ABOUT SIYANE’ TOASTMASTERS CLUB Siyane Toastmasters Club is affiliated to Toastmasters International. The club was chartered on 27th September 2010. Club number is 1553096 and it belongs to Area 3 of Division F in District 82.
President Pubudu Ginige
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
Vice President Membership Chandima Gayan
2020/2021 Executive Committee
Vice President Education Waruni Perera
Vice President Public Relations Roshini Perera
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.
Secretary Apsara Ranasinghe Treasurer Dilan Perera Sergeant –At-Arms Shamin Liyanage
For information on joining: siyane.toastmasters.club@gmail.com Article Submission: roshi83@gmail.com
Immediate Past President Chamin Athauda CHIEF EDITOR TM Roshini Perera
EDITORIAL TEAM DTM Shehara Dissanayaka TM Ruwanthi Perera TM Shanika Ranasinghe
2
AREA DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Managing a club with set goals in different aspects for a year is one of the valuable opportunity a person could have. I had that opportunity to serve in EXCO for two years. The confidence I gained from those forums, fueled me to take up the Area Director role this year and serve the area. The opportunity of exposing to Division & District leaders, who are masters in various industries, further en-
It is undoubted that leadership an essential fac-
ergized me to excel my true potential in lead-
tor for success. It is again a very common issue
ership. I realized that while practicing the
worldwide that good leaders are less in number
same concepts in my professional career.
and necessity for capable leaders increase day by day. The
comfortable
Finally, I’m quoting Mr John C. Maxwell; “A leader is one who knows the way, goes
and
friendly
platform
of
Toastmasters meetings allows members to share their views and experiences with others whilst providing the opportunity to learn from others. Having the opportunity of playing different roles at a Toastmaster meeting lets the individual learn the best practices of organizing, planning and executing without much effort but implants higher grade of key attributes of a leader in their soul. The art of inspiring people is also a valuable characteristic of a leader.
the way, and shows the way.” The importance of excellence is crucial for leaders to direct the followers. The basics of Excellency are practiced at Toastmaster
meetings. Breaking the glass ceiling in any platform is extraordinary. Such leaders engage not only in personal levels but also in organizational or mass scale. The current and past leaders of Siyane Toastmasters club set examples in the area and at the international level, proving the true
Moreover, the opportunities are plenty in the fraternity for the potential leaders to groom. I took all the leadership opportunities that came in my way. Facing the challenges and converting the challenges into successes in Toastmasters Club leadership roles, carry hidden management
leadership qualities.
Siyane Toastmasters Club is such an extraordinary organization which knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. I wish good luck to Siyane Toastmasters Club to live long to make leaders in the fraternity.
training for EXCO members.
TM Kanchana Lokunarangoda CC, CL Area Director - Area 3 / Division F 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The recently concluded 11th Installation Cere-
mony of the club is one of the best examples to prove our members' outstanding leadership qualities. Some of them engaged in such an activity for the first time in their career. But they all showcased their true potentials by actively engaging that mega event. Siyane is a club that has been functioning for over a decade. She is always ready to go out
of her territory to assist the other clubs and the community. It is great to see that the sea"Find a group of people who challenge and in-
soned Toastmasters always take the lead in
spire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it
such activities while others follow their foot-
will change your life forever" - Amy Poehler
steps.
It's a great honour to address you all as the 11 th
I'm very happy about the progress made over
President of Siyane Toastmasters Club in the
the past six months. The world at large has
first Newsletter for the year.
changed drastically in the last few months
with the ongoing pandemic situation. As alThe ten leaders who led the club this long have
ways, Siyane has been able to adapt and ad-
done a remarkable service to bring the club to
just quickly to continue its journey.
the current status with the support of other members. We have already taken the baton for-
With all the positive activities being carried
ward for six months in the current Toastmasters
out, I genuinely believe that Siyane and its
year with some exciting experience with sixty
members are ready to meet our theme for the
diverse and multi-talented Siyane Family mem-
year "Make an Impact" at the end of the
bers.
Toastmaster year.
I'm truly privileged to associate with such a
I wish all of you and your families health and
great set of individuals and to have worked
safety !!!
closely with them over the last five and a half years as a club member. The exposure that I got over the period is truly invaluable. Siyane is blessed to have members who are always ready to grab chances coming their
way. 4
TM Pubudu Ginige CC, CL President Siyane Toastmasters Club
Inside this issue: Leaders Made in the Installation
06
Installation 2020/2021 Highlights
08
It Seems Impossible Until it is Done — DTM Shehara Dissanayake
10
Amplify to Empower — TM Eranga Dilhan
11
Contest Season Highlights
12
One Step at a Time —DTM Ruwan Jayasooriya
13
Educational Meeting Highlights — Halloween/ Joint Meeting3
14
Where Leaders are Made — TM Sulakshi Mudannayake
15
Everything is Possible with a “Precise Plan” — TM Nilantha Bandara
16
The Sri Lankan Century – A wake-up-call for Sri Lankans
17
—TM Janaka Weerasuriya
Event report by TM Jesmine Zain
5
Article Leaders Made in the Installation by TM Janaka Weerasuriya As a team, Siyane Toastmasters club has been able to conclude the most glamorous installation ceremony in September 2020. I
The master plan was finalized after getting in-
was lucky enough to be behind the screen as
puts from the members, leaders of each group
the installation chair of that ceremony. Key
and executive committee members. Group lead-
pillars of the success of the event were
ers came with proposals and action plans for
everyone’s unity, commitment and attitude
each task. Those were wonderful ideas. When
towards working for a common goal.
required, necessary changes were made after
After I was assigned the role, I started to
discussing with the team members because we
learn
only had a few weeks for preparations and the
and study what this event
was
about and what were the objectives behind
budget was a critical factor for expenditures.
that. I discussed with past leaders who had
Every team member dedicated their time and
handled the same role and understood where
resources and had been preparing and doing
success was and where it could have been
rehearsals to get the maximum output to suc-
improved.
ceed in the event. Each group leader worked
The strategic approach of running the event
tirelessly.
was to divide key tasks into small groups and
The ceremony was coloured by the chief guest,
assign leaders for each to work with their
DTM Nisal Weerakoon, the club growth director -
members. Almost all members, especially
District 82, the keynote speaker DTM Balraj
who
Arunasalam, the past president of Toastmasters
confirmed
their
participation,
were
assigned to one of the groups. Some of the
International,
members voluntarily joined several groups.
guests.
Eradicating all barriers for communication
thoughts on Siyane Toastmasters Club in every
always
among
aspect. We celebrated the 10 years of journey of
members. There were ten groups, and all
the Siyane Toastmasters club in the latter part of
leaders were assigned to a separate group.
the ceremony. Everyone danced, sang and en-
Each group created chat groups, and it was
joyed together at the end.
maintained
transparency
and many more distinguished
All participants
shared their good
an excellent method when quick and easy communication is required. Event management, finance, registration, public relations, decoration, masters of
cer-
emonies, entertainment, awards, installation
As per the theme of the event, we were able to “Make an Impact” on everyone’s life.
and visitor management were the groups who executed the master plan. Each group
TM Janaka Weerasuriya
had an action plan, and those were reviewed weekly.
6
Achievements
7
Event INSTALLATION 2020/2021 AND 10th CLUB ANNIVERSARY
8
Event
9
Article It seems impossible until it is done by DTM Shehara Dissanayake When I was attending the District Officer Training Program (DOTP) as an Area Director in June 2016, the training was mostly co-
Looking at the scope in an overall sense, the
ordinated by the Administrative Manager at
District Administrative Manager position is
that time, Srianthi Salgado, DTM. Being in
similar to the club Secretary role.
the audience, I wondered what a critical and
Keeping and publishing accurate records of
important responsibility it must be to be hold-
district meetings, and organizing and coordi-
ing that position and manage everything to
nating district meetings are the main respon-
precision. I remember asking myself whether
sibilities of the office.
I would ever have what it takes to hold that position and perform those duties. She com-
Listening skills, conflict resolution, ability to
municated all the important information of the
filter information, ability to choose what to
District throughout the year to the district of-
say and what not to say, ability to speak up
ficers.
when it is required, maintaining a positive at-
Four years down the line, here I am
titude at all times, importance of giving
holding that position. The question I had
prompt and professional feedback, ability to
absorb negative feedback, taking ownership
in my mind in 2016 was long gone when I re-
for mistakes made and ability to draw the line
ceived the call from the incoming district
between what I should be doing and what I
leadership in April 2020.
should let others do are some of the skills that I am experiencing with this leadership
It has been six months as Administrative
position. These skills and the skills I have
Manager of District 82 and it has been a very
gained in my leadership journey as a Toast-
enjoyable journey so far. What I saw the Ad-
master are vital to me. Vital not only in my
ministrative Manager do in 2016 at the
Toastmasters journey, but they have mould-
DOTP, I did it!! Organizing and being the
ed me to be successful in handling different
host of the event was a new and exciting ex-
types of situations personally and profession-
perience. Yes, I joined Toastmasters to over-
ally as well.
come my fear of public speaking, but never did I think that I would have the nerve to
The main learning in my 8-year journey in
speak to the district leaders the way I did and
Toastmasters is that “it always seems impos-
still do. Ever since I took up a leadership po-
sible until it’s done”. In 2016 I thought it was
sition as Secretary of the club in 2013 up
impossible. In 2020 here I am making it pos-
to date, each leadership position that has led
sible. All thanks to Toastmasters.
me to the current position has taught me new
skills. The Administrative Manager position is yet another learning to me.
DTM Shehara Dissanayake 10
Article Amplify to Empower by TM Eranga Dilhan When I was about to complete my tenure as the President of my loving club in 2019, I was invited to take a district role as the Area Di-
1. The commitment of the leaders of each
rector for Area F3 in the following year. I
club and perseverance shown despite
thought of grabbing this opportunity although
challenges.
I was not quite clear what was expected of
2. Frequent
me. It was a great challenge for me to ensure
engagement
with
the
clubs
through participation in educational and
that Area F3 maintains the same spirit and
EXCO meetings.
performance of the previous year.
3. Providing equal opportunities to members from all the clubs at events in the area
However, there are inspirational leaders in
and division.
the fraternity who know the art of unleashing
4. Confidence that we had in each club's
their teams' true potential through empower-
leadership and members whilst creating a
ment and building confidence. I was so
supportive environment.
blessed to have such a great personality as
5. Support of the senior Toastmasters in my
the Division Director - DTM Ganga Fernando.
club and in the area in all forms of en-
The first discussion that I had with her in-
gagement
spired me to start the journey with the faith
6. Outstanding contribution from my support-
within me that I could move mountains. This
ing team in the area (Ruwanthi, Chiran-
brought about the theme "Amplify" to empow-
tha, Nuwan and Kanchana).
er all members of Area F3 with the following
7. Visionary leadership with empathy from
ambitious goals as we began the year
the Division Director.
2019/2020 whilst adhering to core values of Toastmasters:
It was an incredible journey full of accom-
1. Amplify the quality of club proceedings.
plishments, challenges, ups and downs. The
2. Amplify the membership strength.
experience I gained was exceptional as a
3. Amplify the exposure and opportunities
leader. Whilst I am delighted with what we
for the members.
achieved surpassing objectives and goals we set at the beginning of the year, the utmost
To make this a reality, we set an annual plan
satisfaction is that no one in the area gave up
for the area and respective clubs to ensure
the mission despite all the challenges we
that they invest time towards planning at the
came across. Endurance that held us to-
beginning of the year. Furthermore, the fol-
gether throughout as a team made us
lowing factors strengthened me as a leader
amplify the impact.
as well as the area to be successful:
TM Eranga Dilhan 11
Achievements
Humorous Speech and Evaluation Speech Contest
CLUB
AREA
DIVISION
Timer—TM Isuru Ehelepola
MC—TM Ishani Mirihagalla 12
Article One Step at a Time by DTM Ruwan Jayasooriya Benefits I reap being a Toastmaster are
The real self-reflection of my leadership traits
numerous. Out of many, the leadership
was possible when I played the untitled lead-
opportunities I received are on the top of the
ership role last year. The High-Performance
list. I was very fortunate to be appointed as
Leadership project completed with four giants
the Sergeant-at-Arms just after one month of
of the fraternity was the period I enjoyed the
my arrival to Siyane. Since then, I have not
most in my leadership journey. Workshops
spent a single year in my Toastmasters
conducted for undergraduates in different
journey without playing a leadership role. I
universities and higher education institutes
served in the Club's Executive Committee as
gave the real satisfaction of practicing the
a Sergeant-at-Arms, Treasurer, Vice Presi-
core value, Service. Learning to adjust our
th
dent Education. I became the 7 President
strategies to cater to the young generation's
of Siyane Toastmasters Club in 2016. These
requirement was the key benefit we gained.
roles taught me a plethora of leadership
The request to be the Assistant Chief Judge
lessons which I had never experienced be-
of District 82 is the best opportunity I've got
fore. How to deal with people, be multitask-
to serve the fraternity while being in the field
ing,
extensive follow-up, and keep the
I'm passionate most about: Training. Working
team's focus and value of perseverance are
closely with a Toastmaster like DTM Zameen
some of them. These helped me to find the
M Saleem is exploring new areas of
competitive edge in my profession as well.
knowledge. Understanding the importance of
I
ad-
proper referencing, using experience in
vice: "Never stay away from leadership. It is
decision making, and critical thinking to solve
the force which will keep you growing".
problems are some of the personal benefits I
After the club level leadership journey, I em-
receive.
braced two district leadership opportuni-
I am looking forward to the second half of my
ties: as the Club Extension Chair of Sri
tenure.
Lanka, and an Area Director in the consecu-
Every time I commit to serve in a
tive years. The exposure I gained from those
ship role, I acquire a different set of skills and
leadership roles was at a different magni-
knowledge. That is the real payback for the
tude. Identifying active and impactful players
commitment and efforts. Toastmasters is the
of the teams, the art of pursuing without
best nurturing ground for anyone who would
pushing,
and
like to travel the leadership journey in life.
changing strategies to deliver results under
Be ready. The next opportunity will be yours.
recall
DTM
Sudash
inspiring
large
Liyanage's
groups,
leader-
any circumstance were some of the valuable lessons I learnt during these two years. DTM Ruwan Jayasooriya 13
Event HALLOWEEN IN STYLE
Joint Meeting with Voice of Colombo Toastmasters Club
14
Article Where Leaders are Made by TM Sulakshi Mudannayake My first leadership experience at Toastmas-
Having identified the potentials and skills of
ters was as a Sub Committee leader at the
each member, I allocated tasks accordingly.
installation ceremony. This role resulted in
No matter how good you plan, things can still
personal growth and confidence that I now
go wrong. Six out of ten bulbs for the table
see as transformative, in my leadership
decorations were in fragments just the day
progression.
before the Installation Ceremony. However,
The first person you should lead is yourself.
quick decisions and with the help of my
You earn the right to lead others when they
father and many others, I was able to face
see you lead your own life well. Elizabeth
such unexpected challenges. Now, I do not
McCormick once said “True leadership mas-
let difficulties and hardships become oppos-
tery begins when you FLY. First Lead Your-
ing forces that create barriers, but I challenge
self”. By being a Sub Committee leader, I
myself to think better, to do better and to be
acquired the knowledge of leading myself by
better.
seeing the giant pillars of Siyane do it
Adding colour to the installation ceremony
themselves. I planned the entire event sever-
was not easy if not for the five team mem-
al weeks prior to the long-awaited day. Jot-
bers TM Kishani, TM Ishani, TM Sithmi, TM
ting down a ‘To-Do List’ and prioritizing the
Heshani and TM Sathindri, not forgetting the
work were the tasks I carried out first. Next, I
assistance, suggestions and guidance of the
organized and managed my activities for the
Event Chair - TM Janaka, the President - TM
remaining days to achieve the planned activities.
I
focused
on
getting
Pubudu, Vice President Public Relations -
the
TM Roshini and TM Praweena.
decorations ready as early as possible, since
I believe that I have gained experience and
last-minute preparations might be risky. I led
confidence to play more leadership roles.
myself.
Now I try to step up as a leader whenever possible, because it allows me to develop
Being in the decoration team made me real-
skills in communication, delegation, and
ize, the more the suggestions, the better the
managing multiple tasks and meeting dead-
decorations would be. Suggestions of my
lines.
teammates were precious. The collective decision-making made it possible for us to come up with an elegant design for the entrance, and creative table decorations. I learnt to listen to and respect the ideas of my
teammates.
TM Sulakshi Mudannayake 15
15
Article Everything is Possible with a “Precise Plan” by TM Nilantha Bandara There were just two months remaining to
Inspiration
complete the Toastmaster year
2019/20,
There were many obstacles due to inade-
when I was assigned as the club coach of
quate membership and commitment from ex-
Minuwangoda Toastmasters club. We had to
isting members; therefore, club leadership
turn the club “Upside down” to achieve
could have given up the challenge easily.
“Distinguished status” within just 60 days,
Frequent communications were done through
and it became more challenging since I was
veteran Toastmasters in Siyane family, which
working in a different country, India. My in-
would assist them to stay in touch without
stincts said, “Nilantha, Your master plan
giving up the challenge. We had to wait pa-
needs to be executed precisely to cross this
tiently by providing frequent advice to mem-
milestone”.
bers of Minuwangoda Toastmasters club, believing “There will be a light at the end of the
Turn Adversity to an Opportunity
tunnel”.
Although we were experiencing a pandemic
Peer Support
situation due to COVID 19, it was a blessing
The journey towards excellence would not
for us since the meetings were supposed to
have been a reality without the extreme sup-
be conducted through an online platform. I
port from Siyane family members.
could easily connect to regular meetings
They
were behind me from the day this seed was
while staying at home quarantine. The
planted until it became a plant, nurturing it all
knowledge enhancement on the meeting pro-
the way through.
cedures was practised effectively during edu-
I always believe that precise planning will re-
cational meetings to bring members back on
solve 80% of the problem, which will lead to
track.
a smooth execution to conquer the journey to
Groom Executive Committee members
reach any dream destination. There will be
Most of the leading team members of the
obstacles, but those will be wiped out if you
club were relatively new to Toastmasters fra-
have “courage” and “Never give up” attitude!
ternity except the President. So guiding them
“Our goals can only be reached through a
in the right direction had been a key attribute
vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently
in the journey. One strategy was to assign
believe, and upon which we must vigorously
experienced members from Siyane Toast-
act. There is no other route to success.” –
masters club, those who were in the same
Pablo Picasso
leadership capacity. This mentor-mentee re-
lationship played a major role in terms of shifting their mindset to be more responsible leaders in the club.
TM Nilantha Bandara 16
Event The Sri Lankan Century:
A wake-up-call for Sri Lankans “The best way to build our nation is to
The spokesperson revealed the specks of his
assess facts and live by the truth,” be-
ordinary to extraordinary journey to rise as a
ing the gist of the addressing, on December
powerful influencer. Whilst emphasizing the
16, 2020, we were privileged to witness the
invincible civilization Sri Lanka once had as a
speech titled “The Sri Lankan Century:
country, what his powerful words flaunted
Opportunity, Adversity, Philosophy, con-
was pure ingenuity itself. Those words could
ducted by one of the best entrepreneurial
influence even the most oblivious person to
professionals Sri Lanka has ever got, Execu-
excavate history and apply those lessons. He
tive Group Director, Capital Maharaja Group
stressed that if we stand undivided as a na-
- Mr Chevaan Daniel, who has acquired nu-
tion, we can resolve the critical economic
merous accomplishments to his name.
state we currently face. No sooner he concluded the speech than the questions began
The special session, organized by the Execu-
pouring in, and he was generous enough to
tive Committee of Siyane Toastmasters’
answer a few of those as well.
Club, was partaken by the District Director Noorul Munawwara, DTM, the District Chief
TM Jesmine Zain
Judge Zameen M., Saleem, DTM, and the current Division Director Shazuli Raheem, DTM.
17