Club no.: 02541805 | Area 3 | Division G | District 82
We meet on alternate Sundays and Thursdays each month from 10 AM or 2 PM via Zoom/MS Teams or at Virtusa Auditorium (maps.app.goo.gl/7EZGf7MdMozqfjjt9).
PRESIDENT
TM Shashini Wijesinghe | shashiniw@virtusa.com
VP EDUCATION
TM Asinshani Muthunayake | amuthunayake@virtusa.com
VP MEMBERSHIP
TM Aamir Salie | asalie@virtusa.com
VP PUBLIC RELATIONS
TM Aqeel Aarif | aqaarif@virtusa.com
SECRETARY
TM Sajini Lankadari | slankadari@virtusa.com
TREASURER
TM Ruvinda Madapatha | rmadapatha@virtusa.com
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
TM Fasmina Musammil | pmusammil@virtusa.com
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
TM Nadeeka Chathurani | nadeekac89@gmail.com
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. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
DISTRICT MISSION
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL ENVISIONED FUTURE
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL CORE VALUES
To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, highvalue, experiential communication, and leadership skills development.
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.
Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters, founded in 2010, is a dynamic corporate club in Sri Lanka, guided by our Club Mentors, DTM Noorul Munawwara and DTM Srianthie Salgado. We welcome anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and leadership abilities in order to reach their full potential.
Introducing the “Symphony of Unity," Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters’ Newsletter for the Year 2023/24 (Term 2).
This edition represents the club's collaboration, shared purpose, and collective achievement within our club. Much like an orchestra, where each instrument plays a unique role, our club members work harmoniously towards common goals.
We extend gratitude to our contributors, the Club President, the Executive Committee, and the diligent subcommittee for their unwavering support. A special shout-out to our club members, whose pivotal role in PR activities has been instrumental.
As you delve into the pages of the “Symphony of Unity,” consider it an invitation—to align yourself with growth, positivity, and the power of feedback and mentoring. This newsletter embodies our club’s commitment to continuous improvement, celebrating the transformative journey of each member.
Let this edition resonate as a symphony of collaboration within Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters—a testament to unity and shared accomplishment.
Enjoy the read!
Toastmaster Aqeel Aarif
Vice President
Public Relations 2023/24
Greetings as the 12th President!
Addressing you fills me with immense joy. Our Toastmasters community is a powerhouse of dedicated individuals, each fueled by genuine enthusiasm and a commitment to mutual growth.
Representing Division G, our members shine in various capacities, even during challenging times. Let’s pledge to overcome obstacles and achieve excellence together. Unity is our compass on this journey toward greatness.
Gratitude flows to my Exco team for their unwavering support. Our shared responsibility is to elevate standards, nurturing a positive environment for personal and professional growth. I wholeheartedly believe in the symphony of unity—a harmonious blend of collaboration and encouragement.
My main goal is to cultivate an atmosphere where positivity thrives, providing every member with opportunities to learn and evolve. With our dedicated team, we aim to guide you to new heights. Special thanks to all those who contributed to make this newsletter a success.
Enjoy the content, and may this reading experience enrich your Toastmasters journey.
Toastmaster Shashini Wijesinghe
Club President 2023/24
As we step into the next chapter of growth and development within our esteemed club, I want to extend my heartfelt best wishes to each and every one of you.
Toastmasters is a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement. With your dedication and enthusiasm, I am confident that Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters will soar to new heights. May each speech, evaluation, and meeting serve as a steppingstone toward your personal and professional goals.
I'm inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm each member brings to create a thriving community. Your support for one another builds an environment that nurtures confidence and achievement.
As your Area Director, I take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and passion that each of you contributes. It warms my heart to witness members actively supporting and encouraging one another, creating an environment that promotes growth and confidence.
Thank you for making Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters a vibrant and successful community. Here’s to more achievements and milestones on your Toastmasters journey!
Toastmaster Thilini Agalawatta
Area Director–Area G3 - 2023/24
PRESIDENT
TM Shashini Wijesinghe
VP EDUCATION
TM Asinshani Muthunayake
VP MEMBERSHIP
TM Aamir Salie
VP PUBLIC RELATIONS
TM Aqeel Aarif
SECRETARY
TM Sajini Lankadari
TREASURER
TM Ruvinda Madapatha
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
TM Fasmina Musammil
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
TM Nadeeka Chathurani
The Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters held an awesome Installation Ceremony themed “Symphony of Unity” on August 19, 2023. The event took place at the Virtusa Auditorium. It was a celebration of unity, leadership, and growth.
The ceremony began with distinguished guests, including Sampath Thirimavithana, Head of HR for Virtusa Sri Lanka, and influential figures like DTM Niroshan Nadarajah, Club Growth Director D82; DTM Dushyanthi Adikari, Division Director of Division G; DTM Srianthie Salgado; and DTM Noorul Munawara, gracing the occasion.
TM Farweez Imamudeen delivered a captivating keynote address, inspiring attendees with valuable insights and motivation, setting a tone of collaboration and growth.
Smooth transitions of leadership were observed during the ceremony, with TM Chethana Darshanamali, Immediate Past Area Director of Area G3, leading the induction of new members, and TM Thilini Agalawatta, Area Director of Area G3, overseeing the installation of club officers.
Entertaining performances by TM Aamir and TM Dinesha added an extra layer of enlightenment and engagement to the event, showcasing the talent and passion within the club.
The ceremony concluded by recognizing outstanding achievements by both the club and its members in the previous year. Honoring TM Dinesha Perera as the "Creative Toastmaster of the Year" and TM Shashini Wijesinghe as the "Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year" for 2022/23 underscored the club’s commitment of excellence and recognition of outstanding contributions.
10 DCP Points: President’s Distinguished Status
Smedley Award
100% Pathway Adoption
Eighty-80 membership Award – Term 1
Excellence in Training – Term1
Champion Flyer of the Month (July 2023) & Top Flyer of the Month (October 2023)
Our remarkable Toastmasters have achieved a total of 15 Educational Awards! Toastmasters Nadeeka, Aamir, and Chethana have completed their respective Pathways in Innovative Planning, Presentation Mastery, and Effective Coaching, demonstrating dedication and growth.
Toastmasters Chethana and Aamir stand tall with 3 Triple Crown awards each. Notably the rest have completed 9 Ice Breakers—a testament to their commitment to continuous improvement. These achievements reflect the spirit of learning, unity, and personal development within our club
DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTERS AWARD
TOASTMASTER
Chethana Darshanamali Distinguished Toastmasters Award 2023/24
Toastmasters Watasha, Aamir, Meyola, Dinesha, Leshani, Sanoos, Tharindu, Shirmila, and Fasmina have completed their Ice Breakers and begun their Pathways journey—a testament to their commitment to continuous improvement.
Not all superheroes wear capes. Some complete all of their meeting roles.
Toastmasters Pavan, Shashini, and Aamir proved their commitment by setting a good example and ticking all the boxes to reach this milestone!
On March 2, 2024, the Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters hosted an exhilarating event the International Speech and Table Topics Contests at the Virtusa Auditorium. The energy was palpable as our talented members took the stage.
Toastmaster Roshini (Contest Chair) and Toastmaster Thilan (Contest Master) orchestrated the event flawlessly.
Our role players, including Timers Toastmaster Inoka & Toastmaster Ruvinda, deserve an applause for their well-executed roles. Special mention to the SAAs and the Tally Counters, Toastmaster Sajini & Distinguished Toastmaster Hingston for their fantastic multi-role playing.
Toastmasters Nadeeka, Aamir, and Pavan clinched the top three spots in the International Speech contest. Their powerful speeches resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impact.
From personal stories to motivational messages, each speaker showcased their unique style and passion. Toastmasters Aamir, Nadeeka, and Malinda reached first, second, and third places, respectfully. They demonstrated quick thinking and eloquence in the impromptu speaking round. Their ability to tackle unexpected topics with grace and wit was commendable.
As we celebrate these achievements, let’s remember that every speech, every evaluation, and every moment shared contributes to our collective growth.
Kudos to all who made this contest memorable!
Are you looking for a fun and enriching way to improve your public speaking skills, while building your confidence and leadership abilities?
If so, I highly recommend joining Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters. Trust me, Toastmasters is not just your average public speaking club. It's a warm and nurturing space where you can practice your speaking skills, receive constructive feedback, and learn from others' experiences.
“Hi Shirmila, are you interested in joining Toastmasters?”
This message transformed my perspective on public speaking anxiety. Being an introvert for my entire life, I've always felt uncertain about addressing a gathering.
But luckily, joining Toastmasters changed my mind from being unable to address a gathering to being able to address a gathering with more confidence.
Through Toastmasters, I had the opportunity to participate in regular meetings where I could take on different roles and activities. This would eventually help me develop and improve my public speaking skills and leadership abilities and boost my self-confidence.
Toastmasters is a place where you will gain more than just skills. It's also the sense of community you'll form with other people who share your desire for growth and development. You'll be amazed at how the connections you make at Toastmasters can benefit you in every aspect of your life.
So, if you're ready to take your communication and leadership skills to the next level, take your time. Join the Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters today and experience the incredible benefits for yourself!
On March 16, 2024, the vibrant energy at the Virtusa Auditorium was intense as Division G hosted an exhilarating Area Contest. The stage belonged to our talented members from Readers Toastmasters, Fortude Toastmasters, and Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters.
Guiding the proceedings was our eversmiling Contest Chair, Toastmaster Taniya.
Alongside her, DTM Dilini and TM Chamodi provided tremendous support as Contest Masters, executing their roles with finesse and deserving applause. Let’s not forget our role players, who gave their fullest support to drive this contest seamlessly.
Representing Virtusa Colombo, TM Nadeeka and TM Aamir secured second runner-up awards in the International Speech (IS) and Table Topics (TT) Contests, respectively. Their powerful speeches resonated uniquely with the audience, leaving an enduring impact.
Further accolades go to TM Hafsa, TM Tina, TM Udara, and DTM Hingston, all from Readers TMC, who clinched first and second places in the respective IS and TT Contests. Their eloquence and captivating delivery captured the audience’s attention with grace.
As we celebrate these achievements, let’s recognize that every speech, evaluation, and shared moment contributes to our collective growth.
Hats off to everyone who made this contest an unforgettable experience!
TM NADEEKA TM
TohaveFUNandMAKE MEMORIES,
wemadesuretoCAPTUREeverykeymoment
Picture yourself standing on a cliff, the wind tousling your hair, looking down at an endless precipice. It’s a scene that could belong to a horror story or a mystery novel.
I can assure you, it is both: a horrendous experience interwoven with mystery and seeped in absolute delight. Quite the mysterious experience, filled with conflicting emotions, is enough to ignite fear, excitement, and wonder, especially in the face of an audience where no one is familiar yet encouraging.
Now, you might wonder where this is leading and if I vocalize “Toastmasters,” you’ll likely raise an eyebrow, thinking I jest. Yet, where else would you find a group of people willing to support and nurture your language, communication, and leadership skills? Here, mistakes are encouraged, and nervousness transforms into child’s play within the safety of a supportive environment.
In all aspects of one’s life, effective communication is vital in every facet of life, especially in the workplace. Whether
motivating colleagues, sharing information, collaborating with peers, or impressing potential employers, the ability to articulate your viewpoint persuasively opens doors to countless opportunities.
While Toastmasters enriches our lives, it’s our careers that gain the biggest boost. Self-esteem, self-confidence, and assertiveness are emotions that come out strongly in becoming better leaders in the workplace. I can personally vouch for how Toastmasters has benefited my career by improving skill sets that are demanded by employers. Communication tops the list. Toastmasters offers endless opportunities to refine this crucial skill, essential for career growth. Leadership skills naturally follow suit, and thinking on one’s feet becomes second nature.
In the workplace, the ability to speak confidently and spontaneously reaps abundant rewards. This eloquence is exemplified in job interviews, where questions that one wasn’t prepared for would be effectively tackled and answered, leaving interviewers impressed sealing the deal for your next employment.
Beyond communication and leadership, Toastmasters targets listening, critical thinking, giving feedback, time management, planning, implementation, organization, delegation, motivation, mentoring, and team building—skills directly correlated with the workplace. Imagine each item as a new skill on your resume, encapsulated with the selfconfidence that Toastmasters builds along the way, positively impacting your day-today life.
If you’ve ever wondered how Toastmasters benefits your career and why, the answer is an open secret: the skills learned through Toastmasters not only enhances your professional life but also contributes to leading a wholesome existence.
As a professional, Toastmasters has been the most beneficial part of my selfimprovement journey. Whether acing job interviews, conducting efficient meetings, or delivering compelling presentations, the learnings from Toastmasters have propelled my skills toward constant and consistent improvement, making me the best version of myself.
On February 17th, Toastmasters Clubs from Virtusa Colombo, Readers, Fortude, and Batticaloa came together as one for the Area G3 joint meeting, which was held at Fortude Pvt Ltd. The theme, “Love is in the Air,” perfectly suited the Valentine’s season. This sets the tone for an inspiring gathering that seamlessly merged online and physical participation.
TM Harini Samarasinghe (Fortude) led the day with love. The highlight was TM Farweez Imamudeen’s keynote speech on C3 Storytelling a captivating exploration of Character, Conflict, and Cure.
His words resonated with everyone, emphasizing that every great story revolves around relatable characters facing challenges and ultimately finding resolution.
The meeting also included engaging speeches and whimsical Table Topics related to Cupid’s arrow. A delightful guessing game added sweetness to the event. Winners walked away with chunky chocs, leaving hearts warmed by friendship and unity.
Love, laughter, and storytelling tangled, creating magic in the room. As Toastmasters, we know that love isn’t just an emotion; it’s the fuel propelling us toward growth and excellence.
Have you ever experienced that peculiar mix of fear and excitement that arises when you challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone? It's a sensation that tugs you forward while simultaneously pushing you back, leaving you with sweaty palms, a dry throat, and a fluttering stomach. For me, this sensation is what I've always sought after.
From navigating the chaotic streets of Colombo on a bicycle to tackling public speaking, I've always been drawn to situations that make me uncomfortable. Two years ago, I made a conscious decision to enhance my communication skills to propel my career forward. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to the doors of Toastmasters.
Initially, I hesitated to fully engage in physical Toastmasters meetings, preferring the safety of online platforms. However, it wasn't until I participated in a club speech contest that I realized the importance of facing a live audience. The experience left me speechless, as I stumbled through my presentation, grappling with stage fright.
Reflecting on my journey, I vividly recall my first encounter with Toastmasters. As a timid guest at an open house meeting, I found myself thrust into a round robin session, feeling utterly lost. Yet, it was this initial discomfort that paved the way for growth.
My Toastmasters journey has been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. From fumbling through my ice breaker speech to facing a daunting audience in the "Managing a Difficult Audience" project, each hurdle has been an opportunity for learning and self-discovery.
Despite the many setbacks and moments of self-doubt, the support of my fellow Toastmasters has been unwavering. Whether it was the encouragement of the ExCo or the unity of club members, their guidance has been instrumental in my progress.
One invaluable lesson I've learned is the power of reframing discomfort. Rather than succumbing to fear, I've learned to view those sweaty palms and racing hearts as signs of excitement and anticipation. It's a shift in perspective that has empowered me to push through my limitations.
As I complete my first Toastmasters pathway, I'm filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. What began as a quest to improve my public speaking skills has evolved into a journey of personal growth and transformation. I may have initially shied away from leadership roles; I now recognize the invaluable lessons they offer in communication and teamwork.
In conclusion, my Toastmasters journey has been a testament to the power of embracing discomfort. What started as a leap into the unknown has blossomed into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
As I stand, having completed my first pathway, I'm reminded that growth lies just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. And for that, I am eternally grateful to the Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters and its members for their unwavering support and encouragement!
Our recent joint meeting with the University of Colombo (UoC) Toastmasters on March 24, 2024, was nothing short of delightful. Themed “Paws and Pals,” it became a haven for pet enthusiasts to unite and celebrate their furry companions. TM Malinda, our seasoned Toastmaster, gracefully led the meeting as the Toastmaster of the Day.
The meeting was filled with captivating moments, including three prepared speeches that left us inspired. Topics ranged from heartwarming pet stories to profound reflections on the human-animal bond. Our table topics session sparked lively discussions, showcasing quick thinking and creativity.
A highlight of the day was witnessing TM Chethana achieve her Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) status a testament to dedication and perseverance. We also celebrated TM Aamir’s Triple Crown Award for completing three Pathways levels, embodying the Toastmasters spirit.
Overall, it was a paws-itively and purr-fect occasion filled with laughter, learning, and friendship.
As we look forward to future collaborations, we are reminded of the enriching experiences awaiting us on our Toastmasters journey.
If you are wondering what's cooking at Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters, look no further!
Division Conference
Awurudu-themed Meeting (physical)
Educational Meeting (online)
New Member Orientation (NMO)
01 19 21 01 08 29
Educational Meeting (online + physical)
Annual General Meeting
Educational Meeting (online)
Anniversary Meeting (physical)
