Women in Rotary – Vital Voices of District 3220 Create History:Launch of Rotary’s First Holistic Wellbeing Purple Card Initiative

• The landmark initiative was unveiled at an elegant launch event attended by Rotary leaders, dignitaries, professionals, entrepreneurs, wellness advocates, and trade partners

Women in Rotary – Vital Voices proudly created history with the official launch of the Purple Card Initiative, introducing what is believed to be Rotary’s first holistic wellbeing card dedicated to the empowerment and overall wellbeing of women in Rotary.
The landmark initiative was unveiled at an elegant launch event attended by Rotary leaders, dignitaries, professionals, entrepreneurs, wellness advocates, and trade partners, all coming together to celebrate a platform built on empowerment, selfcare, collaboration, and meaningful impact. The Purple Card Initiative was conceptualised with one powerful vision.
To prioritise and support the holistic wellbeing of women --  going beyond the traditional concept of a membership or privilege card, the Purple Card has been carefully designed to address the mental, physical, emotional, social, and selfcare needs of women through strategic partnerships and wellness focused collaborations.
At a time when women continue to balance leadership, careers, service, family responsibilities, and personal growth, the initiative serves as a reminder that women’s wellbeing deserves equal importance and intentional care. The Purple Card initiative
operates under the guidance and mentorship of Past District Governor Aruni Malalasekera, who will serve as the Advisor and Mentor to the initiative, bringing with her a wealth of leadership, experience, and vision. The initiative is chaired by Rtn Past President Rasini Bandara, whose passion for mental wellbeing, women’s empowerment, and community service has strongly shaped the vision behind the Purple Card. 

Avanthi, Michael, Rasini, Sandali, Chamani, Rajitha

Rtn Sheroon Shouketh

From Left - PDG Aruni, Rasini, Sandali, Sheroon, Michael

Supporting the initiative as the core organising team are IPP Sandali Geethma, PP Michael Jayawardana, PP Mudara Weerasinghe, and PE Sheroon Shouketh, whose collective dedication, strategic planning, and teamwork played a significant role in transforming the initiative from concept to reality. 
Among the key partners was Ndurance, focusing on physical fitness, personal training, and healthy lifestyle support. Representing Ndurance at the launch was founder Adrian Jesuthasan, whose presence reinforced the importance of encouraging women to prioritise strength, movement, and physical wellbeing. Physio Premier joined the initiative to provide professional physiotherapy and rehabilitation support, promoting preventive care, recovery, and physical wellness management. 
Founder Nilakshi Kasilingam was present at the launch and expressed her support toward the initiative’s vision of creating healthier communities through holistic wellbeing. In the area of dental wellness and hygiene, Winchester Global Dental Implant Center partnered with the initiative to support oral healthcare awareness and dental care services. Founder Dr. Rajitha Samarakoon attended the event, highlighting the importance of integrating dental wellness into broader conversations surrounding women’s overall health and selfcare. Healthcare and preventive wellness also form a significant pillar of the initiative, with Nawaloka Hospitals coming on board to provide
healthcare screening and wellness related services for Purple Card members, encouraging greater awareness around women’s health and preventive care.
The importance of selfcare
Recognising the importance of selfcare and confidence building, The Nail Bar and Cutting Station Salon joined the initiative to provide beauty, grooming, and personal care experiences that contribute toward emotional wellness, confidence, and self-appreciation.
The initiative also welcomed Mangrove Escapes, offering Ayurvedic wellness, relaxation, retreat, and spa experiences that encourage women to rest, recharge, heal, and reconnect with themselves amidst demanding lifestyles and responsibilities.

Completing the holistic wellness circle is Mind Heals, which joined the initiative to provide mental health awareness, emotional wellbeing support, and counseling related services, emphasising the importance of prioritising mental wellness alongside physical health and selfcare.
The event was further elevated by the presence of several distinguished Rotary leaders and dignitaries who extended their support and best wishes toward the initiative. District Governor Delvin Pereira for the Rotary year 2025–2026 attended the launch together with First Lady Lucille Pereira, expressing appreciation for an initiative that places women’s wellness and empowerment at the forefront. Addressing the gathering, DG Delvin commended the team behind the initiative for creating a platform that not only empowers women,  but also places holistic wellbeing at the centre of leadership and community engagement. 
Also present were District Governor Elect Kumar Sundararaj and First Lady to be Shantala Sundararaj, who shared their encouragement and noted that the Purple Card initiative would continue to grow and strengthen during the upcoming Rotary year as well.
The launch was also attended by DGN Jith Senevirathna and DGND Ajith Jayawickrama, along with district secretaries, past district governors, district leaders, Rotarians, and distinguished guests who came together to celebrate this pioneering initiative.
The launch event itself was filled with warmth, elegance, networking, and meaningful conversations as guests interacted with trade partners, explored the vision behind the initiative, and celebrated the beginning of a platform expected to create lasting impact within the Rotary movement and beyond.
In addition to its wellness focus, the Purple Card Initiative also carries a strong community engagement and humanitarian dimension. Through future collaborations and initiatives, the platform aims to continue supporting projects related to mental health awareness, women’s empowerment, education, wellness advocacy, and community development. The Purple Card officially rolls out from July 1st, with additional announcements expected regarding future partnerships, member benefits, wellness experiences, and community driven initiatives.
As Women in Rotary –- Vital Voices continues to pioneer meaningful initiatives, the Purple Card stands as a historic milestone, a movement built on empowerment, wellness, collaboration, and compassion. More than just a card, the Purple Card represents a powerful reminder that when women are supported holistically, healthier families, stronger communities, and more empowered societies naturally follow.