Installation of the Interact Board and President 2018/2019

The British School in Colombo Interact Club is an organisation that functions to serve the betterment of society and provides the young men and women of the British School with an opportunity to become leaders and take their first steps in creating positive change in the world.

On Thursday the 18th of October 2018, the new appointments from the current Year 12 of the Interact Club came together to host the installation of the Club's new board for the 2018-2019 academic year. This is an important symbolic event as it sees the handing over of responsibility from one set of leaders to the next.

The event began with the British School's wonderful band playing light music to welcome guests from our neighbouring Interact Clubs. The official commencement of the installation was the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp by the Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Academics, esteemed guests and the incoming and outgoing presidents of the British School Interact Club. This was followed by an address given by the British School's outgoing Interact President, Leon Herath, recounting the previous year’s events and achievements. BSC club members then delivered an oath. Guests were then treated to a brief entertainment break contributed by the British School Band. The 12th president of the Interact Club was then installed by her predecessor and delivered an inspiring speech setting out her plans for the future of the Club.

The Principal of the British School in Colombo, Dr John Scarth, then delivered an address to the Interactors of Colombo, reminding them of the meaning of Interact, ‘International Action’, and encouraging them to focus on the ‘International’ aspect of the organisations work as the world enters into more turbulent times.

This then led to an address from the guest of honour, Dr. Duminda Silva, who spoke of the Little Hearts Project, which aims to increase the capacity of Lady Ridgeway Hospital so that it is capable of treating all children with heart defects in the nation of Sri Lanka. This is a project our Interact Club intend to raise funds towards in the year ahead.

The audience was then privy to a speech from the guest of honour Dharshan John. The event was then concluded with felicitations from our neighbouring Interact Clubs and a vote of thanks from the secretary of the British School’s Interact Club. After the event, there were refreshments and an opportunity for Interactors present from across Colombo to network and discuss possible future collaborations for the year ahead.

The newly appointed President of the British School Interact Club, Yenuli Siribaddana, was kind enough to share her thoughts regarding her new responsibilities as President as well as her intentions and outlook moving forward. Ms.Siribaddana believes that her board of directors are a “wonderful team and group of highly motivated members who are determined to make a difference in the lives of those who are in need”. The president and her board are especially looking forward to two large events which take place annually - the Sunshine Games and Enliven. The new President also feels that in addition to the aforementioned events the club intends to “play an active role in generating funds for the Little Hearts Foundation, who are on a mission to save the lives of thousands of children suffering from cardiac disease”. The incoming President would also has plans to take a proactive approach with regards to increasing the club’s membership, her opinion is that, “more hands means more strength. And with those extra hands we will deliver more this year in sheer teamwork”. As seen through the views of the new President, the Interact Club of the British School in Colombo already have plans set in motion to aid their cause and those who are less fortunate. One can only look forward to to coming year of activities planned by the British School Interact Club with enthusiasm, and wish them well as they plan to better the lives of those around them.