Plan, coordinate, and execute successful Toastmasters speech and table topics contests
A sizzling barbecue brought friends together over smoky, delicious bites BATTLE OF WORDS NEXT GENERATION NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Youth Leadership Program empowered students with confidence, communication, and leadership skills
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
WE MEET EVERY 1ST & 3RD SATURDAYS FROM 2PM TO 5PM
MEETING LOCATION
CLUB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
Malindu Batheegama malindureventon@gmail com | 0706114882
VP EDUCATION
Ranudi Kulathunga ranudi.kulathunga@gmail.com / 0752231030
VP MEMBERSHIPS
Venuja Laksika Venuja071@gmail.com / 0768416713
VP PUBLIC RELATIONS
Dilshan Madushanka dilshanmad@gmail com / 0778290043
Chathuni De Alwis chathunialwis27@gmail com | 0740601627
Parami Jayamuni parami1228@gmail.com | 0707505948
Kavindu Bimsara kavindubimsara@gmail.com | 0710119042
PAST
Pamesha Peiris pameshapeiris@gmail com | 0774234496
DIVISON DIRECTORS
INSIGHT
A MESSAGE FROM DIVISON DIRECTOR
AREA DIRECTOR SPEAKS
A MESSAGE FROM AREA DIRECTOR
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT
A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT
EDITORIAL
A MESSAGE FROM EDITOR
CONTEST BEYOND THE COMPETITION
PLANNING & COORDINATION
BATTLE OF WORDS
SPEAK, COMPETE & CONQUER
NIGHT TO REMEMBER
PTM BBQ NIGHT
EXCO TALKS
HAPPY EXCO
STAGE OF EXCELLENCE
SHINING MOMENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
RECENT EVENTS
CONTEST SUCCESS
CRAFTING IMPACTFUL SPEECHES
NEW MEMBER CORNER
NEW MEMBER THOUGHTS
CRAFTING IMPACTFUL SPEECHES
ARTICLE
UPCOMING EVENTS
PREVIEW
PTM CALENDER
Dear Panadura Toastmasters Club Members,
In today’s world, effective communication and confident leadership are more important than ever.
Toastmasters International has been a guiding light for those looking to enhance their speaking and leadership skills
At Panadura Toastmasters Club, we witness how this journey shapes personal and professional growth.
What starts as a goal to overcome stage fear soon evolves into building confidence, clear articulation, and persuasive communication skills that enhance careers, interviews, and daily interactions.
Leadership roles like Toastmaster and evaluator teach teamwork, organization, and decision-making, fostering the ability to inspire and lead effectively
Beyond skill-building, Toastmasters is a supportive community where members take risks, learn, and grow.
As we approach the final four months of the 2024/2025 Toastmasters year, lets embrace new challenges and finish strong leaving a legacy of growth, inspiration, and excellence!
TM Gazzaly Moulana | Division DirectorDivision I 2024-2025
Dear Panadura Toastmasters Club Members,
Panadura Toastmasters Club is a shining example of excellence, with its vibrant culture, dedicated members, and a committed executive team. As your Area Director, I am thrilled to engage with such an energetic and inspiring club!
Your commitment to preparation, guest engagement, and high-quality feedback truly sets you apart. The continued support from past members has been invaluable in sustaining your legacy of excellence I encourage all members to embrace Toastmasters’ core values integrity, respect, service, and excellence— while actively participating and uplifting one another
A special congratulations to President Malindu Batheegama for securing 1st runner-up in the Area I International Speech Contest! Your collective efforts will surely lead you to even greater success Wishing you all the best!
TM Zaharine R Hameen | Area Director – Area I4
Over the past nine months, the club has successfully executed various projects, fulfilling its role as a community-driven entity. These achievements were not the result of individual efforts but rather the collective strength of teamwork, resilience, and dedication
Effective collaboration is essential, with leaders delegating tasks strategically based on team members' strengths. Mutual trust and respect create a cohesive environment, ensuring smooth project execution
Resilience plays a key role in overcoming challenges, not just at an individual level but collectively, allowing the team to navigate obstacles and grow stronger
Dedication fuels long-term success, driving members to invest time and effort in achieving a shared vision. Without it, even well-structured plans may fail. The past months highlight the impact of these values, positioning the club for future accomplishments By upholding teamwork, resilience, and dedication, the club will continue to thrive as a strong community force.
TM Malindu Batheegama | President of Panadura Toastmasters Club
Toastmasters is “where leaders are made”, and speech contests, while we focus on finding great speakers, is also a great opportunity to develop our leadership capabilities Managing a smooth contest requires a significant amount of planning, organizing, coordination and teamwork which are all essential aspects of a great leader These are in turn reflected in our lives outside Toastmasters as well especially in our corporate life
A well-managed contest is not an event that can be arranged overnight This fact is often overlooked and results in mediocre performances by contest officials
A professional contest mainly consists of the following:
Announcing the date of the contest well in advance. i.e. at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the contest.
Reserving a venue conducive to hold a Toastmasters speech contest.
Reserving the date and time with the Chief judge in advance. This allows the Chief judge to find a well-composed panel of judges to provide a balanced and fair result
1Informing the contestants in advance along with contest documents gives them ample time to go through, fill and resend completed documents without pushing them at the last minute
Appointing of contest officials – contest masters, tally counters, timers and sergeants at arms This would enable the contest masters to find and fine-tune their scripts, rehearse and be confidently ready to play their role.
Preparing for and conducting the contestant briefing and the role player briefing in a professional manner so that everyone is aware of their duties and responsibilities at the contest
Preparation of contest documents - judges’ ballot sheets, certificates, etc
These fall under the contest chair’s responsibilities Contests, in Toastmasters, is not only for the contestants There is so much that goes behind the scenes to make sure that the stage is all set for them to perform Being a part of the contest management team that makes it happen is a great opportunity to enhance our leadership skills
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY DTM SHEHARA DISSANAYAKE DISTRICT CONTEST CHAIR
- 2024/2025
February 22, 2025, was a morning full of energy, excitement, and unforgettable speeches at the Panadura Toastmasters Club Contests. The room buzzed with anticipation as members took the stage to compete in the International Speech Contest (ISC) and Table Topics Contest (TTC)
In the ISC, Nimasha Fernando stole the spotlight, earning 1st place with a speech that was both powerful and thought-provoking. Malindu Batheegama followed closely behind, securing 2nd place with a heartfelt and resonant message The TTC pushed contestants to think on their feet, with the topic “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Mehansa Chanmini delivered a winning response, while Ranudi Kulathunga claimed 2nd place with quick wit and confidence
The event ran smoothly, thanks to Contest Chair TM Kavindu Fernando, along with the energetic Contest Masters, TM Gamitha Jayalath (ISC) and TM Yenuli Jayathilake (TTC). DTM Hingston Lovell ensured a fair and transparent contest as Chief Judge
Beyond the competition, contestant interviews gave everyone a chance to share their thoughts and experiences, making the event even more memorable Participation certificates were handed out, celebrating the courage and dedication of every speaker.
It was more than just a contest—it was a celebration of passion, talent, and the magic of public speaking!
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY TM YENULI JAYATHILAKE CONTEST MASTER -TABLE TOPICS 2025
The Panadura Toastmasters Club recently concluded an inspiring Youth Leadership Program (YLP), a unique initiative aimed at shaping the next generation of confident and capable leaders Designed to enhance public speaking, communication, and leadership skills, the program provided an invaluable platform for young individuals to grow and develop essential life skills As a member of the Panadura Toastmasters Club and the co-coordinator of this program, I am proud to share our journey
The Youth Leadership Program commenced on the 12th of October 2024 and was conducted for the boys of Kalutara Vidyalaya National School. With the guidance of our coordinator, TM Ranudi Kulathunga, and the support of many dedicated Toastmasters, we successfully provided these young leaders with a transformative learning experience The program was designed to help them gain confidence, enhance their speaking abilities, and develop essential leadership qualities that will benefit them in their future endeavors
Throughout the program, we conducted a series of educational sessions that allowed participants to improve their communication and leadership skills These sessions covered various aspects such as speech organization, active listening, critical thinking, and teamwork The boys actively participated in impromptu speaking exercises, speech evaluations, and leadership-building activities, which helped them develop the confidence to express themselves effectively. The mentorship and guidance provided by experienced Toastmasters played a crucial role in their growth, ensuring that each participant received personalized feedback and encouragement.
One of the key factors behind the success of this initiative was the unwavering commitment of our fellow Toastmasters, who volunteered their time and expertise to mentor and inspire these young individuals. Guest speakers and experienced members of our club shared valuable insights, motivating the participants to strive for excellence in communication and leadership. The interactive nature of the sessions helped the boys engage more actively, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among them
Although this phase of the Youth Leadership Program has concluded, our journey is not yet over A grand finale will take place in the near future, where participants will have another opportunity to display their progress and celebrate their achievements This upcoming event will serve as a testament to the impact of the program and the dedication of everyone involved in making it a success
Being part of this initiative has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing these young individuals evolve into confident speakers and future leaders is a reminder of why we, as Toastmasters, continue to invest in youth development The Panadura Toastmasters Club remains committed to nurturing young minds, empowering them to overcome challenges, and helping them unlock their full potential The impact of this program will undoubtedly resonate for years to come as these young leaders continue their journey of growth and success
The program concluded with an exciting contest, where participants had the opportunity to showcase the skills they had developed throughout the sessions This competition allowed them to demonstrate their confidence, articulation, and leadership abilities in a structured environment It was truly inspiring to witness their transformation and growth over the weeks of training Parents, teachers, and fellow Toastmasters attended the event and were amazed by the confidence and enthusiasm displayed by the young leaders
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY TM PARAMI JAYAMUNI
YLP PROGRAM VOLUNTEER - 2025
Sipping on Sunset Perfection
While the grill worked its magic, another star of the evening was the refreshing selection of drinks that kept everyone cool As we sipped on chilled, fruity beverages, the setting sun painted the sky in mesmerizing hues of orange, pink, and purple The golden glow reflected off the cups in our hands, making for a picture-perfect moment With a gentle evening breeze adding to the ambiance, conversations flowed effortlessly People shared stories some humorous, some heartfelt reminiscing about past club events, personal milestones, and even their own secret BBQ recipes The joy of simply being present in the moment, surrounded by good friends and good food, was something that words could barely capture.
As the night unfolded, just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, out came a delightful surprise a beautifully decorated yellow cake, adorned with swirls of whipped cream, chocolate decorations, and topped with two sparklers that lit up the room
The cheers and applause that followed were a reflection of the excitement and joy that had built up throughout the evening With every slice of cake, there was a sense of celebration not just for the occasion at hand, but for the friendships we had strengthened, the memories we had made, and the laughter we had shared The cake was more than just a dessert; it was a sweet symbol of togetherness, a perfect way to conclude an already perfect night
More Than Just a BBQ—A Night of Memories
Looking back, this BBQ Bash wasn’t just about food it was about connection, about the simple yet profound joy of sharing a meal with
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY TM NIMASHA FERNANDO
President - Malindu Batheegama, TM
Wow, what a year! Leading this team has been an incredible ride We aimed high, tackled challenges together, and had a lot of fun along the way It’s much we’ve grown both as a club and as individu
VP Education - Ranudi Kulatunga, TM
Absolutely Malindu! It’s been inspiring to see our members step out of their comfort h every speech and role Learning has never been this exciting, m so proud of what we’ve achieved together!
VP Memberships - Venuja Laksika, TM
And the best part? We got to do it with an amazing group of people! Welcoming new members and keeping our club engaged has been such a rewarding experience Seeing friendships and confidence grow has been the highlight of my term!
VP Public Relations - Dilshan Madushanka, TM
enuja! Spreading the word about our club and making Panadura an absolute joy From creative campaigns to fun social media made sure everyone knows what an awesome club we are!
Secretary - Chathuni De Alwis, TM
Treasurer - Parami Jayamuni, TM
And we made sure we had the resources to keep things running! Managing the club’s finances was a great challenge, but we balanced the books while supporting all the exciting activities A solid financial foundation means more growth ahead!
Sergeant at Arms - Kavindu Bimsara, TM
And of cour everyone felt
We celebrate not just the winners but every participant who took the stage, shared their voice, and inspired us all Your journey in public speaking is a testament to your growth and commitment. Keep striving for excellence!
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:
What’s the secret to winning a contest? Learn from Champion Speakers
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.
2. Choose an Engaging Topic
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
Article Written by Ranudi Kulatunga (VP Education) District 82 Humorous speech contest finalist - 2023
Study the judging criteria carefully 40% for speech development, 40% for content, and 20% for language. Ensure every element earns maximum points.
Master Timing 5 Rehearse and Seek Feedback
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,
TM Binadha Dulain
PTM Club and Toastmasters offer a supportive space to grow as a speaker and leader Whether you're overcoming stage fear or refining your skills, the friendly atmosphere makes learning enjoyable It's a great place to gain confidence, connect with others, and have fun while improving communication skills
TM Madushi Kodikara
TM Malika Jayathissa
PTM gave me a warm welcome on my first day The members are very friendly and supportive I joined to improve my English speaking skills, and the club provides a great environment to learn I highly recommend it to anyone looking to build confidence in speaking
PTM Club and Toastmasters have truly transformed my communication and leadership skills The supportive environment and inspiring members push me to grow every day. It's not just a club; it's a family where we celebrate growth, embrace challenges, and achieve excellence together I’m proud to be part of this journey!
TM Chenuli Sahansa
Joining panadura Toastmasters club has been an incredible experience. The community is welcoming, and the activities are always engaging and fun I’ve learned so much, made lasting friendships, and truly feel like a part of something special I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a place to grow and connect ��
TM Senumi Thewansa
I had the opportunity to participate in the Toastmasters Club Panadura as a guest for two meetings Even as a guest, I felt welcomed and included by every member In just those two days, I learned valuable techniques and how supportive and encouraging the environment is. It motivated me to become a member, so I too can develop my skills and grow alongside such an amazing group of people
TM Yumeth Samaka
TM Dulasi Nisakya
Joining the PTM Club and Toastmasters has been an incredible journey of growth and confidence-building The supportive environment, engaging speeches, and constructive feedback make it the perfect place to develop communication and leadership skills It’s more than a club,it’s a community that inspires success
TM Kusal Pramodh
I recently joined Panadura Toastmasters and have been truly impressed by its welcoming atmosphere In a short time, I’ve witnessed incredible speeches, showcasing members’ talent, eloquence, and confidence Their growth inspires me, making me eager to embark on my own journey, honing communication and leadership skills within this amazing community
On my first day, I was nervous about attending the meeting But after introducing myself, I felt relieved. Everyone at Panadura Toastmasters is supportive, creating a safe space to improve presentation skills Now, I aspire to deliver speeches like them and am glad I joined hat I decided to join Panadura Toastmasters club
