EMPOWERING EXCELLENCE THROUGH INTEGRITY, RESPECT, AND SERVICE.
The 16th Installation Ceremony of the Panadura Toastmasters Club was an unforgettable evening, filled with inspiration, milestones, and leadership excellence.
Toastmasters International reaches its centennial milestone, commemorating a century of empowering leaders and communicators worldwide.
Discover how the magic of refinement and feedback can turn an ordinary speech into a championship-winning masterpiece.
ABOUT THE CLUB
Panadura Toastmasters Club is affiliated with Toastmasters International. The club was chartered on 08th January 2008. The club number is 01122025 and it belongs to Area 4 of Division I in District 82.
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
DISTRICT 82 MISSION
We build new clubs and support all the clubs in achieving excellence
CLUB MISSION
We build new clubs and support all the clubs in achieving excellence
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL ENVISIONED FUTURE
To be first choice provider of dynamic high-value experimental communication and leadership skills development
MEETING LOCATION WE MEET EVERY 1ST & 3RD SATURDAYS FROM 2PM TO 5PM
CLUB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Malindu Batheegama malindureventon@gmail com | 0706114882
Pamesha Peiris pameshapeiris@gmail com | 0774234496
Message from Division Director
Dear Panadura Toastmasters Club Members,
As your Division I Director for the 2024/2025 term, I am thrilled to recognize the incredible efforts of the Executive Committee and all members of Panadura Toastmasters Club. Your passion and dedication have been the driving force behind the club's ongoing success and vibrant culture.
This year, as Toastmasters International celebrates its 100th anniversary, we honor a century of empowering individuals to excel in communication and leadership. Ralph C. Smedley, our visionary founder, emphasized that "we learn best in moments of enjoyment " At Panadura Toastmasters Club, your meetings exemplify this philosophy, creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment
I encourage every member to actively engage in club activities and embrace opportunities for growth. Together, let's continue to build a legacy of excellence and inspire each other to reach greater heights in our Toastmasters journey.
Gazzaly Moulana | Division Director - Division I 2024-2025
Message from Area Director
Hello dear Toastmasters
I am delighted to share a few thoughts for the Panadura Toastmasters Club newsletter
In the business world, the "Golden Goose" represents a source of valuable rewards for its caretaker For me, Panadura Toastmasters Club embodies this Golden Goose within Division I Area 4. Focused on pathways and project completions, the club lives the Toastmasters tagline, “where leaders are made,” nurturing future corporate leaders through guidance, support, and feedback.
The club’s young, vibrant members are always ready to volunteer and actively support the division, setting a remarkable example for others. Most importantly, they use the Toastmasters platform to sharpen their soft skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional success. Working with this team is always a joy, as they benefit from exceptional predecessors' organized guidance.
If there’s a club that truly inspires, it is Panadura Toastmasters As a proud Area Director, I am continually inspired by their ambition. I look forward to celebrating their success at Ovations, confident they will again win the Golden Club Award!
Zaharine R Hameen | Area Director – Area I4
Message from Editor
A Legacy of Growth and Leadership
This year marks a century of fostering communication and leadership excellence through Toastmasters. While we may not explicitly state it, the spirit of 100 years resonates in every meeting, every speech, and every new leader emerging from our club. Our Panadura Toastmasters Club continues to shine brightly, making its mark within District 82.
Our members embody the principles of personal and professional growth, inspiring not only themselves but also the community around them. Whether you're a seasoned Toastmaster or a newcomer, you’re part of a tradition that transforms challenges into milestones and dreams into reality.
As we continue this remarkable journey, let us reflect on the core values that unite us: leadership, resilience, and the courage to communicate. Together, we are not just members of a club; we are contributors to a century-old legacy that grows stronger with each passing day
Dilshan Madushanka | Vice President Public Relations
Message from President
Celebrating 17 Years of Excellence
As we stand on the threshold of a milestone of 16 years of Panadura Toastmasters Club, I feel immense pride and gratitude. Since its inception in 2008, our club has been a beacon of growth, nurturing countless individuals to achieve their communication and leadership goals.
My personal journey with Panadura Toastmasters began as a Speechcrafter in 2019, followed by my official membership in August 2020 Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various leadership roles: starting as Sergeant at Arms, then Vice President Membership, Vice President Education, and later, as the highest in the Club executive, The President for the 2024/2025 and the Contest Chair for Division I, Mid Year Conference These opportunities have shaped me, transforming my life from night to day Joining Toastmasters remains the best decision I’ve ever made. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of my mentors, fellow members, and this vibrant community. Toastmasters has been a platform that inspires, challenges, and empowers. This tenure, our club operates under the motto: "Empowering Excellence Through Integrity, Respect, and Service." It embodies the values we hold dear along with the Toastmasters International Core Values and our commitment to fostering an environment where every member can thrive
As we celebrate 17 years this January, let us reflect on our legacy and look forward to a future filled with excellence Together, we will continue to inspire and be inspired, turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth. Here’s to another year of empowering dreams and transforming lives!
Malindu Batheegama | President of Panadura Toastmasters Club
Panadura
The 16th Installatio Panadura Toastma the year 202 successfully conc 28th of July 20 Beach Hotel, W glamorous evening with the presence Director; District 8 Fernando as the Program Quality D 82; DTM Niroshan N Growth Director; D Bhathiya Hettiarach Past District Directors of District 82; DTM Mahinda Karunakara, DTM Nisal Weerakoon, DTM Srianthie Salgado, Area Director of Area I4; TM Zaharine Hameen, Division Director of division I; TM Gazzaly Moulana , members representing the invited Toastmasters Clubs, members of the Panadura Toastmasters club and other special invitees participated at the event
Niroshan Nadarajah and TM Gazzaly Moulana Next, the Immediate Past President TM Pamesha Peiris presented the Presidential Medallion to the newly installed President, TM Malindu Batheegama while extending her warm wishes to the upcoming executive committee
Toastmasters Club
th Installation Ceremony
Panadura Toastmasters Club
This was followed by the inaugural address of the President; TM Malindu Batheegama in which he mentioned the goals and the vision of the upcoming team, along with the additional appreciation made to his fellow executive committee members
DTM Niroshan Nadarajah addressed the gathering with his fabulous speech. Next, The Recognition of Achievers for the year 2023/2024 was done with a video presentation while mentioning the educational award achievers, Triple crown winners and Contest achievements The next segment of this illustrious evening was the distribution of tokens to all the dignitaries to appreciate the contribution throughout the past year This was done by the newly elected president; TM Malindu Batheegama.
FromGoodtoGreat TheJourneyofaWinningSpeech
In February 2024, I won the International speech contest at club level with a speech about the importance of self-acceptance
Even though I walked away with a victory, I didn’t feel great about the speech I sensed that something was missing So, I sought feedback from fellow Toastmasters
My club president was encouraging but candid He said, “It’s a good speech, but I don’t think it’ll get through the next levels of competition ” That feedback hit me hard because I was only a couple of weeks away from the Area contest and had no idea what to do. I had a choice: stick with the speech or start from scratch I chose the latter, and that decision gave birth to “Too Far Away,” a speech that eventually earned me a place in the finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking
From its rough first draft in February to a polished, winning speech in August, “Too Far Away” was a journey of constant refinement The story came from an incident in 1996 one that had been buried deep in my memory until I decided to share it nearly three decades later This journey taught me three valuable lessons that I want to pass on to you.
First, we all have stories in our lives that are worthy of a global audience But you need to dig deep to find them I found mine from 1996, and if you tend to forget impactful stories, keep writing them down Maintain a story journal it’s a treasure chest of ideas waiting to be discovered
Second, I realized the power of feedback If I hadn’t accepted my club president’s honest critique, I would have stuck with my original speech and likely lost at Area or Division. Seek feedback at every stage of competition
Third, to uncover the true potential of a speech, you must keep refining it From February to August, I revised my speech countless times With each refinement, it evolved into something better It’s easy to settle and assume that our first draft is the final version, but that’s rarely the case The magic happens in the rewrites, in those small tweaks that elevate your message to new heights
In a nutshell, great stories come from within, valuable feedback comes from others, and great speeches come from a relentless pursuit of refinement I wish you good luck on your journey!
"THE MAGIC HAPPENS IN THE REWRITES— THOSE SMALL TWEAKS THAT ELEVATE YOUR MESSAGE TO NEW HEIGHTS."
EXCO TALKS#
President - Malindu Batheegama, TM
Hi team! Our vision for 24/25 is “Empowering Excellence through Integrity, Respect, and Service ” My focus is to inspire every member to grow and lead while staying true to these values Together, let’s create a vibrant, supportive envi Panadura TMC to greater heights This is our time to
VP Education - Ranudi Kulatunga, TM
Totally agree Malindu! I’m excited to deliver creative, impactful educational programs achieve their goals Let’s keep learning fun and meaningful so everyone feels empowered to succeed
VP Memberships - Venuja Laksika, TM
Love that, Ranudi! My goal is to grow our membership with passionate individuals while ensuring we keep our current members engaged A strong, united team is the key to our success Let’s build that foundation!
VP Public Relations - Dilshan Madushanka, TM
I’ll work on boosting our club’s visibility with fresh, creative campaigns We’ll make Panadura TMC the talk of the town and a for personal growth Let’s make an impact!
Secretary - Chathuni De Alwis, TM
Treasurer - Parami Jayamuni, TM
Thanks, Chathuni! I’ll ensure our finances are managed responsibly so we have the resources to bring these plans to life From budgeting to supporting events, I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly on the financial front Let’s aim for sustainability and growth!
Sergeant at Arms - Kavindu Bimsara, TM
Amazing e welcoming v
THE STAGE OF EXCELLENCE
Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contests 2024/25
WINNER - TM RANUDI KULATHUNGA
HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST (CLUB LEVEL)
HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST (AREA I4)
EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST (CLUB LEVEL)
EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST (AREA I4)
FIRST RUNNER UP - TM NIMASHA FERNANDO
SECOND RUNNER UP - TM MALINDU BATHEEGAMA
FIRST RUNNER UP - TM RANUDI KULATHUNGA
WINNER - TM RANUDI KULATHUNGA
FIRST RUNNER UP - TM NIMASHA FERNANDO
SECOND RUNNER UP - TM PAMESHA PEIRIS
FIRST RUNNER UP - TM RANUDI KULATHUNGA
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
CRAFTING IMPACTFUL SPEECHES YOUR GUIDE TO CONTEST SUCCESS
What’s the secret to winning a contest?
While hard work is essential, true success lies not just in taking home a trophy but in growing through the process and inspiring others along the way. Winning isn’t just about the result; it’s about the journey.
Let’s explore the steps to grow and win:
Learn from Champion Speakers 1.
Observe seasoned speakers closely Their content, delivery, language, and use of props and space hold valuable lessons. Incorporate these tips in your performance and delivery.
Study the judging criteria carefully 40% for speech development, 40% for content, and 20% for language. Ensure every element earns maximum points.
2. Choose an Engaging Topic 3 Understand the Judge’s Ballot Sheet 4. Master Timing 5 Rehearse and Seek Feedback
Pick a subject that inspires, entertains, and resonates with the heart and mind Keep it simple yet impactful Do not over complicate your message, clarity makes it memorable
Craft your speech to fit within 4-7 minutes, practicing until you perfect your pacing Practice out loud, time it, adjust it and do it again and again.maximum points.
Invite feedback from diverse audiences, adapt, and elevate your speech. As they say, “Feedback isn’t criticism it’s refinement.”
By following these steps,
Article Written by Ranudi Kulatunga (VP Education) District 82 Humorous speech contest finalist - 2023
NEW MEMBER CORNER
TM Gamitha Jayalath
Seven months at PTM, I now understand what legends said about Toastmasters It’s a magical place where hidden potential emerges Toastmasters shaped me into not just a confident, disciplined speaker but also a sensitive, well-mannered listener The experience fosters growth, teamwork, and unmatched personal development. Thank you, talented Toastmasters!
TM Rajitha Liyanage
TM Chirath De Silva
Toastmasters is a supportive community where driven individuals grow personally and socially, fostering friendships, fun, and skill development Highly recommended for anyone seeking growth!
After joining Toastmasters I got the opportunity to learn a lot about public speaking, Leadership, Communication styles. It helped me for my personal growth and the Members at the Panadura Toastmasters club were really supportive in the beginning They guided me through my speeches and Toastmaster pathway
TM Imandee Gunaratne
I’ve always wanted to overcome my weaknesses, with public speaking at the top of my list. That’s why I decided to join the Panadura Toastmasters Club From day one, I knew this was the perfect place to conquer my fear What I love most about the club is how friendly and welcoming the members are It truly feels like a family I’m excited to grow, improve myself, and create amazing memories with the PTM family.
TM Lithasa Rovinya
TM Manoj Perera
TM Priyantha Kodippili
Toastmasters is a platform dedicated to helping individuals improve their communication and leadership skills It provides a supportive environment for members to grow, share ideas, and achieve personal and professional goals. Join us to transform your potential into excellence!
When I reflect on my memory lane, I still remember the first day I visited Panadura Toastmasters Club It was a Valentine Themed meeting and that was the day my journey began I met some wonderful individuals, and was being mentored from the beginning which immensely contributed to my personal growth. I would define Toastmasters as a great platform for self-improvement, especially for young people
TM Nisheli batawala
Toastmasters is a supportive community where I get to develop my public speaking skills over time whilst embarking on growing my selfconfidence. Further, it helps me build communication & socializing skills since it is a place to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for personal and professional development
It's a great platform to experiment, fail, and learn I'm grateful to the Toastmasters founders Remember, every master was once a beginner I highly recommend Toastmasters for aspiring leaders and public speakers Plus, the club members are incredibly supportive and friendly
GRAMMARLY NARRATOR TOOLS
This popular tool isn’t just about checking grammar. Grammarly refines punctuation, spelling, and tone, helping you polish your speech The free version is robust, but its paid features, like plagiarism detection and AI enhancements, can take your writing further. Install the browser extension to streamline your editing process.
ENHANCE YOUR TOASTMASTERS JOURNEY WITH FREE TECH TOOLS
Timing and pronunciation are crucial for impactful speeches. Narrator software reads your speech aloud, helping you refine pacing and pronunciation Siri for iOS and Google Assistant for Android are handy free options, while paid tools like Natural Readers provide more natural-sounding voices.
ChatGPT is your go-to for brainstorming, drafting, and refining speeches Use it wisely as a tool to enhance creativity.
Article Written by Kavindu Bimsara
ONLINE TIMER APPS
Perfect your speech timing with tools like TM Timer or Heney Timer These simulate the Toastmasters timing system, ideal for practice or online meetings.
