Installation Ceremony of Serendib Toastmasters Club – 2012/2013
Serendib Toastmasters Club held its installation ceremony of club officers for 2012/2013 at the Sasakawa Auditorium, Colombo 3 on Friday 3 August 2012. The Chief Guest was The Hon. Senior Minister of Scientific Affairs, Professor Tissa Vitarana who spoke on the development and the way forward in the field of Nanotechnology in Sri Lanka. The Guest of Honor was TM Yusuf Jeevunjee Lt Governor Marketing whose speech enlightened the audience on leadership skills and how important it is in the corporate world.
The following officers for 2012/2013 were installed by Toastmaster Sunil De Silva, the Division Governor, Division A. President: Sonia Vitarana ACS, VP Education: Niranjan Gunaratne, VP Membership: Rohan De Silva CC, VP Public Relations: Wasantha Jeewandara, Secretary: Prithiviraj De Silva CC, Treasurer: M T Farook, Sergeant-at-Arms: Nishika De Silva, Immediate Past President: Nishantha Hewavithana CC, CL. The Master of Ceremonies was Toastmaster Priyanga Hapugalla and the vote of thanks was proposed by Toastmaster Rubanthini Kanagalingam.
Entertainment of three folk dances was performed by the Dance Troupe from Rivega Dance Studio. Music for the evening was provided by Toastmaster Rohan de Silva’s band.
Serendib Toastmasters Club was chartered in 2004 by TM Sujith Bandulahewa CTM. In 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 the Club achieved the President’s Distinguished Club Status, the highest award a club could receive. The club received the Select Distinguished Status in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. The club has also produced winners in district and international speech contests. The club is an open club which is friendly and helps individuals to devel- op their communication and leadership skills. The members are from different walks of life, from entrepreneurs, company directors, to engineers and school-leavers. The club holds its educational meetings every second and fourth Tuesday at the Royal College Skills Centre, Rajakeeya Mawatha, Colombo 7, at 5.30 pm.
In addition to the regular club activities, Serendib Toastmasters Club is involved in training students which enable them to meet the challenges of the outside world when they leave school. Serendib is having an ongoing Youth Leadership Programme at Royal College.
Toastmasters provide leadership and communication training that is less expensive and is held in high esteem in business circles. Toastmasters International has been around for more than 85 years and offers a proven and enjoyable way to practice and master communication and leadership skills.