legs began
growing crowd. irritation; a deafening echo. to fade away within a couple of
seconds. Though I was happy
about it at the beginning, I was
forced back into reality, as if an
evil deity proving the point of
“how wrong I was at the moment”.
An extreme pain began to crawl
up my legs, through my spine,
directly to my brain. “My brain’s
about to explode”, though I
wanted to shout it out loud, I was
unable to do so. Turning my fear
into a nightmare, I could smell
the burning stench of flesh at the
time. In the heat of the moment,
my mind wandered off to
unrealistic conclusions like “ Oh!
I’m being electrocuted with a

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million volts “ or “ I’m being burnt This horrifying incident took place
alive. Please make it stop!”. way back in January. It had been a
Though it hurt like my brain had peaceful and uneventful day up
penetrated with a thousand until I stopped my car due to that
needles at the same time, the forsaken red light. Is it karma or
“stench” must have been coming pure coincidence? “ That damn
from the burning wires of my light pole! It just had to fall onto
vehicle, I later theorized. But the my car, didn’t it? “, I still curse at
next thing I saw, nearly had me every light pole I see, even after all
fainted. The floorboard of the this time. “It’s only fair isn’t it? I
vehicle and the paddles were mean, I got crippled for life after
completely covered in blood. My all”.
blood!
A metal stake shaped object had
completely pierced through my
right foot. The overwhelming pain
combined with the visual image
of that freaky and bloody injury
was so terrifying that I could break
free from the silencing spell that
had been cast on me by that evil
deity. At long last, I was able to let
out a scream which somewhat
relieved me from the pain. Even
though this rendered my previous
attempt not to scream like a
“damsel in distress”, in vain, I
couldn’t help but panic this time.
However, I don’t think I screamed
out loud for that long. Soon I
could feel that someone was
pulling me by my arm, forcing me
out of the vehicle. Though what
happened next is a mystery to
me, later I hypothesized that I
should have been blacked out
due to the severe blood loss.

the blogger 45

YOU ARE YOUR
SKILLS

By Harini Chamathka

Giving your son a skill
is better than giving him
one thousand pieces of
gold

Chinese Proverb

Have you ever heard that saying? home. Skills made us be able to adding value to you. You may not
it conveys the importance of be a big fan of the kitchen at
mastering skills, in one’s lifetime. cope with them. I believe that once. It’s almost okay. As Julia
A skill is the ability to use Child says, “No one is born a great
knowledge capably and readily in Life’s betterment always cook, one learns by doing.” Let‘s
achievement or performance. Life enjoy cooking!
skills could be a soft skill or a hard depended on skills, not on the
skill. Soft skill is which EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
encompasses your interpersonal number of educational IS THE LIFELINE.
qualities or attributes. It is also Simply, communication is all
known as “people skills”. Hard qualifications. Let’s make our lives about expressing your needs and
skills are teachable and desires during understanding and
presentable abilities. We meet rich with skills, not our resumes. relating them to others. it is the
challenges every day. no matter foundation of all human
where maybe in the workplace or LETS COOK relationships. It may be written,
Does anyone refuse to eat? so,
what about cooking? Cooking is
one of the best life skills for
everyone to master. It is NOT a
gender-based role. Cooking is a
passion. It survives you while

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verbal, non-verbal, or visual. No COMPUTER LITERACY
matter the type of it’s all about the comfort level
communication, the important you’re having with computers and
point is the effectiveness. A good their applications. That is
communicator is always a good significantly important to establish
listener. Don’t ever listen to reply, your presence in the modern
listen to understand! Master good world. So, it should be a piece of
communication skills now, they’ll cake for you. Nowadays, it’s not just
serve you for a long time! a point to your job resume
anymore. It has become an
COPING WITH EMOTIONS essential life skill because we are
dealing with technology at every
Ever lost or destroyed life moment. Gaining & improving
computer literacy skills is a
opportunities because of lifesaver. Go for it!!

temporary emotions? As human BE A LEADER, NOT A BOSS.
Leadership is not about a title or a
beings we are coping with designation, it is all about true
inspiration and influence. The
thousands of emotions on daily significance of leadership has been
showcased by introducing it as one
basis, like anger, disappointment, of the twelve 21st Century skills.
Leadership is like a full package of
fear, etc. emotions are temporary positive traits, grab it !! the world
needs more leaders…
states of mind. sometimes
CREATIVITY IS CONTAGIOUS
emotions may distract you from Can you remember the last time
you came up with an idea that is
doing what needs to be done. truly new & innovative as a solution
to a problem? no matter the
Practice controlling your situation, creative thinking
becomes vital in a lifetime. Also, do
emotions, don’t ever let your you believe that can be improved
by proper training? Of course, yes!
emotions control you!

TIME MANAGEMENT IS LIFE
MANAGEMENT
Do you know? time is not the
main thing; it is the only thing.
Time is a precious gift that
everyone receives. Unfortunately,
only very few make prime use of
it. Organizing, planning, setting
goals, prioritizing wisely; are some
tips for time management. Always
remember “time is life”. So, why
wait? Build up this valuable skill.

the blogger 47

BENEFITS OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR
SCHOLARS

By Dulith Liyanage

You’ve got to find the
right tone in handling
social media to feel social
media.

Are you a scholar pursuing a From scholars’ perspectives, social conveniently and effectively
degree in your favourite field of media comes with an array of done via staying active on
study but have no presence on benefits. When shifting from social media platforms
any of the social media platforms school to university, the global such as Twitter and
available? exposure that you gain from your Facebook.
It’ll be the toughest combination presence on social media can be
to find two ‘yes’ for the given proven to be highly worthwhile.
questions, as, in the modern-day The ability to interact with
and age, social media platforms scholars from other universities
are getting increasingly popular across the globe can make you an
among all age ranges. Facebook, interactive and adaptable person.
Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, and In modern times, the world is
LinkedIn are among the most getting updated with highly
famous social media platforms evolving news updates. Staying in
among scholars. Controversial touch with what’s happening
views are put forward on the around the world can keep you
discussion of whether social ahead of the race. .
media carries more benefits or As scholars, staying alert to local
drawbacks for its users. and foreign news updates can be

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If you are a scholar who is keen to step outside the Aside from being an additional source of
walls of the lecture hall and be engaged in sports information, social media can assist you in
and extracurriculars, you get to organize several locating the precise information you require for
events and functions. With the sky-high your research and projects. With the
engagement rate of your peers on social media advancement of the search crawls utilized by
platforms, you can run efficient and productive social media platforms, browsing and obtaining
marketing campaigns on suitable platforms to the most relevant content is not a tough row to
spread awareness. hoe. Dig more into why social media is crucial for
Feel enough already? Don’t be! Because the best researchers.
part is yet to come. Unlike in the past, the portfolio of your
While your stay at your university is facilitated by qualifications does not always matter when it
the correct maintenance of your social media comes to claiming social recognition. Effective
profiles, it will go beyond that and help you find and correct use of social media can generate an
employment opportunities as well. Proper inspiring and reliable digital portfolio under your
maintenance of a LinkedIn profile can open belt, and thereby, the significance of your
numerous doors to countless opportunities in academic and professional profile could be
your professional career. Check out 4 convincing enhanced.
reasons to use LinkedIn to boost your professional Also, active social media consumers tend to
career. compose quality and creative content to stay
In a nutshell, fruitful usage of social media can ahead of the competition. To be viewed, engaged,
provide numerous sky-scraping benefits to and advocated, social media content creators
scholars. Despite this fact, imprecise use of the attempt to produce imperative content and the
platforms or incorrect choice of the right platform continuous engagement in the task can improve
for the desired objective can lead to unforeseen the creativity of social media users.
drawbacks.
In fact, as wise scholars, you can enjoy the
unrivalled benefits of the revolutionary digital
interacting platforms while expanding your
knowledge and brightening your future.

the blogger 49

COLORLESS
LOVE

By Dulmi Gunathilake

he best saying ever said so far regarding Although this book is based on the truth no damage has
colour bar is that the colour of the blood of taken place to the taste of this novel. Because of the
every ethnic group is the same whatever cinematic features of this novel, Columbia Film
complexion one inherits. The novel, “To Sir Corporation has created a movie by the same name, “To Sir
With Love” which carves that saying in the with Love.”
minds of readers spontaneously is another Because of rejection from every job, Braithwaite had to
excellent creation that I have ever read. The accept the teaching profession because it was the only job
author of this invaluable masterpiece, to be obtained irrespective of the colour of skin or
Edward Ricardo Braithwaite was born in complexion. He first went to Greenslade Secondary school
Guyana of Britain. He, born as a Black, as a teacher. Although Braithwaite initially failed as a
obtained a doctorate in physics. Braithwaite, teacher because of the lack of experience he finally
an educated youth, later actively became an excellent teacher in the minds of students
participated in the World War as an air force forever.
officer. There he met with an accident and
lost his job. He was denied access to several
jobs because of his complexion, the black
colour.
“To Sir, With Love” deals with a deep
dialogue between social surroundings and
complex human emotions. This novel,
printed in 1959, is a fictional autobiography.
The specialty of this author is the ability to
communicate very complex themes such as
the apartheid problems and unequal
distribution of facilities to the readers in
simple language. This masterpiece is based
on the knowledge and experience he
gained from the various social cultures in
Britain as a down-to-earth man.

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