Sashane to represent Sri Lanka at international public speaking competition in UK

Wednesday, 19 March 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: English Speaking Union Vice President Haritha Wijewardene, Past President Upali Ranaweera, President Elect Dr. Nalin Jayasuriya, President Tilak Amarasinghe, Thahira Zaheed (2nd Runner-up), Sashane Dassanayake (National Winner), Chief Guest Elinor Galapitage, Omar Hazari (1st Runner-up), Secretary Yasmin Nimaladasa and Treasurer Rakbo Perera

The English Speaking Union (ESU) Sri Lanka Chapter conferred 17-year-old student Sashane Dassanayake from Lyceum International School - Colombo as the Winner of the National Public Speaking Competition 2025, held on 1 March.

The three Adjudicators for the selection of the winner, first and second runners-up were, His Honour Jayantha Jayasooriya (former Chief Justice), Ms. Nehara Nanayakkara (former COO, International Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka and Mr. Keerthi Jayasooriya (Chairman of The International Scholar). The official awards ceremony was held on 15 March 2025 in Colombo at which event, the Chief Guest was Elinor Galapitage, Head of English at Elizabeth Moir School – Colombo. The Chief Guest had the honor of awarding 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 selected as the 1st and 2nd Runners-up respectively. Elinor in her speech thanked the ESU for inviting her and said that she was honored to be present and congratulated the Winner and the runners-up and wished them the best of luck for the International Contest to be held in London from 12th to 16th May 2025. Over 55 Countries worldwide are expected to take part at this Competition.

The English Speaking Union of Sri Lanka which was founded in 1981 by the Late Dr. T.P. Amerasinghe is affiliated with the English Speaking Union International, a Royal Charter based in Dartmouth House, London. Its Patron His Majesty King Charles III, and the President is HRH the Princess Royal, Princess Anne.

ESU Sri Lanka President Tilak Amerasinghe thanked the Chief Guest Mrs. Galapitage for gracing the occasion. He stated that our aim is to help Sri Lankan students gain confidence, find their voice to express themselves and engage in dialogue through the use of English as a shared language. By offering continuous skill training together with key annual ESU events such as the National Public Speaking Contest leading to the International Public Speaking Competition held in UK, creates a platform for our students to aspire and grow. While the President congratulated the winner Sashane, he encouraged the rest of the participants to not to give up but keep trying as there will be an opportunity for them annually.

He further stated that the ESU students will be provided with the necessary skills and confidence to realise their inner potential and reach heights they never thought they could. Dr. Nalin Jayasuriya, President Elect delivered the vote of thanks at this event.

The vision of ESU is to continue to be recognised for its expertise in providing people, both in the UK and Internationally, with the communication skills, confidence and networking opportunities to realise and achieve their full potential.

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