FOCUS 2023 [11th Issue]

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn” -Benjamin Franklin

FOCUS O F

T H E O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R M O R A T U W A T O A S T M A S T E R S C L U B

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

About

MORATUWA TOASTMASTERS CLUB Moratuwa Toastmasters Club, chartered on June 29, 2011, proudly bears the club number 01861319. Affiliated with Toastmasters International, it operates within District 82, specifically in Division D, Area 03.

Toastmasters International Mission We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

Toastmasters International Core Values Integrity Respect Service Excellence

Toastmasters International Envisioned Future To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.

District 82 Mission We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

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.

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 1

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

A Message From Our

President

As a president, the topmost priority is to lead the Committee by example by understanding the essentials of becoming an effective leader through camaraderie. Investing in the club to maintain robust relationships among individuals can be termed as a resilient mode of significance that prioritizes the value of the club. Overall operations in the club are affiliated with the role of the president, the programs associated with different meetings, maintaining an efficient Distinguished Club Program and coordinating well with the Area director can be considered as topmost necessities.

The process can be strategically expressed in the following manner to enhance its character through the personal growth of the club members. Building the member’s recognition will impact the club in numerous ways to lift up its resilience and reputation, by giving value and crafting the essential skills of the members will ultimately guide the team to strive towards excellence and fuel themselves up with team spirit. The fundamental protocol associated with a club when monitoring it would be to identify the cultural aspects of the particular club you are assigned to. Adapting an understanding of the cultural nature of the club and improvising to overcome the challenges can be a systematic methodology which can attempt to create a tenacious background in the club itself.

Therefore, as a club president, the ultimate goal is to cater my efforts with the intention of serving others to create wisdom and unity which in turn creates an exuberant group of individuals who inspire the club in a visionary manner.

Organization, critical thinking and problem-solving platforms can be the best challenging scopes associated with a president. However identifying the real essence of these measures will calibrate the existence of improvement in a club by managing the overall discipline and behaviour.

TM Ruchira Fernando President Moratuwa Toastmasters Club 2023/2024

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 2

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

TM Ruchira Fernando

President

“To manifest the hidden potentials and talents in a team and to bring out the best in it will ultimately open robust and successful opportunities to enhance.”

TM Harshi Wijewardhana

Vice President Education

“Education is the compass that guides us through the uncharted territories of knowledge, empowering us to illuminate our world with the light of understanding.”

TM Lasantha Sameera

Vice President Membership

“Communication is the bridge that connects minds, forging pathways of understanding and building a tapestry of shared meaning in the fabric of human connection.”

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 3

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

TM Thiviru Gunatillake

Vice President Public Relations

“The qualities that distinguish you may seem burdensome at times, yet more often than not, they are the very elements that contribute to your greatness.”

TM Maneesha Thotagammana

Secretary

“Helping hands weave the fabric of compassion, stitching kindness into the tapestry of humanity.”

TM Chanil Karunaratne

Treasurer

“A pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails”

TM Rusira Bandara

Sergeant-at-arms

“Time is the sculptor of success; work diligently within its constraints, and watch your ambitions take shape.”

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 4

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

Inside Our 11th Issue 6

Editor’s Message TM Thiviru Gunatillake

7

Message From Our Division Director TM Raveen Lankanatha

8

Message From Our Area Director TM Chakrangi Dahanayake

9

Azure Skies Where You Create Light - 13th Installation Ceremony TM Sampath De Silva

12

A Transformative Journey as a Business Analyst TM Thiviru Gunatillake

13

Project Badulla TM Ruchira Fernando

15

Senior Member Testimonial TM Arosha Kalupahana

16

Member Highlights

17

Meeting Highlights

18

Upcoming Meeting Write-ups TM Thiviru Gunatillake

19

Achievements Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contest 2023/2024

20

Mid-Year Division Conference

21

Meeting Details

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 5

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

Editor’s

Message Inaugurating the 11th edition of "FOCUS," the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club welcomes you on a literary journey through the vivacious tapestry of events and achievements spanning July to November 2023.

This publication stands as a milestone, encapsulating the collective pursuit of communication and leadership excellence that defines our club's ethos. As the Vice President of Public Relations, curating this newsletter has been a journey of selfdiscovery, offering a splendid opportunity to reflect on the transformative power of Toastmasters.

Expressing profound gratitude, I extend appreciation to distinguished contributors TM Ruchira Fernando, TM Arosha Kalupahana, TM Raveen Lankanatha and TM Sampath De Silva. Their insightful articles have transformed "FOCUS" into a reservoir of knowledge and inspiration, enriching the communal spirit that defines our Toastmasters family.

Special recognition is reserved for TM Arosha Kalupahana, whose mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping this newsletter. Arosha's unwavering support has been a guiding beacon, illuminating the path to a publication resonant with the club's ethos.

To every club member contributing time, thoughts, and energy, your collective efforts weave a narrative of success for "FOCUS." Each contribution, whether big or small, has been pivotal in making this edition a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Moratuwa Toastmasters Family.

In closing, I invite readers to extract value from these pages. May "FOCUS" transcend being a mere chronicle of events, becoming a source of empowerment and enlightenment for each Toastmaster, fostering connection and shared achievement in our collective journey.

TM Thiviru Gunatillake Vice President Public Relations Moratuwa Toastmasters Club 2023/2024

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 6

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

A Message From Our

Division Director Dear Esteemed Members of the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club, As a proud member of the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club and your Division Director, I extend my warmest greetings to the trailblazing individuals who form the vibrant core of the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club!

Our journey together embodies resilience and progress, steering us confidently toward the path of excellence. Renowned for fostering an environment that radiates joyous camaraderie, our club stands as a testament to nurturing growth and celebration.

Moratuwa Toastmasters Club, our cherished home club, stands tall as a shining beacon of our collective dedication and unwavering commitment. Together, our efforts drive the club forward, creating an atmosphere where each member thrives and flourishes. The attainment of the President's Distinguished Status last year wasn't just an achievement; it reflected our collective pursuit of excellence. Through shared enthusiasm and collaborative efforts, we surpassed milestones, setting an extraordinary benchmark for success.

What distinguishes our club is its unique charm—a fusion of educational pursuits interwoven with a spirit of joy. This special blend fosters growth and creates an atmosphere that resonates with every individual who walks through our doors.

As we continue this journey, nurturing talents and fostering an environment of growth and celebration, let's carve an even greater legacy. Let's embrace the vibrancy within our club, inspiring each other toward remarkable achievements and creating countless cherished moments. Our unwavering commitment to success, coupled with the shared enjoyment of the Toastmasters journey, illuminates the path toward an even brighter future. Together, may we continue to flourish, setting an inspiring example for clubs within our district and beyond.

Here's to an upcoming year filled with laughter, learning, and a multitude of remarkable accomplishments!

TM Raveen Lankanatha Division Director - Division D District 82, Toastmasters International

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

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MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

A Message From Our

Area Director

Embracing Excellence and Toasting to Success in Moratuwa Toastmasters Club

Dear Moratuwa Toastmasters, I trust this message finds you all in high spirits and brimming with enthusiasm. As we navigate through the exciting journey of personal and professional development, it brings me immense joy to witness the vibrant energy, enthusiasm, dedication, and camaraderie that defines Moratuwa Toastmasters Club.

Our recent meetings have been a testament to the commitment of your members to personal and professional development. In the spirit of growth, the energy and the inspiration in the club meetings have been nothing short of electrifying. It is heartening to see new faces joining us, eager to embark on their Toastmasters journey, as well as seasoned members continuing to refine their communication and leadership skills. I want to take a moment to applaud your club members for their participation in various roles during meetings. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, whether taking on a prepared speech, evaluating, or leading as a Toastmaster of the Day, is what makes your club thrive. Remember, each role you undertake is a step forward on your path to mastery, and I encourage everyone to continue challenging themselves. In the spirit of continuous improvement, let us also focus on providing constructive feedback. Let us ensure that our evaluations are not just a formality but a genuine effort to help our fellow Toastmasters grow. A well-crafted evaluation has the power to inspire and guide, so let us make every feedback session count. Looking ahead, let us focus on setting and achieving our personal and collective goals. Moratuwa Toastmasters Club is not just a place to overcome the fear of public speaking; it is a community where we empower each other to reach new heights and unleash our full potential.

Lastly, let us celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Every speech completed, every leadership role fulfilled, and every milestone reached deserves recognition. Toast to your successes and let them fuel your motivation to aim even higher. Thank you for your dedication to the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club. Together, let us continue creating an environment where we inspire, learn, and grow.

Here is to another year of excellence and camaraderie!

Chakrangi A. Dahanayake Area Director- Area 03- Division D District 82, Toastmasters International

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 8

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

Azure Skies Where You Create Light

13th Installation Ceremony

The Installation ceremony was held on the 29th of July 2023 at Bolgoda 360, Moratuwa. On the day of that occasion, new entrants of Moratuwa Toastmasters took their oaths to be baptized with the Moratuwa Toastmasters family. That significant event was organised by all members of Moratuwa Toastmasters.

I am honoured to pen a few words about the ceremony the event commenced at six in the evening and it lasted till midnight with the fellowship of Moratuwa toastmasters.

It was ceremoniously opened as the traditional way of lighting the oil lamp and it was followed by the national anthem.

The current President TM Ruchira Fernando and the immediate past president TM Arosha Kalupahana respectively delivered the welcome speeches. To grace this wondrous occasion, Toastmasters from Colombo, Panadura, Horana and Matara also attended. The turnout for the ceremony was quite remarkable, the other attendees were special guests and the VIPs. I am afraid it is a far cry today, collecting and gathering people to an event because of their agenda.

Nevertheless, we hardly ever witnessed any vacant seats in the auditorium.

The hotel was fabulously decorated with flora which was a breathtaking site to see.

Elaborating my observations further, by the looks of it, the entire auditorium was possessed with glamour and international ambience.

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

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MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

The legendary, eloquent and naturally gifted speakers such as TM Tharindu Amaresekara and TM Ganga Fernando in their speeches expressed their years of experience in the Toastmasters career.

We are aware that, They hail from diverse backgrounds therefore their speechcraft was well-defined and to the point also thoroughly insightful and simple.

Pin-drop silence was experienced while they were delivering their speeches. Their speeches were motivational to beginners and those who aspire to become firebrand orators.

Hone your skills in the speechcraft subject. Having met those erstwhile Toastmasters we could gather knowledge comprehensively.

At the occasion, I bumped into many toastmasters who spoke of the vibrant and dynamic nature of the language. During the session, toastmasters from all walks of life got engrossed in chit-chat sessions and discussions with one another was a marvelous site to see.

All in all, pondering deeply about that gorgeous ceremony, it was tolerably a unique event. The writer named it as it looked like a global showpiece. That is how that event came to the limelight of all other ceremonies. All stakeholders of Moratuwa Toastmasters, Despite having their hectic schedules, Amazingly, they took eager to succeed.

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 10

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

I presume so, categorically, that groundbreaking initiative was astounded by those who attended. Accepting the fact that they were thrilled to bits and wellcontented. I clearly outlined that the dinner was sumptuous and out of the world, the dinner table was full of mouthwatering dishes. Everyone enjoyed consuming it and they were filled to the brim.

Henceforth, no wonder the show was a noteworthy inspiration to all toastmasters who attended on that pleasant evening. Subsequently, the fellowship of the Moratuwa Toastmasters family began late in the night. which was an event with fun and frolic. Anticipation and end in mind was to promote camaraderie amongst all Toastmasters. We were stunned to see that, the extrovert-style Moratuwa family, had organised dancing sessions and Rhythm and blues musical sessions continued till midnight.

Yet, I am reminded of that as a laudable achievement by The Moratuwa Toastmasters Family.

TM Sampath De Silva Member of Moratuwa Toastmasters Club

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 11

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

A Transformative Journey as a Business Analyst I am delighted to share the transformative influence of my Toastmasters experience on my recent internship as an IT Business Analyst intern. Toastmasters skills played a critical influence in shaping my achievement and enhancing my professional understanding.

Toastmasters has helped me improve my ability to establish relationships throughout varied teams, resulting in a collaborative and highly productive work atmosphere. This skill proved especially useful in my role as a business analyst, where collaborative teamwork is critical.

Toastmasters' enhanced communication skills really improved my encounters with clients. My improved communication skills were critical in strengthening client relationships, whether explaining complex technical concepts or resolving client issues.

Presentation is a vital requirement in the field of IT business analysis, and Toastmasters ingrained in me the importance of presenting concepts coherently. This skill set ensured the compilation of precise and extensive presentations, which was a vital aspect of my job.

Toastmasters helped me develop verbal expertise, which translated into polished and professional communication. This ability was critical in the creation of clear and compelling reports, emails, and other business papers.

Most importantly, Toastmasters gave me the confidence I needed to be a good public speaker. From presenting findings to stakeholders to leading team meetings, my ability to convey ideas eloquently was a direct result of Toastmasters' rigorous training.

In essence, Toastmasters served as the unspoken ally in my journey towards professional excellence as an IT Business Analyst intern. The skills cultivated not only augmented my professional aptitude but also paved the way for a more enriching and gratifying internship experience.

TM Thiviru Gunatillake Vice President Public Relations

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 12

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

Project

Badulla

Project Badulla was an initiation by the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club to raise educational awareness among children to motivate and inspire their educational careers by promoting interactive workshop experiences.

The idea was made pragmatic by the team of individuals who devoted their time and knowledge to work for the enhancement of growth criterion as a professional club. As the executive committee and their planning procedures, we were able to build a strong team which consisted of Toastmasters members to create a particular program to educate the children through practical work skills and experiences to identify the hidden potential in themselves.

The selected platform was an auditorium based on a temple where we were able to deliver a sustainable educational program for Sunday school children who are about to face their Advanced level examinations.

The team included many experienced individuals with versatile delivery skills to associate with brainstorming and coaching children to accomplish their goals and ambitions in life to create a better recognition understood by behaviour and discipline.

The morning session included presentations done through projector screens, life goal mapping through graphical representations, understanding the essence of determination etc. The session was also enriched with team-building activities to improve the understanding and coordinating skills of children which can be termed as the mandatory aspect of human growth and evolution.

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

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MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

The two teams were given task sheets to be analyzed and understood through communication. The program was mainly intended to break the communication barriers of speaking and to expedite the effective communication process through unity and solidarity. The children were given opportunities to speak about the aspects of life goals they admire to perceive through their perception of imagination. All these multifarious aspects of crafting the skills were prominently aimed to improve the enthusiasm of children to perceive things in an authentic manner which will create better realistic results when moving forward in their lives.

Our team members also took time to conduct an interactive session to identify the hidden talents of individuals. Their reaction and the way the children delivered their message were outstanding and it made a very strong impact on our team members to be satisfied with the program itself, the smiles and giggles the children had and their spirit to become individuals with commitment, hard work and discipline was brilliant. Although the session was conducted for 3 hours, we were able to share and learn through the systematic approaches that were followed by the entire program and as a result the children crafted a strong impression on their leadership skills and potential to create a better understanding among themselves to be outstanding and genuine in their life skills.

As a conclusion, we realized that the importance of conducting educational sessions is to project something unique and mesmerising through understanding.

When we understand and analyze the thoughts of children, it explains a wide scope of skills, talents and experiences to learn and to share.

As professionals, we must make it an obligation to commit to raising awareness among our community to improve and to get the best version of themselves which ultimately creates a strong team of people with a greater power to perceive the optimistic spectrums of life.

TM Ruchira Fernando President of Moratuwa Toastmasters Club

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 14

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

Senior Member

Testimonial My journey at Moratuwa Toastmasters Club has been a remarkable one.

Joining in 2021, I aimed to enhance my public speaking and leadership skills.

Surprisingly, I swiftly became part of the executive committee, serving as Club Vice President Public Relations.

I also had the privilege of organizing club contests and taking on the role of installation chair. The following year, I assumed the challenging role of Club President, navigating numerous obstacles with the support of our dedicated members.

Currently, I'm honored to serve as the TLI Chair for Division D. My advice to new members is Embrace every opportunity, gain experience, and grow through facing challenges.

TM Arosha Kalupahana Past President of Moratuwa Toastmasters Club

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 15

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

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Member

Highlights

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

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MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

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Meeting

Highlights

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

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MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

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Upcoming Meeting

Write-ups "Christmas Spirit" Themed Meeting - 23rd December: Immerse yourself in the festive ambiance at our "Christmas Spirit" Themed Meeting on December 23rd, where the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club explores the art of communication amidst the joy and warmth of the season.

"Valentine’s Day" Themed Meeting - 10th February: Join us on February 10th for a special "Valentine’s Day" Themed Meeting, celebrating the nuances of communication and love. Whether you're a wordsmith or a romantic at heart, this gathering promises an evening of heartfelt speeches and camaraderie.

"Women’s Day" Themed Meeting - 8th March: Honor the strength and eloquence of women at our "Women’s Day" Themed Meeting on March 8th, as the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club recognizes the impactful role of women's voices in communication and leadership.

"Annual Day Out" during the April vacation: Recharge and build connections during our Annual Day Out in April. This event provides an opportunity for members and guests to strengthen bonds outside the meeting room, fostering camaraderie through engaging activities.

"Hiking Trip": Embark on a rejuvenating hiking experience with the Moratuwa Toastmasters Club, combining the beauty of nature with meaningful conversations. This trek is designed to promote both physical well-being and effective communication among members in a scenic outdoor setting.

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 18

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

Achievements Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contest 2023/2024 Club Level

Area D03 Level

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 19

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

Mid-Year Division Conference

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 20

MORATUWA

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FOCUS

Meeting Details

Check Out Our Socials!

DATES 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month

TIME 4:00pm onwards

VENUE MJF Charitable Foundation, Katubedda

https://linktr.ee/moratuwatms

Contact Us For More Information TM Lasantha Sameera (VP Membership)- 071 092 0365

Upcoming Meetings December

9th

“Nature” Themed Meeting

15th

Christmas Party

23rd

“Christmas Spirit” Themed Meeting

13th

"New Beginnings" Themed Meeting

27th

"Overcoming Challenges" Themed Meeting

10th

"Valentine’s Day" Themed Meeting

24th

"Innovation and Creativity" Themed Meeting

8th

"Women’s Day" Themed Meeting

23rd

"Spring" Themed Meeting

13th

"Humor and Laughter" Themed Meeting

27th

"Earth Day" Themed Meeting

January

February

March

April

JULY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE NO.: ELEVEN | PAGE 21