TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
S e r v i c e
Toastmasters International, a global organization dedicated to communication and leadership development, has thrived for over a century due to its unwavering commitment to its core values: integrity, respect, service, and excellence Founded in 1924 by Dr.Ralph C. Smedley, Toastmasters has evolved from a single club to a worldwide network of over 16,000 clubs in 142 countries
“To provide a positive and supportive learning environment where members can develop their communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater personal growth and self-confidence.”
Today, members of all ages and backgrounds benefit from structured learning experiences, supportive feedback, and opportunities to practice their skills in a safe and encouraging environment. The organization's emphasis on integrity ensures ethical conduct and trust within the organization, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment Respect for all members creates a welcoming space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can feel valued and empowered Service to the community and fellow members strengthens the organization's impact and cultivates a sense of belonging Finally, the pursuit of excellence drives continuous improvement and motivates members to reach their full potential. These values have not only contributed to Toastmasters' longevity but have also empowered countless individuals to become confident communicators and effective leaders
100 YEARS Integrity Respect
E x c e l l e n c e
A B O U T
Aitken Spence Toastmasters
A S T M C
The Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club (ASTMC) was chartered in March 2012 as a corporate club of District 82 TM Azam Bakeer Markar served as the club's inaugural president. The club received the esteemed Golden Gavel award from District 82 in its charter year and the Golden Gavel Plus honor in the following year The Aitken Spence Toastmasters club was one of the rare clubs that did so during their charter year. Since 2013, the Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club has earned the title of President’s Distinguished Club continuously This is the highest recognition in the Toastmasters fraternity. The ASTMC has also won numerous other awards such as the Smedley award, Talk Up Toastmasters award, Beat the Clock award, Dynamic Duo Award, and the Triple Crown award. In addition to holding significant positions, our members have represented the club in competitions at the area, division, and district levels as well as held key positions in the administration.
“THE MEMBERS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF THE CLUB”
Aitken Spence Toastmasters is privileged to have a diverse group of dedicated, talented and exceptional members from all heights of corporate hierarchy, all faiths of life, professionals of various disciplines and and a wide scope of age groups This opens up stellar opportunities for the club members to see leadership in a new light and in a unique perspective. The comraderies, knowledge sharing, mentorship and connections the members bring into the club is something that cannot be matched easily within a corporate organization, and we always strive to bring more members into the club so that they could also be able to experience the phenomenon, that is Aitken Spence Toastmasters.
President
TM Supun Jayawardane
Immediate Past President
TM Zaharine Hameen
Vice President Public Relations
TM Praneeth Vitharana
Vice President Education
TM Thilini Edirisinghe
Secretary
TM Janith Gunasinghe
Vice President Membership
TM Mishalle Hassan
Sergeant at arms
TM Dilki Wiriththamulla
Treasurer
TM Hafsah Muzammil
President’s Message
Dear Fellow Toastmasters,
As we embark on the 2024/2025 Toastmasters year, I am honoured to serve as your president. This year is especially momentous as we celebrate 100 years of Toastmasters International and 12 years of our own club's journey. With 28 dedicated members, our club has grown into a vibrant community where we empower each other to become better communicators and leaders.
Reflecting on our past achievements, I am filled with gratitude for the commitment and enthusiasm each member brings. Our success is a testament to the collective effort and passion of our members.
I am thrilled to share some of our recent achievements:
ente s i d
We as a club won the Smedley Award for adding seven new members in the first term.
Our very own Vice President – Public Relations, TM Praneeth Vitharana won the Humorous Speech Contest in Area I4, beating 7 contestants of 3 Clubs.
Our club was recognized in the top 5 videos of October 2024 in D82.
Moving forward, I expect a year filled with innovative projects, enriching experiences, and personal growth for all.
Let us continue to embrace the spirit of Toastmasters by challenging ourselves, supporting one another, and striving for excellence. Together, we will build on our strong foundation and create new milestones.
Thank you for your trust and commitment. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Warm regards,
TM Supun Jayawardane President Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club
2024/2025
Editors’s Message
As a person who is new to toastmasters, I am so grateful to my club for giving me this opportunity to become the VPPR in such a short time. I am honoured to be a member of this prestigious organization which has a history of a 100 years now, I am more than happy to be the editor of this newsletter.
Special thanks go to all who took their time to send articles, photos and messages. And to TM Dilki Wiriththamulla, Despite being busy at her role as Sergeant at arms, helped me to collect materials proving the statement that a “Toastmaster Wears Many Hats”.
“They say that if you want to have a great time without going anywhere or doing anything, you should recall
a happy memory. For me, creating this newsletter brough tremendous joy and happiness because I was recollecting memories of one of the
most interesting things I have in my life: Toastmasters.”
I had a wonderful time preparing articles and I enjoyed each and every bit of getting connected with people who so kindly gave their messages and articles to this newsletter. It is my hope that this will give a glimpse of what we are at Aitken Spence Toastmasters and I was able to capture the best moments of the awesome year we had so far.
Thank you for reading.
TM Praneeth Vitharana, Vice President Public Relations, Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club
2024/2025
VP Education’s Message
Dear Fellow Toastmasters,
It is with great enthusiasm that I step into the role of Vice President Education for the Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club. As we celebrate 100 years of Toastmasters International and the 11th year of our own club's journey, I am privileged to contribute to the legacy of growth, learning, and transformation that defines our community.
s to unlock their potential cus will be on fostering an ore new challenges, refine als.
As we embark on this new Toastmasters year, my vision is to ensure that every meeting, project, and mentorship opportunity is aligned with your aspirations. From dynamic meeting themes to personalized guidance on Pathways, I am committed to supporting each of you in reaching new heights.
rning is a ey, not a nation.”
e success depends on innovation, and a shared xcellence. Together, let us pportunities ahead, celebrate e, and continue to uphold the ke our club extraordinary. r of growth, camaraderie, and moments.
Thilini Edirisinghe President Education
ence Toastmasters Club 2024/2025
An
FROM MEMBER, TO PRESIDENT, TO AREA DIRECTOR
TM ZAHARINE HAMEEN
Hello, dear Toastmasters!
I’m excited to share some thoughts for our Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club newsletter. Recently, I visited another club where I was introduced as an experienced Toastmaster They encouraged others to learn from my journey, but I humbly reminded them that I’ve only been with Toastmasters for a little over two years Toastmasters has truly changed not only my life, but I have been able to inspire many by being their mentors!
Toastmasters provided us with excellent training on TM brand guidelines including effective use of logo, style, colours and imagery. We had a fantastic support team that helped us project a cohesive look within the AS group
Additionally, we had the opportunity to conduct a Speechcraft program for internal staff, serve as emcees for company-wide events, and lead various cross-subsidiary activities that showcased the talents of our Toastmasters.
“In a world where attention levels are shrinking, effective communication rooted in the core values of TMI being integrity, respect, service, and excellence be your guiding light”
When I joined ASTM, we were just coming out of the pandemic We were adapting from Zoom meetings to in-person gatherings The pandemic had been tough on our club, and we needed extra support to progress. I worked closely with our then-President, TM Rizmika, to encourage and attract new members as well as streamline our flyers to draw more visibility to the club as VP PR.
The greatest support was from our Board Director Dr. Rohan Fernando who was a firm believer of Toastmasters ever since the club was charted a decade ago As a result of our collective achievements, I was recommended for the role of Area Director of Area I4
In 2023, I became the President of our club and set out to achieve an ambitious goal of making ASTMC come back to its glory days We focused on the core values of Toastmasters and gained support from many subsidiary managing directors who encouraged their staff to be toastmasters. Determination, hard work, commitment and team work led us to win the prestigious Golden Club Award and the Dynamic Duo Club Award at the 2024 Ovations.
From being responsible for one club that has a member base of 20 members to, managing 4 clubs with a collective membership of over 70 toastmasters, I’ve had the chance to build new connections, assist clubs that need help, and motivate those that are doing well I feel fortunate to work with Panadura TMC, the only community club in Division I4, as well as corporate clubs like Aitken Spence TMC, Hutch TMC, and SLIM TMC. Each club has its unique strengths, and I’m looking forward to seeing all four achieve President’s Distinguished status at the next Ovation in 2025.
My parting words for Toastmasters is to, join Toastmasters that helps you to develop your essential soft skills which will empower you to become a more confident speaker and communicator. Utilize the Toastmasters platform to be your practice grounds of speaking and enhance your skills as a speaker and evaluator Together, let’s march forward and make a meaningful impact in the world!
TM Zaharine R Hameen Area Director – Area
I4
A VISITOR’S PERSPECTIVE ON ASTMC
“Standing the test of time Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club has nurtured great leaders and public speakers”
Despite the lengthy interval of my club visits, I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency of quality that the club has maintained throughout the years
In fact, I hold fond memories of the club as it was the audience for my first speech away from my home club a couple of years ago.
The diversity of the conglomerate, Aitken Spence is reflected in the membership of its Toastmaster Club untied with a focus of service and excellence.
It is my sincere belief that everything learnt from Toastmasters could be applied within any profession The club being a corporate club provides an opportunity for its employees to build capacity to climb the corporate ladder and I urge that this tried and tested programme be made maximum use of
There are many things that a visiting Toastmaster could learn from the veteran club
I hope to visit the club again sometime soon and wish the club leadership all the very best in all its endeavors
TM Treshan Galappaththy Asst. Division DirectorProgramme Quality
AITKEN SPNECE TOASTMASTERS
SATURDAY CIRCLE TOASTMASTERS
Saturday Circle Toastmasters and Aitken Spence Toastmasters met on the 12th September 2024 at Corporate Auditorium of Aitken Spence Tower 1. The theme of the meeting was “Zing with Zee” which was an charming and engaging conversation conducted by the Toastmaster of the Day, none other than immediate past president of Aitken Spence Toastmasters, TM Zaharine Hameen
Members of both clubs had a wonderful evening enjoying the refreshments, the fellowship and making new connections. And when the meeting began, it was complete with a memorable round robin session, an interesting table topics session and of course, the pinnacle of the meeting, four prepared speeches by two speakers from each club
TM Shivaharan Arumugam of SCTMC was exemplary in his role of being the general evaluator, TM Tashika Fernandopulle of SCTMC was the best Table topics speaker The best prepared speaker was TM Praneeth Vitharana of ASTMC while the best evaluators were TM Dilshan Malik and TM Sunaina Jayamanne from SCTMC.
Having joint meetings can expand the point of view of any Toastmaster to get out of their usual setting and visiting another club to see how they go about their meetings, and it can also be a refreshing experience for the hosting club to have new people from the same fraternity and to build up new meaningful relationships. The meeting with Saturday Circle Toastmasters was an evening to remember in this year’s event journal.
COMPETITION SEASON: HUMOROUS AND EVALUATION SPEECH COMPETITIONS 2024
Club Competiton
On 10th October 2024, Aitken Spence Toastmasters had one of the most memorable club competitions in the club history with 8 humorous Speakers and 7 evaluation speakers The contest chair was none other than experienced ASTMC toastmaster, Johann Steinwall and the chief judge was TM Tashika Fernandopulle for the evening. The contestants were a combination of new and seasoned toastmasters and a huge thanks go to TM Zaharine Hameen, who even though being ill, dedicated her time to conduct an educational session to empower the speakers with knowledge on how to face and prepare themselves for a competition.
It was wonderful to have such enthusiasm from the members who came to witness the contest and kudos to the contestants who valued participation more than victory.
TM Sachini Abeywickrama : Runner UpHumorous Speech Contest (Left)
TM Chamath Perera : Runner Up - Evaluation Speech Contest (Right)
TM Praneeth Vitharana : Winner - Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests (Middle)
Area Competiton
Aitken Spence Toastmasters proudly hosted the area competition of Area I4 this year It was held in the Corporate Auditorium of Aitken Spence Tower 1 on the 19th October 2024. Four clubs came with their best speakers or the battle of Wit and Wisdom. The chief judge was TM Laxmi Senthilinadan and the other roles were filled by various members of the four clubs. TM Johann Steinwall once again did a wonderful job as the contest chair
The speeches were humorous, entertaining and also inspiring with everyone laughing out loud at the punchlines, absorbing wisdom in the evaluations and waiting at the edges of their seats until the winners were announced in the final showdown
It was yet another memorable day of great speeches, meeting new friends and Aitken Spence Toastmasters proudly having the Area Contest winner from their own club, who would represent them in the upcoming Division Contest for Humorous Speech.
In the realm of Toastmasters, where growth and achievement often unfold over years of practice, TM Praneeth Vitharana has proven that dedication, talent, and a passion for selfimprovement can lead to incredible success in a remarkably short time.
Joining the Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club as a fresh face, TM Praneeth quickly made his mark, showcasing his unique flair for humor and storytelling. This year, he clinched victories at both the Club and Area levels of the Humorous Speech Contest, earning the honor of representing our club at the highly competitive Divisional Contest.
TM Praneeth’s accomplishment is a testament to the transformative power of Toastmasters. His ability to craft engaging speeches, connect with his audience, and deliver with confidence reflects not only his natural talent but also the support and encouragement he has received from our vibrant Toastmasters community.
As a club, we are incredibly proud of TM Praneeth's achievements. His journey is an inspiration to all members, especially those who are new to Toastmasters, reminding us that with determination and the right support system, no goal is too ambitious.
“TRAILBLAZING SUCCESS”
“TRAILBLAZING
SUCCESS”
TM PRANEETH'S WINNING JOURNEY
Article by: TM Thilini Edirisinghe, VPED Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club
“TM Praneeth has set a benchmark for excellence and perseverance, and we are confident that this is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey in his Toastmasters career.”
Congratulations, TM Praneeth! Your success is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, courage, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
THOUGHTS OF OUR NEW MEMBERS
TM SACHINI ABEYWICKRAMA
I joined Toastmasters in September this year with the goal of meeting new people and expanding my professional network. I wanted to elevate my career by building connections and improving my communication skills. Since joining the Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club, I’ve been incredibly impressed with how the club operates each meeting is a new and valuable learning experience. I am excited in stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new opportunities. I'm excited to continue my Toastmasters journey, growing both personally and professionally with each new challenge.
TM SHUNTHOSH LUXMYKANTH
Joining Aitken Spence Toastmasters has been a transformative experience for me in many ways. Initially, I sought to enhance my public speaking skills, but what I discovered was far greater a supportive and vibrant community dedicated to personal growth.
The structured yet encouraging environment has made every step of this journey enjoyable, enabling me to develop skills that enrich both my personal and professional life. More than just a club, Aitken Spence Toastmasters has become a platform for learning, connection, and shared growth a journey I am eager to continue.
As the saying goes, “Once a Toastmaster, always a Toastmaster.”
TM WATHSALA SANJEEWANI
Joining Toastmasters has been a transformative journey for me. It's not just about enhancing ersonal growth, embracing feedback, and giving valuable insights. family, providing immense value to my life. As a club member, I had ipants in club, area, and divisional contests, and I was amazed by tnessed.
oastmasters has boosted my confidence, social life, and o be a Toastmaster and look forward to continuing this valuable
TM DILKI WIRITHTHAMULLA
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Joining the Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club has been my first ste communication and leadership skills. As a new member, I was draw nurturing confidence and personal growth. My experience so far h individuals who motivate me to step out of my comfort zone and e and encouraging environment has made this journey not only enri rewarding. I look forward to learning, growing, and making meani dynamic community.
TM LAKSHI KARUNANAYAKE
As a new member, I am filled with enthusiasm to step out of my comfort zone and embrace this platform to grow as a communicator. Not only can we improve ourselves as good good listeners, leaders and teammates. This environment environment for us as new beginners to improve ourselves. I know me, because I have more things to learn from the talented experts Toastmaster club is not just a club for me I hope toastmaster club hapter in my life.
TM MARIO JAYAWARDENA
wly joined member to the Aitken Spence Toastmasters family, I felt warmly welcomed epted by all the wonderful members of the club. The club fosters a culture of supportive , where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow as leaders and competent nicators. The supportive learning environment helps us not be afraid of being judged for tcomings in public speaking and enables us to strive to be better. This experience has e develop my public speaking skills and enabled me to be a better communicator. I am l for the Aitken Spence Toastmasters club for giving me this valuable learning nity to develop myself as a good speaker and competent communicator.
Article by: TM Praneeth Vitharana, VPPR Aitken Spence Toastmasters Club
Recently I was at a Toastmasters meeting and was acting as the general evaluator. It was the first time I ever took on the responsibility of acting as the general evaluator for an entire meeting and it was also the first time I was visiting another Toastmasters Club.
In my own club, I know all the members We are colleagues, and we get along really well. Therefore, I know for a fact that in my club, I will always be welcome and accepted. However, since I have never visited another club before, I was skeptical at first to meet total strangers, and I was uncertain as to how it would go let alone to evaluate their entire meeting and give feedback.
Toastmasters Create Meaningful Connections. “WhyWeare the WayWeare”
Even before I went to the meeting, their VP Education got in touch with me and even before I went to the meeting, she made sure to convince me that I was going to enjoy my time there. I was immediately greeted by the members, who were not only friendly and welcoming but also not hesitant to include me in the meeting preparations, which included setting up and decorating the meeting space.
It made me realize that the point of dedicating ourselves to this life of Toastmasters is not just the mere formality of having a meeting every other week. No. They were all there for something much larger The essence of being a Toastmaster is to grow as an individual and to help others become successful. This is what brought these people together, and with this in mind, everything makes sense Afterall, we all share and wear the letters TM in front our names with pride
Everyone needs connections in their lives, and most of us are fortunate to have great connections, such as family, friends, and relatives, who are there for us in any storm life throws at us However, in Toastmasters, I see a different set of meaningful connections that shape us for the better and stay with us for the rest of our lives
I found that Toastmasters had offered me the chance to find meaningful connections and having them has changed my life for the better. I also believe that everyone, no matter how young or old, regardless of faith, or any categories people might place themselves in, needs such connections that can make you a better person. The real reason we meet every other week, meet new people, and try to help each other is that we all understand the value of meaningful connections and the positive impact they can bring to our lives. Toastmasters do this without prejudice and without ulterior motives I believe that having these values and cultivating them in others can create a wonderful society altogether.
ElevateTogether
This year, Aitken Spence Toastmasters had their 12th installation ceremony. The ceremony encapsulated grace and grandeur in the true Aitken Spence fashion It was a team effort from all the members of the exco and all the members themselves because everyone worked as one to get the tasks done and, in the end, all culminated into one giant unforgettable ceremony proving the fact that No task is too small to not chase perfection and excellence!
Planning Preparing
Elevate Together
CLUB OFFICER INSTALLATION CEREMONY 2024
We were delighted that the occasion was graced by distinguished guests such as the district trio, DTM Ganga Fernando, DTM Niroshan Nadarajah and DTM Bhathiya Hettiarachchi. We were also honoured to have toastmasters visiting from other clubs to share the joy with us that night
KeynoteSpeakerDr.RohanFernando ExecutiveDirectorofAitkenSpencePLC
Furthermore, Group Executive director DrRohan Fernando who also was the keynote speaker allocated his valuable time to be present. The President of the Aitken Spence Sports and Welfare society, Mr.Chaminda Hindurangala also joined the event making it one of the most glamorous events ever to be witnessed.
As the new exco members were installed by Madam Zaharine Hameen, our immediate past president and the newly appointed Area Director, the pride and triumph everyone felt was nothing short of miraculous that day
InstallationOfficerTMZaharineHameen AreaDirectorI4andIPPofASTMC
Flyer Parade Flyer Parade Flyer Parade
P h o t o R e e l P h o t o R e e l P h o t o R e e l
“Understanding comes through communication, and through communication we find the way to peace.”
Dr. Ralph C. Smedley