Ovation 2015: Toastmasters anniversary celebrations
The 10th anniversary celebrations of Toastmasters District 82 ‘Ovation 2015’ will be held on May 22-25 with international and local delegates taking part.
“Ovation 2015 will be celebrated on May 22 at BMICH Colombo, with Dr. Dilip Abayasekere, past international President of Toastmasters as the chief guest,” said the District Governor 82, Yusuf Jeevunjee addressing a media briefing.
“Two speech contests will be held at ‘Ovation 2015’ where approximately 500 to 600 delegates along with 76 toastmasters from India and several delegates from Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, India will be present,” he added.
“We are also planning to conduct workshops on communication and leadership skills on May 23 and 24 at Mount Lavinia Hotel,” Mr. Jeevunjee said.
Toastmasters District 82 represents all Toastmasters clubs in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, India.
“The significant feature of Toastmasters is that we don’t depend on lectures or lecturers. This is solely based on feedback and practice. Toastmasters learn from mistakes and experiences,” Mr. Jeevunjee said.
“Members of Toastmasters are given a set of manuals that include several projects. Members learn by doing and improve by evaluating,” said former District Governor, Zameen M. Saleem.
It was started with three clubs in Colombo at the beginning but it has grown to 96 clubs in Kandy, Galle, Matara, and Jaffna as well. “There is a great need for community skills especially public speaking and leadership skills,” Mr. Saleem noted.
“I’m proud to say that District 82 will produce the international president from Sri Lanka in two years time when Arunasalam Balraj, the first elected Sri Lankan District Governor of the District and now Vice President of Toastmasters International takes office,” said Mr. Jeevunjee.
He requested Sri Lankans to join the Toastmasters Club to improve their communication skills.
Lieutenant Governor Marketing District 82, Sudash Liyanage, and Conference Chair Ovation 2015, Past Division Governor, Ajantha Jayawardena were also present at the media briefing.