Sunday Times 2
Sashane to represent Sri Lanka at international public speaking competition
View(s):Sashane Dassanayake, a 17-year-old student from Lyceum International School, Colombo, was adjudged the winner of the English Speaking Union (ESU) Sri Lanka Chapter’s National Public Speaking Competition 2025.
The panel of adjudicators for the final were: former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, International Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka, former COO Nihara Nanayakkara and International Scholar Group of Companies chairman/CEO Keerthi Jayasuriya.
The awards ceremony was held on March 15. Chief guest, Head of English at Elizabeth Moir School – Colombo Elinor Galapitage awarded the Dr T P Amerasinghe Challenge Trophy to Sashane Dassanayake. Contestants Omar Hazari from Royal College, Colombo and Thahira Saheed from Ladies’ College, Colombo were 1st and 2nd runners-up.
L-R: Haritha Wijewardene (vice president), Upali Ratnayake (past president/advisor), Dr Nalin Jayasuriya (president-elect), Thahira Saheed (2nd runner-up), Tilak Amerasinghe (president), Sashane Dassanayake (national winner), Elinor Galapitage (chief guest), Omar Hazari (1st runner-up), Yasmin Nimaladasa (general secretary), Rakbo Perera (treasurer)
Ms Galapitage congratulated the winner and the runners-up. She wished the winner the best of luck for the international contest to be held in London from May 12-16, where over 55 countries are expected to take part.
The English Speaking Union of Sri Lanka, founded in 1981 by the late Dr T P Amerasinghe is affiliated to the English Speaking Union International, a Royal Charter based in Dartmouth House, London. Its Patron is Britain’s King Charles III, and the President is the Princess Royal Princess Anne.
ESU Sri Lanka President Tilak Amerasinghe said the ESU’s aim is to help Lankan students gain confidence, find their voice to express themselves and engage in dialogue through the use of English as a shared language. Continuous skills training together with annual ESU events such as the National Public Speaking Contest leading to the International Public Speaking Competition held in UK, create a platform for Lankan students to aspire and grow. Congratulating the winner Sashane, he encouraged the participants to keep trying as there would be an opportunity for them.
He added that ESU students would be provided with necessary skills and confidence to realise their potential.
President-elect Dr Nalin Jayasuriya delivered the vote of thanks.