Toastmasters
Toastmasters
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Toastmasters
MESSAGE
FROM THE EDITOR
Sanji De Silva, TM | VP Public Relations
Dear Toastmasters,
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the second edition of our newsletter for the 2024/25 Toastmasters year After the success of our inaugural issue, this edition continues our mission of celebrating member achievements, sharing inspiration, and capturing the spirit of our club.
Staying true to our theme, “Sailing for Uncharted Excellence,” this issue reflects the energy and momentum we’ve built over the months from multiple Speechcraft programs and educational milestones to exciting contest victories It’s been inspiring to see both longstanding and new members stepping up, speaking out, and making their mark.
This newsletter is a tribute to the growth, diversity, and passion that define The Colombo Toastmasters Club. Each feature tells a story not just of success, but of effort, transformation, and community
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed with articles, reflections, designs, and ideas Your efforts have made this issue both meaningful and memorable
As you explore these pages, may you find encouragement, connection, and pride in being part of something greater —a club where we grow together, support one another, and keep reaching for new horizons
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
John A. Shedd
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
TM SHANIKA RANAWEERA
VP
MEMBERSHIP vpm colombotoastmasters@gmail com +94 (77) 058127
facebook.com/ColomboTM @thecolombotoastmastersclub www colombotoastmasters org
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FROM OUR DIVISION A DIRECTOR
Nadeeka Jayathilaka, TM
The Colombo Toastmasters Club has long been a pillar of excellence in District 82, shaping confident speakers and dynamic leaders. Your continued dedication to personal and collective growth is truly inspiring With a thriving membership and a commitment to continuous learning, you exemplify what it means to lead with purpose
True success goes beyond recognition it lies in the courage to step forward, the resilience to improve, and the support shared within the club. Every speech delivered and every leadership role embraced strengthens the foundation of this remarkable community.
As you continue your journey, let the Toastmasters values of Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence guide you May The Colombo Toastmasters Club remain a place where every member finds their voice, refines their skills, and inspires others As your Division Director, it brings me immense job and pride to be a part of this club too
FROM OUR AREA A1 DIRECTOR
Deepani Jayasinghe, TM
Being the first Toastmasters Club in Sri Lanka, you continue to be a good example to all in the fraternity With a strong membership of 75, today the club has become a President's Distinguished Club yet again Success is not just measured in accolades and achievements, but in the personal and collective growth of each member Embrace challenges as opportunities, support one another in moments of uncertainty, and celebrate every triumph big or small with all your members While achieving all these goals, it's essential to live the Toastmaster Core Values: Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence
May the Spirit of Camaraderie that defines The Colombo Toastmasters Club, continue to flourish, creating a space where everyone feels valued and motivated.
FROM THE PRESIDENT MESSAGE
Ashinsanie Weerasinghe, TM
A Year of Growth, Achievement and Collaboration!
As we close the chapter on a truly remarkable year, I take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together The 41st year of The Colombo Toastmasters Club has been one of growth, achievement, and collaboration
Our goal as an Executive Committee was to nurture more speakers and leaders not just within the club, but beyond I’m proud to share that we’ve developed two champion speakers who reached the division level, along with several members who demonstrated leadership at the club, area, and division levels. This is a testament to the strength of our programs and the dedication of our members
My heartfelt thanks to all members for your continued support. Each of you has contributed to our success A special note of gratitude to the Executive Committee for your unwavering commitment even leading confidently in my absence
To our Past Presidents, thank you for your wise, constructive guidance throughout the year
I must also highlight the impact of our Speechcraft programs they’ve empowered new speakers in the community and provided vital support for the club’s sustainability Thank you to every member who played a role in making these programs a success
As we carry forward the values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence, I am confident the club is in strong hands. As I step into the role of Past President, I remain committed to supporting the club’s continued journey.
We’ve built something special let’s keep it going
Long live the members!
Long live The Colombo Toastmasters Club!
FEATURED
ACRES OF DIAMONDS IN YOUR TOASTMASTERS
CLUB
Dilip R. Abayasekara, DTM | AS | PIP
One hundred and twelve years ago, an American Baptist minister wrote and delivered an inspirational lecture that became so “in-demand” that he crisscrossed America delivering it to rapt audiences and raised funds that enabled him to launch a great learning institution, Temple University, in his home city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The speaker was Russell Conwell The lecture was titled, Acres of Diamonds. Fortunately for us, Conwell’s lecture is available to us in a book by the same title. We Toastmasters can apply the central idea of the book in the opportunities we have in our clubs Conwell tells his readers about a man who was so obsessed with the desire to possess diamonds that he sold his farm and property and went off to find diamonds elsewhere The new owner of the man’s home discovered that there were diamonds in his property – leading to the establishment of one of the world’s great diamond mines
The connection with Toastmasters to this story is that of Toastmaster members who let their membership lapse or don’t take advantage of opportunities to become leaders in their club.
The opportunities you have will vary with the officer role you take on and with the initiative you exercise.
Knowledge Acquisition
Throwing yourself enthusiastically into your leadership role will mean that you attend leadership training offered by your district, read leadership manuals and participate with exco members in developing a distinguished club plan. At the end of your term of service, you will be surprised how much you’ve learned about leadership, management, the human psyche, and yourself.
Service
If there was one word that captured the Toastmasters approach to leadership, it would be “Service ” To lead is to serve others with caring, enthusiasm, and passionate belief in the value that the Toastmasters program brings to their lives Try doing that for a whole term of service and you will discover that your life has changed for the better in your effort to serve others
Skill Building
In the Toastmasters way of learning by doing, you will get opportunities to build the skills of leadership, organizing, mentoring, inspiring, and directing.
I’m sure that there are other “diamonds“ I have not mentioned in this short article, but I think the above array of diamonds make my point that as a Toastmaster, you are in your own acres of diamonds. May you mine it and grow rich in becoming all that you can be!
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
MEMBER ARTICLE
TOASTMASTERS, A GENERATIONAL THING THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Rukshan S. Perera, TM | Business Consultant, Leadership Mentor
Years ago, as a young engineer, I attended a professional development course at IESL A lecturer, Salim Ghouse, spoke about a place where professionals could refine their communication and leadership skills the Toastmasters Club At first, the name misled me; I thought it was just a networking event But when he explained its true purpose a platform where anyone could speak, receive feedback, and grow I was intrigued.
I joined The Colombo Toastmasters Club, but couldn’t continue due to work Years later, after starting my own business, I urged my children to join, believing it would shape them into future leaders.
Quote Corner
They weren’t interested—until one day, my youngest daughter asked to come with me That one decision changed everything Today, she is more involved than I ever was!
Toastmasters gave me the confidence to speak without fear, think on my feet, and lead with impact. It refined my language, sharpened my presence, and transformed me into a bold communicator. Research shows 80% of a manager’s success depends on soft skills, with communication at the core. If you want to lead, inspire, and stand out— Toastmasters is the place. Don’t wait. Join today!
"It was truly a pleasure to join Toastmasters
The people are incredibly friendly and supportive, creating a welcoming environment. I believe it's the perfect place to overcome the fear of public speaking and also a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow in many areas "
Guest Sheroni
“Unforgettable, that is what you are Toastmasters until the breath of my body is gone”
TM Romayne
“The confidence and love I received from my Colombo Toastmasters Club built an empire of confidence and love within me!”
TM Harshala
WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL
THE BEAUTY I WITNESSED AT A CLUB
Ishadi Amanda, Mrs. World 2025 – First Runner-Up
When I first stepped into the Toastmasters club, I immediately felt a sense of warmth and camaraderie The energy in the room was infectious confident speakers, attentive listeners, and an atmosphere that encouraged growth It was clear that this was more than just a meeting; it was a space where individuals honed their communication skills and empowered one another.
As Mrs. World First Runner-Up, I know firsthand how crucial effective communication is. Whether advocating for a cause, inspiring an audience, or engaging with different communities, the ability to articulate thoughts clearly makes all the difference.
Toastmasters provides an invaluable platform for individuals to develop this skill, fostering both personal and professional growth
What stood out to me the most was the supportive nature of the members.
Everyone, from beginners to seasoned speakers, received constructive feedback in a way that motivated them to improve This is exactly the kind of environment that helps build confidence and leadership To those striving to become better communicators: invest in yourself
Communication is a skill that opens doors, builds relationships, and amplifies your voice. Toastmasters is a wonderful place to start that journey!
MEMBER ARTICLE
JOURNEY TO DTM: A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
My journey toward achieving the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) title began in 2019. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of what lay ahead All I knew was that I wanted to grow not just as a speaker, but as a leader, mentor, and communicator.
Over the course of five years, I delivered more than 30 speeches, completed two full Paths, and embraced numerous leadership roles One of the most fulfilling parts of this journey was mentoring others Mentorship isn’t just about guiding someone else; it depends on your own understanding and commitment
Coordinating Speechcraft is another prerequisite to be a DTM. It is a responsible task, which I enjoyed to the fullest Ensuring a transformation of twenty-five participants within ten weeks is a challenge Arranging keynote speakers, role players, venue, transportation, refreshments, fulfil KPIs of the organization, etc are a few of them However, the participants’ performance at the finale makes all your tiredness feel like gold
Serving as an Area Director gave me a broader perspective of Toastmasters beyond the club level
I supported multiple clubs, built networks, and saw firsthand how this organization empowers people from all walks of life Further, as a club officer and a mentor for newly established clubs, I learnt a number of leadership qualities, which helped me in life too.
Balancing Toastmasters with a demanding professional life and family responsibilities wasn’t easy. But every challenge taught me something valuable about discipline, time management, and perseverance.
My background as a military officer taught me structure and strategy, but it was in Toastmasters that I truly learned the value of soft skills; how to listen, connect, and lead with empathy These lessons have had a profound impact on my professional journey in the corporate world as well
Achieving the DTM title isn't the end; it's a milestone in a lifelong path of growth I’m grateful for my family members, friends, mentors, and fellow Toastmasters who supported me along the way If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: with commitment, courage, and community, you can accomplish more than you ever imagined.
JOINT MEETINGS
MEMBER ARTICLE
AN INVESTMENT NOT TO BE MISSED
Niranjan de Silva, TM | Corporate Trainer, Leadership Coach
Did you know, your academic qualifications will only open doors for you? And when that door opens, you go into wherever you want to build your career, and then your academic qualification is worth only 20%
80% of your net worth comes from your soft skills. Why is it that soft skills are 80% and your hard skills, which are your academic qualifications, are only worth 20%? The main factor for this is, unless you have the soft skills, you are unable to bring out the value of your hard skills If you are unable to bring value to the table, there is no opportunity for you to rise up the career ladder.
Let’s look at the most important soft skills you need to rise up in your career ladder
Do you have the Leadership Skills to deliver results? To have leadership skills, you require the capability to inspire and influence your team For that, you require Communication skills.
Do you have the capability to Motivate your team to achieve greater results? For this, you need Communication Skills. Do you have the skills to ensure outstanding Teamwork? For this, you need Communication Skills
So let’s ask ourselves now, what do we do at Toastmasters? This is a community that helps you and enhances your Communications Skills. Toastmasters helps you with that remaining 80% you require, to boost your Soft Skills.
Is there a better investment than Toastmasters?
Quote Corner
“The Colombo Toastmasters Club - a Magical Place where I Unleashed my Unseen Potential to grow and to learn together as a Family."
TM Harshi
“The Colombo Toastmasters Club has inspired me by fostering growth, leadership and a renewed passion for empowering others through Toastmasters ”
DTM Viruli
THE POWER OF SPEECHCRAFT – CONTINUED IMPACT
Building on the momentum from earlier this year, the Colombo Toastmasters Club is proud to share that we have successfully conducted multiple Speechcraft programs and are on track to complete many programs within this term. These initiatives have served as powerful platforms for aspiring speakers, especially first-time participants and newcomers, to step out of their comfort zones and find their voice. From corporate boardrooms to rural classrooms, Speechcraft has opened doors for individuals to grow in confidence, sharpen their communication skills, and experience the transformative magic of Toastmasters What makes this journey especially meaningful is seeing new members take active roles as speakers, assistants, or coordinators demonstrating exceptional growth and leadership potential. One such example is TM Harshala Hewapattini, who joined the club recently and discovered her spark through Speechcraft:
Speechcraft Coordinators
TM Thilini Agalawatta
TM Rasika Bandaranayake
TM Antoninus Canisious
TM Asangika Fernando
TM Thushantha Mahagedera
DTM Sitha Kathiragamamathan
TM Dilanka Kumarasinghe
TM Iresha D Mahakumarage
TM Poojani P Perera
TM Rukshan S Perera
TM Mahalingam Sarmaa
TM Harshi Wijendra
“As a new member, I doubted if I could ever become a speaker like the ones I admired. But when I volunteered in the Speechcraft program, I realized that everyone has to start somewhere—and I was in the right place. The encouragement I received helped me step out of my shell. Winning the Best Table Topic Speaker and being appointed Assistant Coordinator for an upcoming program is proof of how far I’ve come. The Colombo Toastmasters Club is my family now—and Speechcraft has truly been an investment for life.”
We remain deeply committed to nurturing communicators and leaders through Speechcraft A heartfelt thank you to all our members who have contributed their time, energy, and passion toward making each session impactful and memorable.
Let’s continue to empower, uplift, and inspire one Speechcraft at a time
Speechcraft Assistant Coordinators
TM Paul A Indrajith
TM Sameera Jansen
TM Nimal Keerthiratne
TM Sunil Meewewa
TM Mayuka D Pathirana
TM Shanika Ranaweera
TM Shammika Silva
TM Shavin Vihara
TM Thishani A Wijayaratne
MEMBER ARTICLE
SUCCESS IS NOT FATAL
I became a Toastmaster soon after completing the Speechcraft program at Shangri-La Colombo, where I truly discovered my passion for public speaking. Recognizing the incredible support within this community, my husband and I joined the Colombo Toastmasters Club in June last year
In just a few months, I learned by looking at them and contested for the first time in a Humorous Speech Contest at the club level, advancing all the way to the Division stage, and securing the First Runner-Up title. The encouragement and inspiration I found here were truly inspiring.
None of this would have been possible without the exceptional support of my mentors, who have been the backbone of my journey Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me, including club training programs, pushed me to achieve what once felt impossible
Quote Corner
“Toastmasters helped me learn so much on Communication and Leadership, not forgetting all the money made through the Toastmasters network in my Real Estate business
TM Mohan
Determined to push myself further, I completed two levels in the Dynamic Leadership Pathway to qualify for the International Speech Contest To my delight, I won at the club and area levels and earned a spot in the Division contest An incredible milestone for my first-ever International Speech Contest
These past six months have been nothing short of an extraordinary journey filled with growth, resilience, and unforgettable moments. Toastmasters has given me confidence and blessed me with friendships that feel like family and opportunities beyond my imagination.
As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts ” This journey has shown me that every step forward, no matter how small, brings new opportunities for learning and growth. I am excited to see where it takes me next!
"At The Colombo Toastmasters Club, I discovered the Power of Words, the Strength of Support, and the Joy of Lifelong Learning "
TM Sameera
CONTESTS
H CONTEST
TM Asangika Fernando
TM Asangika Fernando
TM Shashikala Wanigasinghe
TM Ashinsanie Weerasinghe
ONTEST
TM Ashinsanie Weerasinghe
TM Mayuka D. Pathirana
AI ARTICLE
HOW AI CAN SUPPORT YOUR TOASTMASTERS JOURNEY
Your AI Speech Buddy – ChatGTP
As Toastmasters, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our communication and leadership skills. What if you had a 24/7 speech coach, evaluator, and idea generator in your pocket? Enter ChatGPT an AI tool that’s making a big impact in the world of public speaking.
Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just getting started, ChatGPT can be a powerful assistant at every stage of your Toastmasters journey
Writing a Speech? Paste your draft into ChatGPT for grammar checks, structure improvement, or even suggestions on how to make your speech more persuasive, humorous, or emotionally impactful. It can help you estimate speech length or find that perfect quote to open with
Practicing for a Contest or Pathways Project? ChatGPT can simulate an evaluator and give you structured feedback what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved
Quote Corner
It’s especially helpful when rehearsing alone and wanting a second opinion
Need to Prep for a Meeting Role?
Whether you're the Toastmaster of the Day or Table Topic Master, ChatGPT can help draft introductions, prepare theme tie-ins, or suggest a creative “Word of the Day.”
Want to Improve Your Impromptu Speaking? You can even practice Table Topics with ChatGPT, which can generate random prompts and give feedback on your written or spoken responses.
From speech development to meeting prep, ChatGPT is like having a personal coach ready to help, anytime. Of course, it’s not a substitute for human connection or real audience feedback, but it’s an excellent tool to sharpen your skills between meetings
Try it for your next speech you may be surprised how much it can help!
“Despite 2024/25 being a tumultuous year for me, I was often reminded of being a Toastmaster and have been made to feel I was a part of a great club and a great organization!”
TM Shyamalie
EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Level
Mahagedera
Level 1
CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS
President's Distinguished
2024-2025
in Training Award
An award for the highest recognition a club can earn annually under the Distinguished Club Program (DCP), based on educational, membership, training, and administrative goals. This award will be presented at Ovation in May 2025. An honor for those clubs that have demonstrated true dedication by having all seven club officers trained at the Club Officer Training Program held on January 2025
This award was presented to the President of The Colombo Toastmasters Club at the Year-End Joint Division Conference held on March, 23rd
An honor for those individuals that have demonstrated true leadership skills and have gone over and beyond their duties at the Division.
This award was presented to TM Harshi Wijendra of The Colombo Toastmasters Club, at the Year-End Joint Division Conference held on March, 23rd
Excellence
Excellence in Leadership Award
SAILINGFORUNCHARTEDEXCELLENCE SAILINGFORUNCHARTEDEXCELLENCE EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE
