14-15 Art Of Influence
Achievements Unlocked - Term 2 Next in Calendar
16-17 Beyond Boundaries: A Historic In-Person Meeting
19 Guest Diaries
18 Mentor-Mentee Experience
20 Contact Page
TOASTMASTERS DECODED
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds to become more confident speakers,
International Mission
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders
Club Mission
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth
Area 4| Division J | District 82 Club No: 07966661
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Beyond Volume 02, Issue 02! As we step into another exciting edition of our newsletter, we celebrate the incredible journey of Professionals Beyond Boundaries Toastmasters Club, a platform where learning knows no limits and growth is a shared experience.
Over the past months, our members have continued to embrace challenges, refine their communication skills, and push beyond their boundaries to become more confident speakers and leaders. This issue brings you inspiring stories, club highlights, and valuable insights from our vibrant community.
Whether you are a seasoned Toastmaster or just beginning your journey, we hope this edition sparks motivation and reminds you of the power of persistence, passion, and purpose. Let’s continue to break barriers and grow together!
Happy Reading!
TM Umayangana Senarath Arachchi Vice President - Public Relations
EDITOR’S NOTE CURATORS
MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT
I joined Toastmasters club 3 years ago as a charter member of Professionals Beyond Boundaries TM club, as I wanted to improve my public speaking skill, communication skill and leadership skill. I am so proud to lead the club with enthusiastic members with incredible talents.
The strength of the team is each individual member and the strength of the members is the team. As the President of Professionals Beyond Boundaries TM club, I want to express my sincere gratitude to my club members for their continuous dedication and commitment to the club. We will continue to prioritize member engagement and enhance learning opportunities. My goal is to ensure that every member feels valued and empowered to grow. I am sure that working together we can achieve even greater things. Let’s support one another in our journey, celebrating our successes and learning from our challenges.
Experiences I gained from my TM journey helps me in several ways in my professional career. On the other hand, I met some challenges during the journey in balancing my personal life and professional life with the Toastmasters journey. But I am able to face challenges and overcome them with support from my club members. Leaders don’t run away from challenges, they run towards them.
I can wholeheartedly recommend becoming a Toastmasters member.
TM Susilalosani Thanusan President
MESSAGE BY THE AREA DIRECTOR
Dear Members of Professionals Beyond Boundaries Toastmasters Club,
Congratulations! This is truly a moment to celebrate and reflect on the incredible progress you’ve made as a club. As the Area Director, it has been a privilege to witness your unwavering commitment to personal growth and development.
The way your club consistently meets its educational goals is nothing short of inspiring. Even in the virtual setting, you have managed to create dynamic and engaging meetings that not only challenge members but also bring out their best. Your ability to adapt to the digital environment while maintaining high standards of communication and leadership is a testament to the resilience and determination of every member.
Your creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication are clearly reflected in everything you do, whether it’s delivering speeches, offering constructive feedback, or supporting one another in achieving your personal goals. The club magazine will undoubtedly be another beautiful reflection of these achievements, and I look forward to seeing it inspire both current and future members. I have no doubt that you will continue to break new boundaries, achieve new milestones, and create even more opportunities for personal and collective growth. Keep up the amazing work, and I wish you all continued success as you move forward on this incredible journey!
Warmest regards,
TM Thanuja Aluvihare Area Director – J4
In my Toastmasters journey, since the PBB club started nearly three years ago, I have served as SAA, VPE, and now as the current president. Being a member of EXCO, I have learned many things that have helped me both personally and professionally. I have developed my communication and leadership skills. Leading a Toastmasters club has given me invaluable experience in managing a team, delegating tasks, and problem solving.
The main challenge is balancing the club’s objectives with the individual goals of each member. The greatest contribution of a leader is to create more leaders
The past year has been remarkable for Public Relations at PBB Toastmasters, marked by creativity, dedication, and achievements. Through collective efforts, we boosted the club’s visibility, earning district recognitions like Champion Video, Top Flyer, and Top Videos. These honors reflect the innovation and passion of our PR team and the support of our members. Heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed! Let’s continue striving for excellence and take PBB to even greater heights.
Toastmasters is more than public speaking. It’s a platform for soft skills, leadership, and project management. Managing Pathways builds self-discipline, goal-setting, and self-awareness, while leadership roles offer hands-on experience in teamwork and decision-making. Members also refine mentoring and feedback skills. As a charter member and immediate past president of Professionals Beyond Boundaries Toastmasters Club, I’ve experienced this transformation firsthand. Toastmasters is a lifelong learning community, a family, and a team for continuous growth.
At Professionals Beyond Boundaries, we celebrate the dedication and achievements of our members.
Over the past months, we have witnessed incredible growth, inspiring speeches, and remarkable leadership. Your commitment learning continues to elevate our club’s standards.
As Vice President Education, honored to support you. Let’s keep challenging ourselves, embracing feedback, and striving for excellence.
Congratulations to all who have taken bold steps forward. Your progress truly commendable! Looking forward to more inspiring moments together.
HEAR FROM THE
Toastmasters is a dynamic environment for personal and professional growth. As Sergeant at Arms, I’ve learned the importance of organization, time management, and event coordination, ensuring meetings run smoothly. This role has strengthened my leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Beyond speeches, Toastmasters fosters mentorship, constructive feedback, and a supportive community. It’s not just a club; it’s a family that nurtures lifelong learning and development.
Boundaries, and members. have growth, remarkable to our I’m keep embracing excellence. taken progress is forward together.
HEAR FROM EXCO
The past year has been challenging for PBB Toastmasters’ membership, marked by dedication, new enthusiasm, and the loss of a few members. Through engaging virtual meetings, we retained many and welcomed new members who brought fresh energy. Some stepped away due to scheduling conflicts but intend to return. Their presence is missed and valued. Heartfelt gratitude to those who stayed committed. Let’s continue growing together through every challenge and success ahead!
Being part of PBB Toastmasters has been a journey of growth, connection, and learning. Every meeting is a space where members challenge themselves, support each other, and celebrate progress. As Treasurer, I’ve seen how dedication and teamwork keep the club running smoothly, making each session valuable. Beyond finances, it’s about investing in people, ideas, and the power of communication. Watching members step out of their comfort zones and thrive makes this experience truly rewarding. dynamic personal As a learned organization, and ensuring This my and Beyond fosters constructive supportive club;
President
Professionals Beyond Boundaries
Toastmasters Club has made remarkable progress, offering the same growth opportunities as in-person clubs through its online platform. It’s the perfect space to overcome public speaking fears, build communication and leadership skills, foster teamwork, and expand connections despite a busy schedule.
As club secretary and a charter member, I highly recommend joining PBB to experience its positive impact on your career and personal growth.
As I reflect on my journey as a dental surgeon and consultant, I realize how essential it has been to focus not only on academic knowledge but also on communication and leadership skills. During my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, these areas were overlooked, which later led to practical challenges in my professional life. A turning point came when a dear friend introduced me to Toastmasters, a club that greatly enhanced my communication and leadership abilities.
Recognizing that many students faced similar challenges, I felt a deep need to share these benefits with others. Dr. Nilmini
“Family to cherish”
Abegunawardhana, a close friend and ally, shared this vision, and together, with the support of a dedicated group of professionals, we founded the Professional Beyond Boundaries Toastmasters Club (PBBTMC) on October 20, 2022, under the guidance of Area Director, TM Methsiri Herath. Toastmaster Anushe Liyanage, a charter member, proposed the club’s name, reflecting our mission to unite professionals and help them grow beyond their limits.
As the club evolves, we continue to see remarkable contributions from our members, especially under the leadership of our current president, TM Susilalosani Thanusan. I express my sincere gratitude to dedicated members whose passion and perseverence have kept the club thriving despite their busy schedules. A special shoutout to our VP-PR, whose creativity continues to inspire the club’s growth.
“A platform to grow”
As the charter president, it is with great pride and joy that I congratulate all members of PBBTMC. The journey we have taken together has been one of learning, growing, and creating a supportive environment for professionals to thrive. I look forward to the continued success of the club and the incredible benefits it brings to all.
TM CHANDRA HERATH
TM Chandra Herath Charter President
PBBTMC TM METHSIRI HERATH
Thank you for inviting me to share my thoughts and experiences with this incredible club. It is truly an honor to reflect on the journey we embarked upon together and to witness the continued success and growth of this club over the years. Although I am no longer an active member, I cherish the time I spent with you all and the invaluable experiences we shared.
As the Charter Treasurer and an Area Director, I had the privilege of being part of this club’s foundation and early development. From the very beginning, our mission was clear, to create a space where individuals could develop their public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Looking back, I am incredibly proud of how far the club has come.
One of the most remarkable aspects of our club has always been its enthusiastic and supportive members. Many of you joined with a desire to improve, and through hard work, dedication, and the encouragement of your peers, you have transformed into confident and articulate speakers. Some of you have gone on to take leadership roles, not just within the club but beyond, exemplifying the true spirit of Toastmasters. It fills me with pride to see that two of our club’s past presidents later
became Area Directors, carrying forward the legacy of leadership and mentorship.
“Uniting Professionals Elevating Voices”
What excites me most is seeing the young, passionate members who are now shaping the club’s future. Their energy, creativity, and eagerness to learn ensure that this club will continue to thrive. The presence of fresh perspectives and new voices keeps the spirit of Toastmasters alive, making it a dynamic and inspiring community.
To all the current and future members, whether you are just starting your journey or are well on your way to becoming a seasoned speaker, I encourage you to embrace every challenge, step out of your comfort zone, and support one another. This club is more than just a place to improve communication skills; it is a platform for personal and professional transformation.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on your achievements so far. May you continue to push boundaries, inspire others, and strive for excellence in both speaking and leadership. Wishing you all continued success in your Toastmasters journey and beyond!
TM Methsiri Herath Charter Treasurer & Former Area Director and Former Division Director
• 5 DCP Points - Distinguished Club Status
• Excellence in Training - Term 2
• Top Flyer of the Month - (November, January, February)
• Top Video of the Month - (December, January, February)
Good afternoon, TM Nilmini. It’s a pleasure to interview you. As a senior toastmaster and charter Vice President of Education of the Professionals Beyond Boundaries Toastmasters Club, your journey has inspired all of us. Can you tell us about your toastmasters journey and what inspired you to start the PBBTMC alongside TM Chandra?
Initially, I wanted to join Toastmasters during the COVID-19 time because I wanted to improve my communication skills. I was able to join the Kandy Toastmasters club, which had started conducting virtual meetings due to the restrictions that had been imposed. After seeing my growth, I realised that growth can also be achieved by helping others. TM Methsiri Herath and TM Chandra Herath were planning to start a Toastmasters Club for Dental Surgeons, and I pitched the idea of a club for all professionals to them. And so, the Professionals Beyond Boundaries Toastmasters Club was born.
What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones from your time in the club?
First and foremost, the club was installed, chartered, and started, followed closely by the induction of new officers and members, which was the most important and memorable moment for both me and the club. Another very important event was receiving the Quality Club Award at the Ovation during my club presidential term.
How has being a toastmaster helped you grow personally and professionally?
Before Toastmasters, I was not very good at public speaking. I conducted postgraduate and undergraduate lectures and my performance made me realise how poor my communication abilities were. After joining Toastmasters, I received countless evaluations that pointed out the areas I should focus on improving. Due to my improvements in Toastmasters, I was able to hold two leadership positions in leading Dentistry Associations in Sri Lanka, and my communication, presentation and leadership skills drastically improved.
Were there any specific challenges you faced during your time as a toastmaster, and how did you overcome them?
One of the many challenges we faced was increasing and maintaining our membership, and another major challenge was travelling great distances from Galle to attend the Division events, which were based in Kandy. But with the help of our members, we were able to overcome every challenge we faced.
As one of the most senior Toastmasters in the club and a charter member, do you find yourself with more responsibilities than other members and, if yes, how do you balance them with your other commitments?
Yes, I find that I do have several responsibilities as a charter member, however I have never felt that I was burdened with additional responsibilities outside of those outside of what is expected of any other senior club members.
What advice would you give to someone who has just started their toasties journey?
To get the full benefit of Toastmasters, you should actively participate in club meetings by taking up roles and try to join the Exco to improve your leadership skills. Do impromptu speeches in addition to prepared speeches and work closely with the other club members.
How do you keep yourself motivated to continually grow and contribute to the Toastmasters community?
I have found it extremely challenging to actively engage in the club, however, I ensure that I always allocate a certain time each week to work solely on my Toastmasters club
How do you envision the future of the Professionals Beyond Boundaries Toastmasters Club?
I am confident that the club has a bright future ahead as every member is performing their roles well, but we have to continuously motivate the members to actively participate in the club activities and events
The Professionals Beyond Boundaries (PBB) Toastmasters Club is known for transcending geographical constraints, connecting members virtually from different corners of the world. However, on the 28th of March, 2025, we defied our virtual nature and gathered in person at Worx Havelock, Colombo, for a special physical meeting—our 78th session.
With the theme “Silver Lining in the Dark Cloud,” the meeting commenced at 4:30 PM as TM Methmi Dinethya, our Sergeant-at-Arms, called the session to order. President TM Susilalosani Thanushan warmly welcomed the attendees, setting the tone for an enriching evening.
TM Anusha Liyanage, the Toastmaster of the Day, seamlessly guided the proceedings, introducing the General Evaluator, TM Methmi Dinethya, and role players who ensured the meeting’s smooth flow. A lively Round Robin Session energized the room before members delved into the Prepared Speech Session.
BEYOND BOUNDARIES
A Historic In-Person Meeting
BOUNDARIES
Meeting
Speakers showcased their communication prowess, delivering insightful speeches. Evaluators provided constructive feedback, upholding the club’s commitment to growth. The impromptu Table Topics Session followed, testing participants’ ability to think on their feet.
An educational session by TM Anusha Liyanage added depth to the evening, further equipping members with knowledge. The evaluation session, led by the General Evaluator, ensured that every role and speech received valuable feedback.
As the meeting drew to a close, President TM Susilalosani reflected on this milestone emphasizing how PBB Toastmasters continues to break barriers, proving that growth and connection know no boundaries.
With renewed inspiration, we adjourned, looking forward to future gatherings, whether online or in person.
I BELIVE IN MY MENTEE SO MUCH THAT THEY START TO QUESTIONING THEIR OWN DOUBTS
‘MY MENTOR BELIVES IN ME. THAT MAKES ONE OF US
EXPERIENCE ‘
“Mentorship is the act of turning potential into performance” When our club president assigned my Protégé, I took the task as a challenge. Because with his notable academic and professional accomplishments at a very young age, I realized that there’s not much I can do to take him to next levels but on the other hand there are so many I shall do to help him explore and grow.
We built the mentor-ship by settling SMART objectives for his growth through Toastmasters. We identified his strengths, areas for improvements, opportunities and environmental challenges and made strategies based on those. We set the sail with the icebreaker and the journey continues.
Walking into PBB Toastmasters as a new member, I had enthusiasm but little direction. That changed when I found a mentor, someone who guided me, challenged me, and helped me navigate my journey. From structuring speeches to overcoming stage fright, their insights and encouragement pushed me to grow.
More than just a teacher, my mentor became a source of support, always reminding me that progress matters more than perfection. This experience showed me that in Toastmasters, we don’t just find our voices; we refine them with the help of those who walked before us.
GUEST DIARIES
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a guest at the PBB Toastmasters Club. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed by the warmth and enthusiasm of the members. The speeches were inspiring, the evaluations were insightful, and the overall atmosphere was one of growth and learning. Thank you for the warm hospitality and an enriching experience. I look forward to joining you again in the future .
Being a guest at Professionals Beyond Boundaries Toastmasters Club was a fantastic experience. The club’s seamless online operations bring together members from across the country and beyond. Their outstanding management and strong PR presence make them a top-performing club. The feeling of being online in a toastmasters meeting after a while was not strange anymore, it was welcoming with many pleasant faces. Wishing the club continued success in the future!
I recently had the chance to visit PBB Toastmasters Club, and honestly, it was such a fun and refreshing experience. The meeting was packed with learning, laughter, and some really inspiring speeches. What really stood out to me was how well everyone worked together. You could just feel the energy and support in the room, even though it was all online! They’ve really nailed the art of making everyone feel included and connected. If you’re looking for a Toastmasters club that feels like home, no matter where you are, PBB TMC is definitely worth checking out.
TM Navinda Yapa Member - Elicit Toastmasters Club
TM Thejan Mithsara Vice President - Public Relations - ALTO Toastmasters Club
TM Sithiji Amarasena Immediate Past President - Oasis Toastmasters Club
Fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation