The Rotary Club of Cinnamon Gardens (RCCG), chartered on 19 May 1988 under District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives, stands as a beacon of service, leadership and community impact.
Over the past 38 years, RCCG has carried forward the timeless Rotary principle of Service Above Self, translating compassion into meaningful action across diverse sectors of society.
SUSTAINING A LEGACY OF SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Rotary International’s mission is guided by seven key focus areas: peace building and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community economic development, and protecting the environment. These focus areas serve as a strategic framework through which clubs worldwide design and implement impactful, sustainable initiatives.
Aligned with these priorities, the Rotary year 2025/26 – under the leadership of District Governor Delvin Pereira – has placed considerable emphasis on areas deeply relevant to Sri Lanka’s current socioeconomic landscape.
Under the guidance of District 3220, RCCG’s key initiatives have centred on SME development, mental health awareness, child education, maternal health, cervical and breast cancer awareness, and home gardening through community based projects. These areas reflect a holistic approach to national development, addressing both economic resilience and social wellbeing.
Among the many impactful projects undertaken by RCCG this year, a stand out initiative was its response to the needs of children affected by Cyclone Ditwah in the Badulla and Bandarawela Districts.
Recognising that disasters often disrupt not only livelihoods but also access to education, RCCG stepped in to support over 330 schoolchildren. By providing essential school books, stationery and other educational necessities, the club enabled these children to return to school with renewed hope and dignity. This initiative not only addressed an immediate need but also reinforced the long-term importance of education as a pathway to empowerment.
In parallel, RCCG has played a proactive role in strengthening the SME sector – widely recognised as the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy. Through the organisation of a dedicated trade fair and an awareness session, the club provided small and medium entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products, enhance market access and gain valuable business insights.
These initiatives were complemented by knowledge sharing sessions on financial literacy, business sustainability and digital transformation, equipping SMEs with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly competitive environment.
Mental health has also emerged as a critical area of focus in the current Rotary year. The Rotary Club of Cinnamon Gardens has actively contributed to breaking stigmas surrounding mental wellbeing through awareness programmes and community engagement initiatives. By fostering open dialogue and promoting access to support systems, the club has taken meaningful steps towards building more resilient and emotionally healthy communities.
Healthcare initiatives have remained a cornerstone of RCCG’s service agenda. Projects addressing cervical and breast cancer awareness have been conducted with the aim of early detection, prevention and education. These programmes support women’s health while also contributing to the broader goal of strengthening family and community wellbeing.
Environmental sustainability has been promoted through home gardening initiatives in the Ratnapura District, encouraging communities to adopt sustainable practices while enhancing food security. These projects reflect a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between environmental stewardship and economic resilience. Additionally, RCCG supported the education of schoolchildren in the Ratnapura District by providing essential school supplies.
Chartered Accountant and Partner at Ernst & Young, and RCCG President for 2025/26 Damith Gamage highlighted the collective strength of the club while reflecting on the year’s achievements, noting: “Our ability to deliver impactful projects in line with Rotary’s focus areas is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our members and the strong leadership of our board.”
“The true success of RCCG lies in its membership – individuals who live by Rotary values and are committed to carrying forward its legacy,” he added.
RCCG’s journey over the past 38 years underscores the power of collective action. With a vibrant and committed membership base, the club continues to serve as a platform for professionals to contribute meaningfully to society.
As it looks to the future,RCCG remains steadfast in its mission to inspire change, uplift communities and uphold the enduring spirit of Rotary.
Through its unwavering commitment to service, the Rotary Club of Cinnamon Gardens not only honours its rich legacy but also sets a compelling example of how purpose driven community service can create lasting impact.
– Compiled by Prashanthi Cooray
CONTACT DETAILS
Telephone 0773 578989 | Email rotarycinnamon@gmail.com / dnggamage@gmail.com
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