Moving Mountains

Moving Mountains Message from the Editor

It is with pleasure that I pen this short message as the Editor of the newsletter of The Colombo Toastmasters Club for 2022/23. It was a privilege to be tasked with editing this prestigious publication and I hope I have lived up to the exacting standards of this club that has taught me and others so much.

While editing this content, it dawned on me that condensing memories and experiences into a mere page or two of writing is as challenging as sticking to the time limit of a prepared speech. Yet as Toastmasters and storytellers, it is our calling to strive to condense our thoughts and ideas, be they written or spoken, to a length that’s most profitable to our audiences.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all members who took valuable time off of their busy schedules to contribute content in

Rangitha Kuruppu Vice President Public Relations (2022/23)

the form of messages, articles, and quizzes. You certainly made the newsletter colourful and made my task easier by providing insightful content with barely any editing or formatting to be done.

I would also be failing in my duty if I fail to recognise the President and the Executive Committee for the guidance and support given during the process of compiling this newsletter and throughout my tenure as Vice President Public Relations for the term 2022/23.

Happy reading!

Moving Mountains Message from the President

I love reading stories— particularly stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

I recently read the story of Dashrath Manjhi—a labourer near Gaya, India—who manually carved a mountain to connect his village and the town of Gaya. After 22 years of daily labour, he carved a path through a ridge of hills allowing his community to access nearby healthcare facilities. It was a long journey around the mountains otherwise. In 2016, Indian Post issued a postage stamp featuring him.

I feel we can draw inspiration from the story of Manjhi to take our Toastmasters learning experience to greater heights. Though it seems cumbersome, what Manjhi did was quite simple. He ensured that he spent at least five to six hours of labour every day to accomplish his goal while attending to his full-time job as a labourer. If we can follow the same principle as Toastmas-

Sanath Mahawithanage President (2022/23)

ters who are committed to our growth and development, we can make our learning journey more impactful and effective. As Manjhi did, success is inevitable if we invest quality time in our growth and development every day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our club’s Past Presidents, Executive Committee members, and the general membership for their unwavering enthusiasm and support throughout the past months.

Together we have moved many mountains!

Night of Legends

The 39th Presidential Installation Ceremony

The Colombo Toastmasters Club is the oldest Toastmasters club in South Asia and has been serving its membership and the community for over three decades. Since inception, the strength of our membership has been consistent and currently we are a club with 89 members—one of the highest. Being the pioneers in Sri Lanka, the club has gone on to produce International Presidents to the Toastmasters International community.

Being a Toastmasters club that has produced 38 visionary leaders to the society, we recently held our 39th Presidential Installation Ceremony which was titled the “Night of Legends” on 28th November 2022 at Galadari Colombo’s Salon Bougainvillaea.

The ceremony was graced by many dignitaries and District 82 officials. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was the Deputy British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ms. Lisa Whanstall and the Guest of Honour was

Harshi Wijendra Project Co-chair

the Past International President Balraj Arunasalam, DTM. Official invitees representing District 82 included District Director Nisal Weerakoon, DTM, Programme Quality Director Mahinda

Karunakara, DTM, and Club Growth Director Ganga Fernando, DTM while officials representing Division A included Division Director Ruwani Wimalasena, DTM.

The Inducting Officer of the Installation Ceremony was veteran Toastmaster and Past District Director

Sarmaa Mahalingam, DTM. The incoming Executive Committee was installed and pinned by the Guest of Honour and District Director. The Executive Committee with the theme for the term “Let’s Move Mountains” were installed as follows:

• President: TM Sanath Mahawithanage

• Vice President Education: TM

Thilini Agalawatta

• Vice President Membership: TM Thyagi Swaris

• Vice President Public Relations: TM Rangitha Kuruppu

• Secretary: TM Harshi Wijendra

• Treasurer: TM Prathab Naidu

• Sergeant-at-Arms: TM Senura Perera

• Immediate Past President: Shyamalie Jayasekera, DTM

Appreciation awards were given to the past Counsellors of The Colombo Gavel Club, Chrishanthi Emmanuel, DTM and TM Qadijah Irshad for their commitment in guiding The Colombo Gavel Club. President’s special recognition awards were

announced for Hingston Lovell, DTM and Ruwan Jayasooriya, DTM for being Chief Judges at club contests in 2022.

Immediate Past President Shyamalie Jayasekera, DTM took the liberty in explaining the award criteria for the Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year 2021/22 award and announced TM Harshi Wijendra as the recipient. The entertainment lineup included the dinner-time standup comedy act by TM Ravindu Amendra of the Readers Toastmasters Club.

The 39th Presidential Installation Ceremony concluded with glamour and camaraderie marking a new chapter in The Colombo Toastmasters Club in moving yet another mountain.

Some thoughts on the two Speechcraft Programmes at Sanken Overseas

A Speechcraft Programme at Sanken Overseas is always a learning experience. Having coordinated one four years back, I jumped at the opportunity to be a coordinator once again.

Let me explain why.

Ninety percent of the participants were graduates from the engineering faculties of the Universities of Moratuwa or Peradeniya and ninety percent of them come from very simple families in rural areas. Going to very basic schools with very limited facilities and then boom, they get through the Grade 5 Scholar-

Mohan Morais President (2018/19)

ship Exam and move into better schools with better facilities.

Time goes by and amidst a lot of challenges, they get selected for a university. Now campus life is a whole new ball game. After leaving their family and hometown for an entirely different space—four years later they graduate!

The programmes were conducted simultaneously in two batches

For those who are wondering how I know this—I listen very carefully to their Ice Breaker speeches and every Ice Breaker is a story of hardship, motivation, perseverance, and success. So why do I jump at the opportunity to be a coordinator at Sanken? Because it always reinforces in me the saying, “if there is a will, there is a way!”

“If there is a will, there is a way”

As a Toastmaster, coordinating or participating in any Speechcraft Programme is a fast-tracked learning experience. The programme for Sanken Overseas uplifted not only my communication and leadership skills, but people management, time management, and coordination skills as well.

Gaining and sharing experience and wisdom with senior managers who are non-Toastmasters was quite exciting. Support from the top management of Sanken Overseas is commendable and I gained an insight into the organisation’s Jap-

anese roots. The camaraderie between fellow club members of The Colombo Toastmasters Club throughout the sessions made me so proud.

Fellow members, participate in more and more Speechcraft Programmes and expand your network to become a net-worth individual!

The Colombo Toastmasters Club conducted two Speechcraft Programmes for Sanken Overseas from October to December 2022. The programmes were coordinated by Mohan Morais (President –2018/19 and Sarmaa Mahalingam, DTM (President – 2014/15).

Speechcrafters from the two batches with coordinators and facilitators from The Colombo Toastmasters Club

Sarmaa Mahalingam, DTM President (2014/15)

Jingle & Mingle

Annual Christmas-themed Meeting and Party

Having come to the end of yet another successful calendar year, it was time to celebrate victories and applaud hard work with the customary Christmas-themed meeting and party.

The event for 2022 was titled “Jingle & Mingle” and was held on the 16th of December. The theme was carefully selected after much consideration to capture the essence of Christmas and the joy of coming together to celebrate a very special time of the year.

The opening remarks for the evening were delivered by President TM Sanath Mahawithanage, officially marking the launch of the evening’s activities followed by a few words in

Thyagi Swaris Project Chair

recognition of the Past Presidents of the Club. The night’s proceedings were then handed over to the lovely TM Shashikala Wanigasinghe and the charming TM Rangitha Kuruppu— the Masters of Ceremonies of Jingle & Mingle 2022.

The evening commenced with a Round Robin session and a special Christmas message by TM Mohan Morais. Thereafter, a performance of carols, followed by a beautiful nativity play led by TM Romayne Diasz—a member who extended her

unconditional support and guidance at every stage of this event from planning to execution.

Now we have arrived at the most anticipated segment of the evening— the arrival of St. Nick himself. And with him, the night’s festivities were officially in full swing.

Jingle & Mingle 2022 had it all, from holiday-songs-karaoke sessions, exhilarating games, competitions, prizes and music, followed by a non-stop dance session that went on late into the night.

Quiz Time!

How does your Toastmasters knowledge measure up?

We are nearly at the completion of the Toastmasters term of 2022/23 and prepare to wel- come a new programme year as well as focus on the goals of the club for 2023/24. I hope this short quiz will help to update or enhance your knowledge of Toastmasters.

Hope you enjoy the quiz!

Shyamalie Jayasekera, DTM President (2021/22)

1. The first Toastmasters Club outside of the United States was chartered in 1935. Where was this club chartered?

2. The Pathways Learning Experience was first launched in some Toastmasters Regions in 2017. In which year and month was it launched in Sri Lanka?

3. The Pathways Learning Experience was originally launched with 10 specialised learning paths. However, another specialised path was added later making it a total of 11 learning paths. Which learning path was added last?

4. The District Director of Toastmasters District 82 for the year 2022/23 is Nisal Weerakoon, DTM. Please name the two previous District Directors of District 82.

5. In which year did the first-ever virtual International Convention and the first-ever virtual World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS) take place?

6. Who became the first-ever World Champion of Public Speaking on the virtual platform?

7. Two Presidents of Toastmasters International, Dilip R. Abayasekara, DTM (2005/06) and Balraj Arunasalam, DTM (2017/18) were from Sri Lanka. The next South Asian-born President of Toastmasters International served in that capacity during the term 2019/20. Please name him and his country.

8. The first Toastmasters Club in Sri Lanka (as well as in South Asia) is The Colombo Toastmasters Club chartered in November 1983. The second Toastmasters Club chartered in Sri Lanka was a Corporate Club. Please name the club and the charter year.

9. All Toastmasters Clubs in Sri Lanka and the Maldives belong to Toastmasters District 82 at present. However, District 82 was first formed covering all clubs in Sri Lanka as well as in India. In which year was District status (with District 82) formally granted to clubs of Sri Lanka and India?

10. Our home district—District 82—has over 180 clubs in Sri Lanka. Our neighbouring country—the Maldives—whose clubs also belong to District 82 has how many clubs at present?

11. In May 2019, Toastmasters International formed a unique Strategic Alliance with another international organisation, drawing from the strength of their many similarities and complementary differences. What is this international organisation?

12. The Pathways Learning Experience is an interactive and flexible education programme like no other. Created to help you strengthen your communication and leadership skills as you grow toward personal and professional success each learning path has 5 different levels the member must complete. What is the very first Project of Level 1 called?

13. Who is the current World Champion of Public Speaking (WCPS) for the year 2022?

14. The contestants for World Champion of Public Speaking (WCPS) commence their contest journey at their home club, with the International Speech Contest (ISC) then progress to Area, Division, and District levels. Beyond the District level, they will compete in Region Quarter and Semi-finals before entering the WCPS stage. To compete at the club level for ISC, a member must be in good standing of a club in good standing and additionally have a minimum requirement completed in the Pathways Learning Programme. What is this requirement?

15. District 82 continuously encourages clubs to maintain the highest standards in providing a quality member experience. Towards this, District 82 has a series of awards to recognise the clubs that strive to provide that unique experience to all their members. What is the highest recognition awarded to a club in District 82 which achieves 170 points in Club Quality and Club Engagement streams whilst achieving the President’s Distinguished status of Toastmasters International?

Please find the answers at the end of the publication.

Transcending Borders

Reminiscing about the Speechcraft Programme at MAS Intimates

When the President requested me to be the coordinator of an international Speechcraft Programme at MAS—online at that—I jumped at the idea, little realizing that it was during my siesta hour of 3 PM.

The experience was unique in that there were 2 groups—one from MAS Chennai and the other from MAS Sri Lanka in Kilinochchi, with myself and the keynote speakers joining in from Colombo.

The logistics were a nightmare as they sat in groups (no individual computers as we have been used to in Zoom settings) with one camera and a big screen. I had to peer into the screen to discern each participant.

Added to that, those in Sri Lanka had to navigate the power cuts. Sometimes the keynote speaker went offscreen, sometimes the coordinator

(2019/20)

went off-screen, and sometimes a speech got disrupted midway through.

Getting to know the participants gradually was humbling—most were from a farming background or a fishing background. Some were away from their families for the sake of their job. English was not their mother tongue, nor did they use it in their workplace. Accents were heavy, but we resiliently plodded on.

Having participants joining in from MAS facilities in both India and Sri Lanka meant that the programme had to be delivered online

Vinodini Durgabakshi President

They realised it was not a regular “English class”, but a fun activity— learning through participation.

Ten weeks passed by—time for the Grand Finale and the Awards Ceremony. Frayed nerves. Participants falling sick and dropping out. Frenzied preparation by the role players who had never attempted introductions, emceeing, evaluating, and presenting. Coached them with a combination of cajolement and sternness.

At the finale, didn’t they perform with verve and elan? They enjoyed it. They smiled with elation. My heart glowed that I had achieved in

grooming 22 participants from the Subcontinent in the Toastmasters Speechcraft Programme. They had overcome the fear of speaking and leading and were on the path to future leadership.

The Colombo Toastmasters Club conducted a Speechcraft Programme for MAS Intimates from September to December 2022. The programme was coordinated by Vinodini Durgabakshi (President –2019/20).

All smiles! — Participants and facilitators from India and Sri Lanka pose upon the conclusion of the programme on 5th December 2022

A Year in Review

My First Year at The Colombo Toastmasters Club

I joined the esteemed Colombo Toastmasters Club on the 1st of April 2022.

Sitha Kathirgamanathan, DTM Member since 2022

After changing jobs, I had to leave my corporate club of 9 years where I learnt the ABCs of Toastmasters and the club which helped me become a Distinguished Toastmaster.

My first few meetings were online due to COVID-19 restrictions and it didn’t feel strange to sit in front of a laptop every other Tuesday evening. True, I knew some of the Toastmasters but online interactions are just not the same as meeting them in person. But nevertheless, the Tuesday

At the Avurudu-themed Educational Meeting of The Colombo Toastmasters Club for the year 2023

evenings were enjoyable and full of learning.

My first in-person meeting at The Colombo Toastmasters Club was in October 2023 and that was the same day as the club’s Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contest. As I walked into Hotel Galadari for my first meeting, I felt like walking into my very first Toastmasters meeting. But the members welcomed me warmly and I felt at ease immediately. The meetings were filled with immense learning and fun.

Being a Toastmaster of The Colombo Toastmasters Club, I have learnt a lot from speaking to leadership, from time management to conflict management. Edutainment at its

best!

I was entrusted with the responsibility of jointly conducting the Speechcraft Programme for the Christell Skin Clinic with TM Viruli de Silva in January of this year. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every week of the 10-week programme. It was an amazing bunch of Speechcrafters— we met as strangers and we parted as friends. It was an absolute pleasure to see the growth of each and every one of them.

I became a Toastmaster to improve myself and I remain a Toastmaster to keep improving myself but also to give back to the community which gave me so much!

Speechcrafters from one of the batches of the programme at Christell Skin Clinic with their Course Coordinator Sitha

From the VP Ed’s Desk

A look-back on our members’ educational achievements

As the Vice President Education of The Colombo Toastmasters Club, I had a vision of where I wanted to lead the club. My dream was to create an environment where all members could achieve their goals—both personal and professional—while also contributing to the growth of the club. I knew that achieving this would require the active participation of every member of the club.

To make my vision a reality, I relied on the different level completions from different Toastmasters to help the club achieve its goals. Each member had their own unique set of skills and experiences, and I wanted to make sure that they could use those skills to benefit the club. As a result, we had numerous recognitions from the Toastmasters community, including the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) awards. These awards not only recognised our

Thilini Agalawatta Vice President Education (2022/23)

club’s achievements but also helped us to grow and improve as an organisation.

One of the most amazing things about The Colombo Toastmasters Club was the active participation of its members. From the club-level to the district-level, everyone was involved in making the club a success. Members were enthusiastic about attending meetings, giving speeches, and participating in contests. This not only made the club a more dynamic and engaging place to be but also helped us to achieve our goals.

I am proud to have been a part of this organisation and look forward to seeing its continued success in the future.

The following members have achieved the respective levels of progress in the Pathways Learning

Experience during the programme year of 2022/23:

Viruli de Silva

Innovative Planning - Level 5

Presentation Mastery - Level 5

Thilini Agalawatta

Persuasive Influence - Level 5

Persuasive Influence - Level 4

Engaging Humour - Level 1

Yohan Pinto

Presentation Mastery - Level 4

Shyamalie Jayasekera, DTM

Strategic Relationships - Level 4

Strategic Relationships - Level 3

Strategic Relationships - Level 2

Dulana Panapitiya

Presentation Mastery - Level 3

Ruwan Weerasinghe

Effective Coaching - Level 3

Effective Coaching - Level 2

Effective Coaching - Level 1

Romayne Diasz

Persuasive Influence - Level 2

Sanath Mahawithanage

Engaging Humour - Level 2

Visionary Communication - Level 2

Visionary Communication - Level 1

Amanda Pethiyagoda

Strategic Relationships - Level 1

Sarmaa Mahalingam, DTM

Dynamic Leadership - Level 1

In addition, the following members have achieved the Triple Crown recognition by completing three educational achievements during the programme year of 2022/23:

• Ruwan Weerasinghe

• Sanath Mahawithanage

• Shyamalie Jayasekera, DTM

• Thilini Agalawatta

Shashikala Wanigasinghe

Presentation Mastery - Level 2

A Journey of Selfimprovement

Thoughts on Toastmasters and Life

What makes you a better individual in society? Is it your character, achievements, accolades, or social status? Yes, I do understand—it is amalgamated through different avenues of life.

The word “Toastmasters” gives a spark into your thought system and you are curious to know more about the word you heard for the first time. In 2004, a gentleman from my church introduced me to Toastmasters, but it withered away in a few months due to other responsibilities in life. Years passed by with foreign involvement in social activities and yet again the word “Toastmasters” rang in my ears in 2016, as I joined the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) for further studies.

My interactions and networking were my initial interests towards Toastmasters, but gradually my curiosity changed directions. I under-

stood the depth of social needs and how you develop yourself to tailor the needs and requirements. The reality of connecting people from different diversities means cultures, backgrounds, the various hierarchies of corporate

The moments I have captured through my camera have created memories that are special and unique

Anton Sebagany Member since 2018

sectors, and geographical and biological backgrounds. Ultimately, you understand how you develop distinctively into a better version of yourself.

My efforts and steps I have walked have produced good and bad—but how do I know? Do I analyse myself or do I conclude by others’ matters of opinion? Life has its curves and waves to surprise you in different ways.

As a Toastmaster, it gives you the suitable ingredients to spark a confident speech as it stands by your side and stares at you with amusement. I do realise that. I challenged myself daily, in and out, my mind and soul

to strive for better. But I was never sluggish or exhausted from coming up with creativity to impress for the better. The Toastmasters journey has given me self-improvement in my personal and professional life.

New speakers and speeches always impress and give a great boost to my soul!

“AJ’s Spontaneous Photography” is the way I keep in touch with my friends and memories

Whether it is a pandemic or an economic crisis, it couldn’t stop us from meeting each other

Learning while Guiding

A Speechcraft Programme at the University of Moratuwa

There are no limits and bounds to develop your communication skills despite bearing highest confidence and achievements in the field. There are always improvements and developments witnessed by the individual himself or herself. A Speechcraft Programme is such an agenda devised to pursue self-development through practice provided the Speechcrafter is evaluated rightly.

The Speechcraft Programme at the University of Moratuwa was conducted successfully for the second time for the Department of Textile and Engineering for over 50 students. It started on 28th October 2022. The main sponsors of the programmes were MAS and MUTA (Moratuwa University Textile Association). MUTA is involved in making sure that their students experience a smooth education and it is via their involvement the students were able to participate in this Speech-

craft Programme. These students were from the second or third year of their respective departments. The programme was conducted in two batches parallelly under the guidance of two Speechcraft coordinators—veteran Toastmaster and Past President TM Rameshkumar Karuppiah and TM Iresha Mahakumara, who under the guidance of the former was able to navigate the programme until its end successfully.

The programme continued for ten consecutive sessions with eight Keynote Speeches in which the students eagerly participated. These participants always made sure that they learned and demonstrated what was learned in the Keynote Speeches. Their enthusiasm was at a level that the Speechcraft coordinators were contacted at odd hours

Iresha Mahakumara Member since 2018

to make sure that they do a perfect job at the sessions. The coordinator gladly assisted and guided them with patience and interest.

The Speechcrafters were enthusiastic individuals and made sure that they had 80 percent of attendance at sessions. There were 13 Speechcrafters with 100% attendance who were appreciated accordingly at the Grand Finale. All Speechcrafters were able to complete two Speechcraft projects, namely “Introduce yourself” and “Organising your speech”. The coordinators also made sure that all Speechcrafters played a major role in the programme apart from the Timer and Ah Counter roles, and also made sure that they attempted a Table Topics speech. These Speechcraft-

ers rediscovered themselves in this programme by way of evaluations and impromptu speeches. The way they made sure that a meeting session ran smoothly was immaculate. They made sure that their meeting sessions were well organised and that meeting standards were met.

These Speechcrafters had different English-speaking skills. Some had never spoken in English whilst some were Gaveliers. But having Gaveliers did not discourage others from taking up roles to improve their knowledge. As a result, they made use of the programme more effectively to improve their language and speaking skills. It should be said that those Speechcrafters who were very weak in language and speaking skills took up main roles in the Grand Finale

Some Speechcrafters from the University of Moratuwa with some of the facilitators from The Colombo Toastmasters Club

and showcased their talents excellently.

The Grand Finale took place on 12th January 2023 at the auditorium of the University of Moratuwa. The main sponsorship was provided by MAS with MUTA in the picture at all times. The Finale was a great success where the Speechcrafters not only demonstrated their public speaking skills but also their organising skills.

With the assistance of the Speechcraft Coordinators, they were able to put up one of the best Finales at the University of Moratuwa. Many athletic Speechcrafters in the programme were national title holders and one of the Karate champions showcased her talent at the Grand

Finale. The programme ended with wonderful feedback and hopes of having another Speechcraft Programme at the University of Moratuwa in the coming years.

The Colombo Toastmasters Club conducted two Speechcraft Programmes at the University of Moratuwa from October 2022 to January 2023. The programmes were coordinated by Rameshkumar Karuppiah (President – 2016/17) and Iresha Mahakumara.

Course coordinators TM Rameshkumar and TM Iresha speaking at the closing ceremony

Quiz Time! - Answers

Well. How did it go?

4. Srianthie Salgado, DTM (2021/22) and Noorul Munawwara, DTM (2020/21)

1. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

2. May 2018

3. Engaging Humour

5. 2020

6. Mike Carr

7. Deepak Menon, DTM of India

8. Sampath Bank Toastmasters Club in 2001

9. 2008

10. 2 clubs

11. Rotary International

12. Ice Breaker

13. Cyril Junior Dim

14. Level 2 of Pathways

15. The Golden Club Award

Shyamalie Jayasekera, DTM President (2021/22)