A Century of Toastmasters District 82: Honouring leadership and communication milestones

Friday, 8 November 2024 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Unveiling of commemorative 100 year first-day postal cover

Toastmasters members celebrating their centennial with a cake

By Michelle Therese Alles

The centennial celebration of Toastmasters International District 82, held at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, focused on accountability and personal growth as key drivers of success.

Founded by Ralph C. Smedley in 1924, Toastmasters International has grown from a single club aimed at improving public speaking skills into a global organisation with over 364,000 members in 145 countries.

Reflecting on his Toastmasters journey, keynote speaker Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking TM Dananjaya Hettiarachchi stressed that true success goes beyond titles. “I learned that success is about being accountable to the process, to your failures, and to your growth. Learning requires friction, resistance, and effort,” he stated. He encouraged the audience to face their shortcomings with honesty, adding, “You are not as good as you think you are.” Hettiarachchi emphasised that growth requires effort and persistence, urging the gathering to take ownership of their personal journey. “Before you ask others for help, first help yourself. Accountability starts with you,” he concluded.

Toastmasters Past International President DTM Balraj Arunasalam highlighted the growth of Toastmasters in South Asia, recalling how the movement began with a few clubs in India and Sri Lanka. “It’s remarkable to think that Sri Lanka, which started with only a small number of clubs, now has 162,” he noted. He also touched on the challenges faced by Toastmasters globally, stating, “Districts fall apart when they only remember the past and fail to maintain the present.” He also pointed out that success is not just about past achievements but about consistently nurturing and maintaining growth. “The future is built by those who are willing to learn and take action,” he concluded, encouraging members to carry forward the vision of Ralph C. Smedley with renewed dedication.

In her welcome address, Toastmasters District Director DTM Ganga Fernando mentioned the transformative power of the organisation. “Toastmasters not only improved my public speaking skills, but also gave me the confidence to lead in various aspects of my life,” she shared. Highlighting the supportive community, she added, “It’s the friendships and mentorships here that push you to grow beyond your comfort zone.”

A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a commemorative first-day postal cover, released in honour of Toastmasters’ 100th anniversary. Symbolising the organisation’s global impact, the postal cover serves as a lasting tribute to Toastmasters’ legacy of encouraging leadership and communication skills.

The centennial milestone of Toastmasters International District 82 underlined the organisation’s enduring impact on personal and professional development, emphasising persistence and lifelong learning as critical drivers of success.

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe