Members of the gravel club of the Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University with the conference organising team
The Faculty Auditorium of Agricultural and Plantation Management was transformed into a hub of eloquence and inspiration as it hosted the Division H year-end conference of Toastmasters International for the 2023/2024 season. Dubbed “Hotshots,” this event not only celebrated the art of public speaking, but also brought together the crème de la crème of Division H, marking a day to remember.
The conference rolled out the red carpet for a lineup of Toastmasters, including DTM Lawrance Madapatha, the visionary Executive Director of All Free Trade Zones, TM Padmajith Jinadasa Past Div Director Retired senior engineer attached to the Bank of Ceylon, DTM Kapila Mithrarathne, the astute CFO at Alpha Apparels, DTM Chethiya Subasinghe, the dynamic Manager Admin at Omega Lines Toastmasters and DTM Tharaka Amarasena Manager of CSE Anuradhapura branch among others.
Sudath Fernando, the division winner for international speech contest
The keynote address, delivered by Saliya Pieris, President’s Counsel, delved into the essence of leadership through turbulent times. Drawing lessons from historical titans like Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and President Abraham Lincoln, Peris illuminated their ability to rise above personal agendas for the greater good. Moreover, he spotlighted the valour of local leaders, particularly a group of young lawyers who stood up to protect the innocent amidst political unrest, showcasing leadership that resonates with the Toastmasters spirit.
DTM Niroshan Nadarajah, Club Growth Director of District 82 of Toastmasters International and Senior Brand Manager at Renuka Group, was the Chief Guest. His reflections on the transformative power of Toastmasters on communication styles struck a chord, underscoring the impact of Toastmasters beyond the club environment into the corporate sphere.
The conference also hosted two riveting competitions: the International Speech Competition and the Table Topics Contest. Emerging victorious in the speech competition was TM Sudath Fernando, Finance Director at ATG Group of Companies. His prowess earned him a spot in the national semifinals scheduled for April 28, 2024, with sights set on the international stage in Anaheim, California. The impromptu speech contest saw TM Dilani Kasundara Hettiarachchi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, clinching the win, promising another thrilling showdown at the national semifinals.
Under the patronage of Division Director Thakshila Jayasena, an attorney-at-law, the conference was a testament to the dedication and energy of the Toastmasters community.
The organising team, led by TM Kusal Manamperi, District Engineer at Kurunegala National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and co-chaired by TM Kavindu Madapatha, Executive at Utility Infrastructure and Sustainability, MAS Fabric Park, showcased exemplary teamwork and commitment. They were supported by a cadre of dedicated Toastmasters, including TM Chamara Senevirathne, Head Systems Engineer at Star Garments Limited, TM Hiruni Rathwatta, Lecturer at the Department of Accountancy and Finance, Faculty of Management Studies, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, D. M. Damith Sanjaya Disanayaka, Executive Engineer at Provincial Road Development Department, Kuliyapitiya, TM Harshana Fernando, Assistant Division Director,TM Manujaya Fernando Quality Assurance Assistant Omega Line Ltd and TM Thilina Andradi, Public Speaking Trainer.
Sponsored by DTM Anura Nishantha Perera, Past Division H Director, alongside corporations such as Amazing Tribes (Pvt) Ltd, Star Garments Pvt Ltd, Omegaline Group (Alpha Apparels, Omega Line, Benji, Sirio and Vavuniya Apparels), Empire Lands, ADLA, and Lanka Traders, the event exemplified the synergy between corporate backing and community spirit. The invaluable support from Gavel Club members of the Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, under the guidance of Prof. Jagath Edirisinghe, Dean of the Faculty, played a crucial role in the event’s resounding success.
As Division H of Toastmasters International looks back on this glittering conference, it stands not only as a celebration of public speaking excellence but as a beacon of leadership, resilience, and community.
