Himansa Herath from Kelaniya Uni triumphed as “Best Speaker 2016”
The All Island Inter University Public Speaking Speech Contest “Best Speaker 2016 - The Genesis of Verbal Eminence”, organized by the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya, embarked for the 12th consecutive time this year, initiating with the Preliminary Round on 16th November, 2016 with 220 applicants representing 15 state universities, at the university of Kelaniya premises. 20 talented semifinalists were picked for the Semifinal Round held on 27th of November, 2016 at the university premises where six extremely talented finalists were selected for the clash for the title of “Best Speaker 2016” at the most glamorous speech platform of the Sri Lankan university calendar, the “Grand Finale” of Best Speaker 2016.
The Grand Finale commenced on the 8th of December at the Sri Dharmaloka Convocation Hall of the University of Kelaniya from 3.45 p.m. onwards where one exceptionally talented star was crowned “Best Speaker 2016”. The Chief Guest for the contest was Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya. The Guests of Honour for the evening were Ms. Dinusha Jayamanne, Director Human Resources at Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. and Mr. Lakshitha Dharmawansa, General Manager at Avery Dennison Lanka.
The event started with the lighting of the oil lamp by the guests of honour and invitees. The welcoming speech was delivered by Gavelier Vihanga Jayasinghe, the project chairperson of “Best Speaker 2016”. The Guests of Honour, Gavelier Nuwan C. Perera, the president of the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club and Dr. Narada Fernando, the director of Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya also delivered their speeches about the Best Speaker contest and the University of Kelaniaya Gavel Club. Dr. M.P.Deeyamulla, the senior treasurer of the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club, Dr. Chaminda Abeysinghe, the Director of the student affairs and Professor S.R.D.Kalingamudali, Director, Research Services Centre, Faculty of Science and Chairman, Sports Advisory Board were present in the evening.
The judges of the evening were profes- sional Toastmasters from the international public speaking arena and DTM Subash Liyanage, the Director of District 82 of Toastmasters International as the chief judge. The six finalists who gave their best in both prepared and impromptu speech segments were Himansa Herath, Amalini Fernando, Liomie Kurera, Buddhima Sandaruwani, Sayuri Dissanayake from the University of Kelaniya and Chamindri Wishwadari from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura.
Finally the exceptionally talented star, contestant Himansa Herath from the University of Kelaniya triumphed as “Best Speaker 2016” and at the same time won the titles for the Best Prepared Speaker and Best Impromptu Speaker of the contest. The First Runner Up was Buddhima Sandaruwani and the Second Runner Up, Liomie Kurera, both representing the University of Kelaniya.
As the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club has a unique way of bringing out the emi- nence of public speaking, the first ever magazine of the Best Speaker contest was inaugurated to the public at “Best Speaker 2016”. The magazine was launched by Dr. Narada Fernando, Director of the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya, Gavelier Nuwan C. Perera, President of the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club and Gavelier Thushan Madhusanka, editor of the Best Speaker 2016 magazine. The magazine comprised of articles from international toastmasters, World Champions of Public Speaking, inspiring Gaveliers of the club, notes from Past Presidents, the 6 finalists and snapshots of the journey of “Best Speaker 2016”.
By bringing all trophies of “Best Speaker 2016” home to the University of Kelaniya, the event was wrapped up with victory, success and so many memories to be cherished. It was a culmination of success beyond imagination for the dedicated Gaveliers and the support of the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya. Await “Best Speaker 2017”.