Smedley Toastmasters celebrate ninth installation ceremony

Presidents Distinguished Club, Smedley Toastmasters Club celebrated its ninth installation ceremony in Colombo recently which was well attended by many veteran Toastmasters and guests.

The newly installed Ex-Co

The Chief Guest at the event was Keith Modder, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Virtusa.

Each year the club conducts its installation ceremony to install the new Executive Committee (Ex-Co), to recognize the efforts of the past Ex-Co, to recognize club members who have excelled at the club and in the district and also to give new club members a formal welcome.

This year’s event was held under the theme ‘Where leaders are made’.

Addressing the gathering, Smedley President TM Rathika Fernando stated that over the years Smedley has produced many great leaders and fantastic public speakers.

“I am taking over from a long line of past presidents who each contributed for Smedley to become the vibrant club it is today. The best part is they will all continue to be with us and guide us always,” she said.

The newly-installed Ex-co comprises of President Rathika Fernando, VP Education Shuvo Hridayesh, VP Membership Pradja Dolewatta, VP Public Relationship Prageeth Sandakalum, Secretary Asitha Wickramaarachchi, Treasure Haziq Makeen and Sergeant at Arms Mohammad Bilal, Immediate Past President T. Sayandhan.     

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere.

Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure.

Smedley Toastmasters Club was formed in Sri Lanka in 2004. The name was chosen in honor of the founder of Toastmasters Dr. Ralph Smedley.

The Club conducts its regular educational meetings every first and third Thursday of the month at the Skills Centre, Royal College, Colombo 7.