toastmaster-magazine-2016

SERENDIB BREEZE 

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2 SERENDIB BREEZE

Project Chair 

Kolitha Panditharatne 

Publisher 

Mohammed Zubair 

Editor-in-chief 

Ifthiquar Noohu 

Committee Leaders 

Program 

Gihan Tissera 

PVN Fernando 

Zakraf Shafee 


Magazine 

Fazmy Safwan 


PVN Fernando 

Awards 

Farhan Abdul Gafoor 

Indika Gunaratne 

Imran Samsudeen 

Logistics 

Anver Mohamed Rizan 

Rakeeb Mohammed 

Sasirinda Waragoda 

Jazuli Ismail 

Farzan Abdullatheef 

Venue/F&B 

Mohammed Hilmy 


Finance 

Gayan Karunarathna 

Niroze Ahmed 

Cultural Programs 


Masters of Ceremony 

Anuja Raddella 

Rizwan Tahir 

Imamudeen Ismail 

Jazuli Ismail 

Steffani Christine 

Aarah Ahmed 

MC Mentors 

Sameena Mahmood 


Gihan Tissera 

Invitations 

MIM Zubair 

Registration & Reception 

Abdul Munaf Azees 

Sampath De Silva 

Gayan Karunarathna 

Gavel Program 


Afdhal Saheer 



EDITORIAL 

Had our ancestors been satisfied with what they had………? 

Being satisfied with the status quo means, you are not 

making progress Katsuaki Watanabe. If we turn back a bit, the 

significance of a header is not difficult to be grasped. Had our 

ancestors been satisfied with what they had, today we wouldn’t 

be having anything. That is why it is said, Success is a journey, 

not a destination.The fifteenth awards night of the Serendib 

Toastmasters club, is another proof that success is endless. The 

club started with a handful number of members, had grown 

amazingly to become a vibrant entity in the arena, just because 

they could not be satisfied with what was achieved. Today, Serendib has her active members 

all around the world, distributed and contributing productively towards the growth of quality 

Toastmasters.Serendib Breeze is not another ordinary magazine coming out annually, but 

a remarkably typical publication talking volumes of Serendib Toastmaster’s accolades & 

achievements and filled with priceless, constructive educational articles. It is yours… 

CONTENTS INSIDE 

P.3 

P.4 

Messages 

Last Year 

Activities 

P.2 

P.9 P.16 

P.10 

P.19 

P.7 

P.6 

P.22 

P.26 P.20 

P.47 

Toastmasters 

International Mission 

We empower individuals 

to become more effective 

communicators and leaders. 

District Mission 

We build new clubs and support 

all clubs in achieving excellence. 

Club Mission 

We provide a supportive and 

positive learning experience in 

which members are empowered 

to develop communication 

and leadership skills, resulting 

in greater self-confidence and 

personal growth. 

Toastmasters 

International Values 

• Integrity 

• Respect 

• Service 

• Excellence 

Toastmasters 

International 

Envisioned Future 

To be the first-choice provider 

of dynamic, high-value, 

experiential communication and 

leadership skills development. 

About Serendib 

Toastmasters Club 

The Mission of Serendib 

Toastmasters club is to provide 

to all Sri Lankans a mutually 

supportive and positive learning 

environment in which every 

member has the opportunity to 

develop communication and 

leadership skills, which in turn 

fosters self-confidence and 

personal growth. 

Designed & Printed by Cubic Design Business Solutions 


email: cdbsksa@gmail.com, Mobile : 0570670141, Mobile : 0570670142 

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Mohamed Azmi Thassim 

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 

Message from his Excellency 

I t is with great pleasure that I write this message to you, the leaders and members 

of the Serendib Toastmasters club for the second year in succession. I have learnt of the 

high reputation your club has earned over the past fifteen years. I was privileged to attend 

your annual Awards Night which is a significant event in your calendar, last year and I am 

happy to be able to celebrate with you this year as well. 

I have now completed one year as your Ambassador in Riyadh and have been able 

to observe and understand many aspects concerning the Sri Lankan community in the 

Kingdom. The annual Serendib Toastmasters’ Awards night is very significant on two 

counts. One is that it is an exemplary occasion where all communities come together 

regardless of race or religion and celebrate their children’s achievements together in the 

spirit of unity. Secondly it also provides the opportunity for our Sri Lankan children to learn 

Editorial Page 

effective communication, improve their English and gain confidence in public speaking and 

all aspects of modern life which are essential to their development. 

The Serendib Toastmasters club has earned its much deserved reputation for 

creativity and professionalism and should be commended for showing leadership to the 

other Toastmasters clubs in the Kingdom. 

Due to the constant improvements in technology we are now able to witness live debates 

on television or even through social media and thus observe, understand and learn from 

international speakers how to present their points of view, convince vast audiences and 

harness support for their campaigns. These are the basics that Toastmasters’ clubs aspire 

to instil in their members and it is very important that we value, protect and improve these 

practices. 

I congratulate the Serendib Toastmasters club, its leadership and members on the 

achievements of the past year and wish it well for the coming year. In particular may this 

Awards night be a fitting celebration of the past and an inspiration for the future. 

2 SERENDIB BREEZE

Mike Storkey 

International President 

Dear members of Serendib Toastmasters Club, 

Congratulations on reaching your 15th anniversary. This is an important milestone in 

your club history and one worthy of celebration. 

You have reached this milestone because your club successfully provides a safe 

environment where all members can practice their communication and leadership skills, 

and take what they’ve learned into their community, business and family lives. 

For some of your members, their only experience in Toastmasters will be through this 

club and as such, will form their overall impression of the organization. For others it is the 

gateway to a broader Toastmasters journey of self-development, leadership and enduring 

friendships and associations. 

Editorial Page 

Enjoy your celebrations and continue to follow club mission so that not only your current 

members but those who visit the club can experience the fun and personal growth that 

epitomizes membership in Serendib Toastmasters Club. 

Yours in Toastmasters, 

P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690-9052 • USA • 

TEL: 949-858-8255 • FAX: 949-858-1207 • www.toastmasters.org 


3

Soliman Al Mady 

District 79 Director 

Towards Reaching the Center of Excellence 

Congratulations on the special anniversary 

of the Serendib Toastmasters Club! 

I am sure when you look back you would always ask yourself; did we exert our effort in 

reaching our club’s goals? Could we have done it differently to sustain our members? What is 

our next step? If you have these questions in mind, you are not alone. We all want to reach 

excellence. But who has that magic recipe that would transform us to be able to reach all, 

or let say most of our goals. 

“You are the Hero of your own Story.”- Joseph Campbell. A great quote and a true 

reflection of our Toastmaster’s motto “Where Leaders Are Made”. 

You may ask what the magic recipe for quality is and you may get countless answers. 

However, my magic recipe is taking “quality personal”. Taking quality personal means 

stretching our own capabilities and the capabilities of others to the maximum potential. 

It means using our distinctive attributes as leaders, workers and humans to reach the 

highest level of excellence in our achievements. 

It means embracing and living by the 

Toastmasters’ values and mission when we mentor new members, resolve conflicts, and 

reach out to others. 

In Toastmasters we have the power to “Change A Life … Inspire A Nation” by focusing on 

the quality of individuals, members around us, and the nations that we can influence. How 

can we change a nation if we cannot change our own life, our own behavior, and our own 

aspirations? How can we change a nation, if we cannot put aside our differences, avoid being 

agents of disturbance, and avoid being the dividers? The answer is in our own life story. 

We choose to be who we are. We can limit or expand, and we can discourage or motivate, 

we can be the despair or the hope. So, which side are you on? I believe strongly our 

Toastmasters fraternity is on the side of building bridges, removing barriers, and making 

positive changes. Toastmasters changed many lives in our fraternity and around the world 

and I strongly believe we are the catalyst for the positive change in many others. 

You could certainly change a life and inspire a nation when you take “quality personal” and 

be the hero of your own story. Take “quality personal” when you speak, lead, and support. 

Let us make quality, a “Promise” and “Deliver”… and, that’s how we reach Excellence! 

4 SERENDIB BREEZE

Mohammed Yaseen Ali 

Division B Director (2016 – 2017) 

Serendib Toastmasters club has been one of the strongholds of Division 

B. Not just for the current year but also from the time it was established. 

It has always supported the toastmaster’s fraternity at all levels and in all 

areas. It has produced champions who represented Riyadh not just at area 

level but also went on to division and district levels. Serendib has always 

held the Toastmasters’ flag high and have raised the bar in every aspect. 

As a Division director it gives me great privilege to lead such a club 

which has gems like Thangasamy who has been a mentor, a guide and a 

beacon of light for not just myself but for everyone in the Toastmaster’s 

fraternity. It is indeed a support to have members like TM Anwer Rizan, 

TM M.I.M Zubair, TM Afzal, TM Hilmy, TM Jaan and TM Samantha to name a 

few. These members have shouldered the work of Area, Division and even of 

District 79. I have personally worked with Serendib for events, educational 

meetings and also for gaveliers initiatives. I really appreciate their dedication, 

team work and enthusiasm in making each project a success. 

Serendib Toastmasters Club has been very active in launching and 

sustaining Gavel clubs which have not only produced champion Gaveliers 

but also has been a center of learning and developing one’s self. Its boys 

and girls clubs have been at heart of Division B because we understand that 

our future lies in the hands of our young generation. 

It’s a proud moment to serve the leaders and members of Serendib 

Toastmasters Club. 


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Nirone Dissanayake 

Area 6 Director, Division B 

Serendib Toastmasters Club is celebrating it’s 15 years of vibrant existence in Riyadh, with 

its own passion. It gives me pleasure writing on this special occasion in my capacity as the Area 

6 Director and one of the past presidents of this prestigious club. 

I congratulate the outgoing President Mohamed Zubair and his energetic officers and the 

supportive executive committee for the job well-done. The progress and achievement this team 

made during the year 2015-2016 is amazing. A team working cohesively with an understanding 

of their responsibility, can only achieve these accolades for the mutual benefit of the club and 

individuals. 

Serendib is known for making new faces as champions or winners every time they compete at 

Club Level, Area Level and beyond. During the last year too, we observed the champions were 

new and young Toastmasters. This shows the desire of members to compete with each other to 

advance in developing their skills. 

Serendib is recognized as one of the best clubs in Riyadh for their professional touch in 

anything they do. Be it club functions, contest at various levels or even community functions 

their presence is felt. Their interest and enthusiasm is commendable. They like challenges. They 

make use of every opportunity to show their professionalism thereby earn the credit from the 

Toastmasters fraternity and outside. 

Simon Sinek said “Leadership is not about the next election to office, it’s about the 

next generation”. This has been proven by Serendib’s leaders for the past 15 years as they 

keep on creating leaders every year and at every occasion or function they organize. What a 

yeomen service it provides for the fellow members of the club. Special mention should be made 

about Serendib’s dedication to develop their young leaders through the Boys and Girls Gavel 

Clubs. The solid foundation for Serendib’s next generation is being made right from Riyadh city. I 

salute the leaders who were behind creating Gavel Clubs with their far sighted vision. The young 

leaders are shining like stars among other clubs in Riyadh. Hats off to you all! 

I take this opportunity to wish the incoming President Ferasath Cassim and his enthusiastic 

Officers / Executive Committees for another successful year. I would like them to reach further 

heights and bring name and fame to this institution like in the past. As their Area Director, I am 

willing to give any support and guidance they may need. 

My best wishes for the entire Serendib community to stage this function successfully and learn 

the leadership skills and be ready to lead the club with more and more successes. 

6 SERENDIB BREEZE

Ferasath Cassim 

Incoming President 

Stepping on to the 16th year in succession, I take this opportunity to thank all my 

predecessors who had been instrumental in raising the standards and creating an unblemished 

reputation to our club, Serendib Toastmasters Club, Riyadh. 

Indeed, I am privileged to take over the leadership and the opportunity to lead Serendib 

Toastmasters Club, to the next level with gratitude and confidence. I would also like to congratulate 

Toastmaster M.I.M. Zubair and his energetic EXCOM for their remarkable and successful tenure. I 

am certain that it will be a challenging year for me and my team. The history of Serendib sets the 

trend to go beyond and break this elevation of records achieved during the last three years and 

create history. This year, we have elected a dynamic and energetic team that has the capability 

to exceed the expectations. 

First I would like to thank the Past President TM Shameel Hameed for introducing me to this 

wonderful world of Toastmastering. Without him paving the path, I would have never been able 

to achieve what I had achieved in Toastmastering. I can still remember the first day, it was way 

back in the year 2004, when I attended my first meeting. Looks like it happened last week. I urge 

all Toastmasters to attend regular meetings and complete the projects and climb the leadership 

ladder and take on positions in the Area, Division and District. 

Similarly, I would also like to thank Gavel Club Counselors Thangasamy and TM Riyaz for their 

efforts and contribution towards the success of the club. One of our utmost priorities is to support 

the Gaveliers. Our aim is to provide the Gaveliers with the opportunity to take part in the Gavel 

programs, to explore themselves and showcase creativity that generate innovative ideas, that 

lead the journey towards leadership. We are committed to creating the environment of “Learn by 

Doing” with a rewarding experience. Our goal is to make Serendib Toastmasters Club to be “The 

Best” in the District 79. We plan to achieve this by producing top notch Leaders and extraordinary 

Speakers. Our desire and target are to step into leadership roles in Area, Division and District 

level activities. These will enable our members to engage and to showcase their skills, and also 

take further steps in advancing the ranking of Toastmasters. I am confident that we have the 

talent to reach these goals and to make an impact. After all, when one embraces challenge with 

a willing heart and positive spirit, nothing is impossible. 

Long Live Serendib! 


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8 SERENDIB BREEZE

Mohamed I M Zubair 

Outgoing President 

Success is a journey, not a destination… 

At the onset I would like to thank the entire members of Serendib Toastmasters’ club for 

giving me the opportunity to lead the club as the President for the year 2015-2016. It was not 

a position to be proud of, but it was a responsibility to be vigilant, too. 

Leading a set of people with different calibre, taste and skills was a pleasant experience. Like 

every leader experiences I too had numerous challenges, eventualities and circumstances to 

deal with during my tenure. We could overcome those obstacles with courage, dedication and 

exemplary teamwork. Every leader takes the office with the expectation to achieve something 

better. It is proven that when we put our hearts and minds together, plan well, keep the team sprit 

intact, the success taps at the doorsteps. 

We were lucky to have enthusiastic members, executive officers, past presidents and 

well-wishers as our backbone and supported the club. Without this source of strength it would 

have not been possible to manage the responsibility. Let me thank them all for their support and 

contributions. 

Following the footsteps of my predecessors we were also able to achieve the Presidents 

Distinguish Club status for the 14th consecutive year in 2015-2016. Serendib and its members 

were recognized for collective and individual achievements and brought accolades to the club 

thereby added more colours to Serendib among other clubs in Riyadh. Whatever the outcome, 

recognition or proud moments that we all had enjoyed, is dedicated to the members, contributors 

and the Club. 

It gives me immense pleasure to be part of the 15th anniversary celebration of Serendib. 

A club that made changes in many people’s lives, helped them to advance in their career, to 

become better citizens. It is appropriate to remember and recognize the far sighted wisdom of our 

Charter President TM Xaveir Arulandoo, his officers, and the members who were instrumental to 

start this prestigious club. 

Another remarkable opportunity was to help our Gavel members of Serendib’s boys and girls 

clubs. It was a pleasing experience being with them and help them grow. The chief Gavel 

Counselor and the Counselors for boys and girls did a wonderful job. Thank you so much! 

I take this opportunity to wish my successor President Ferasath Cassim and his energetic 

officers for a successful tenure. 

Long live Serendib! May it grow to greater heights with more and more success to come… 

because success is a journey, not a destination. 


9

Xavier Arulandoo 

Charter President 

“If you are persistent, you will get it! 

If you are consistent, you’ll keep it” 

Congratulations to Serendib for 15 years of remarkable growth. In your journey of 

success, you have not only earned several accolades, but also achieved a special name for your 

effectiveness and credibility that we can be proud of. Your dedication towards the mission of 

Toastmasters is astounding. I salute you for your evolving activism and your uncompromising 

commitment towards our vision. 

Many thanks to the outgoing President M.I.M. Zubair and the dynamic team for enabling the 

outstanding achievements of Area Level wins, in all four categories of contests and the Gavel Club 

contest participation at the District level. Winning the three prestigious Toastmasters International 

awards for membership, TM Sunil Bhatt’s achievement of triple- crown award and TM Ifthiquar 

Noohu’s special recognition by Toastmaster’s International are clear reflections of the enthusiasm 

and eagerness that prevails throughout the club. Congratulations TM Thangasamy on earning the 

highest title of “Distinguished Toastmaster” Award which indeed has added impetus to the Club. 

Dear Incoming President Ferasath Cassim and the new team, congratulations on your fresh 

challenge to lead one of the most esteemed organizations in the World. We are privileged to avail 

your expertise in many facets of your Toastmasters experience. Your long years of unwavering 

support, excellent organizational skills and your passionate attitude for outreach will no doubt 

take the club to much greater heights. Today’s Gavel Clubs sprouted from the Youth Leadership 

Program conducted in the year 2004. One can never forget TM Ferasath’s significant contribution 

that enabled us to conduct a successful Youth Leadership Program. 

Dear Outgoing Gavel Club Presidents, Stefani Kulathunga, Naweeth Riyaz, and Gavel Club 

Counselors, you have played a greater role in the success of several members while acquiring 

superior leadership skills. We thank you for setting an exemplary example. Congratulations 

Incoming Presidents Tachitri Arunagirinathan , Zamil Zameek and Gavel Club Counselors. This 

is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills by bringing out the best in you. Use the authority 

wisely while ensuring high level of team spirit and enthusiasm at all times. 

Toastmasters International has announced an overhaul of its educational program. Let’s learn 

the features of the Revitalized Educational Program and know why the new scheme is created 

and how it is shaping up. It is important that we learn the comparison to the current educational 

program and the proposed time lines for its implementation. 

In order for an organization to succeed, the individuals within should be successful. Let us focus 

on two imperatives simultaneously. The first is to work on Individual Educational Achievements 

and a Mentoring Program which will set the tone for the second imperative – the club growth. 


10 SERENDIB BREEZE

Nishtar Moomin 

Past President (PY 2004-2005) 

Henry Ford (1863-1947) - An American Industrialist and the 

Founder of Ford Motor Company quoted “ Coming Together is a Beginning; Keeping 

Together is Progress; Working Together is Success”. When I reflect Fifteen 

years back and marvel at the vision of Serendib Club Charter President Xavier 

Maria Arulandoo and his Dream Team, this particular quote becomes so apt 

and laudable. It is also praiseworthy mentioning that the present generation of 

Serendib Toastmasters and it’s Gavel Cubs are doing a marvelous job carrying 

forward the original vision with its significant mission. 

Congratulations to the outgoing Club President Toastmaster Mohamed 

Zubair and the two Gavel Presidents. It is delightful indeed to note the progress 

you and your teams have made and achieved numerous accolades. This is very 

commendable and we thank you for a job well done. 

Congratulations to the incoming Club President Toastmaster Ferasath Cassim 

and the two new Gavel Presidents for being elected to serve the Prestigeous 

Club and steer its 15th annual path of success. It is heartening to note that you 

already have planned several worthy projects ahead as part of your obligation. 

This is awesome news! 

Dear members of Serendib & its Gavel clubs, you are celebrating success 

today from the achievements of yesterday. I believe victory is much 

more meaningful when it comes not just from one person, but by the joint 

achievement of many. Serendib has been such a marvelous club from its 

inception . The past members have come together; kept the glow of progress 

continual and worked successfully time and again. I think it is now your turn to 

make it a fundamental duty to safeguard that vision and carry forward the seeds 

of success as a Journey and not just a Destination. I wish every one of you 

many more pleasant victories to come. 

Long live Serendib ! 


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Sellacuddy Murugadas 


Serendib had come to Stay….. 

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in other men the 

conviction and the will to carry on. -Walter Lippmann(1889-1974) 

Dear incoming President TM Ferasath Cassim, outgoing President TM MIM Zubair, incoming and 

outgoing club officers and members of the Serendib Family. 

I am pleased to send my greetings and a message for the “Serendib Breeze” which is part of the Gala 

Award Night celebrations for the 15th Year. I am overwhelmed as I look at the long list of achievements and 

achievers for the Toastmaster year just concluded. As I wondered how our Club SERENDIB stands tall year 

after year it came to my mind, the word of the Gospel from Walter Lippmann (1889-1974) hence his 

quotation at the top! Starting from our Dynamic Charter President TM Xavier Arulandoo, right up to the 

current outgoing President TM MIM Zubair, all Presidents have become successful leaders! Leadership Traits 

learned from each leader are being transmitted to the successor without any diminution. 

Congratulations to the Outgoing President MIM Zubair and the VPED Gihan Tissera and the rest of the 

Team for an excellent educational achievements recorded last year. I am sure that the incoming President, the 

veteran TM Ferasath Cassim and the VPED TM Farhan Abdulgafoor are all geared up for the new challenges, 

that is always expected at the top. 

Gavel Club outgoing Presidents Stephanie Kulathunga (Girl’s Club) and Naweeth Riyaz (Boy’s Club), 

the leadership experience you have gained will be a source of inspiration and motivation in your future 

leadership roles or any other positions of responsibility. Dear incoming Gavel Presidents, Thachitra 

Arunagirinathan (Girl’s club) and Zamil Zameek (Boy’s club), you have a responsible task in your hand in 

steering the clubs. You have proven talents in Educational achievements and contests. Gavel Counselors are 

always there for your assistance whenever you encounter any day to day challenges. Congratulations to you 

both! 

I also take this opportunity to congratulate TM Subramaniam Thangasamy for reaching the pinnacle 

of Toastmasters by achieving the Distinguished Toastmasters Status. I am also pleased to hear that the 

Newsletter “Serebdib Breeze” was placed 02nd among the Newsletters published by the clubs in District’ 79. 

Congratulations to the entire team headed by the Chief Editor TM Samantha de Silva. 

As I reminisce my 13 years of association with my mother club Serendib as a Charter member and later as 

it’s President in 2005/2006, I feel proud and happy to realize that I was associated with a group of members 

who were dedicated, committed, shared, cared and motivated one another. One of our first sponsors and a 

Mentor of Serendib, Janaki Patnaik had to say this in his article ABC of life - Serendib has Accommodated the 

“Unavoidable”, blocked the “unacceptable” and changed the “changeable”. That’s why Serendib continues to 

remain a Dominant club as it istoday! 

It is my ardent wish, that all the members of Serendib Family attend this momentous occasion of 15th 

Gala Awards Night, congratulate the outgoing and incoming leaders, cheer the contestants (winners and 

losers) and thank the organizers of this major Gala Awards night in the city. 

I wish Serendib every success in the future.Long Live Serendib! 

12 SERENDIB BREEZE

Saravanaraj Nadaraja 

Charter Member 

Serendib Toastmasters Club 

Dear President and the members of Serendib Toastmasters Family, 

I am honored to congratulate you on the occasion of the 15th annual awards night, 

I am happy to hear many 1st time achievements including winning all three Membership 

Development Ribbons, Triple Crown awarded to TM Sunil Bhatt, shinning at Area & Division 

contests to name the few, not to forget the 14th in a row “President’s Distinguished status” 

which only few clubs have achieved. Since the inception Serendib never failed to achieve 

distinguished status, this proves “Success is a journey, not a destination” 

Fellow Toastmasters of Serendib, attend meetings regularly, grab any speaking 

opportunities, participate actively in all competitions and take up any leadership role. 

This experience will definitely change you as an exceptional human being. The Serendib 

Toastmasters family transformed me from a rough stone in to a shining sapphire. I also 

witnessed several fellow Toastmasters who have transformed into excellent leaders by 

effectively capitalizing the Serendib podium. 

I congratulate Thangasamy for achieving the Distinguished Toastmasters status, Welcome 

to the exclusive band of leaders. 

I take this great ocean to appreciate all past and present leaders for developing hundreds 

of leaders. I may fail in my duty if I don’t recognize our future leaders of Serendib Gaveliers. 

Let me congratulate outgoing President M.I.M .Zubair and his team for another successful 

year and wishing an exciting Toastmaster’s year for the in-coming President Ferasath Cassim 

and his team. 

Long Live Serendib Family 


13

A.S.M. Illiyas 


It is nice that I have an opportunity to write something to this SERENDIB BREEZE and appreciate 

the officials for the kind gesture. 

The Toastmasters is one of the best skill building programs. But for some people it looks silly, 

simple and boring. Dear friends, only when you join you will know the value and enjoy the real 

benefit of it. Most of my friends use to give me a funny look and sarcastic comments when I was 

inviting them to ‘come to learn public speaking’ or ‘let’s learn to communicate better. A lot of 

distraction were faced. However, later they all joined and flourished as best performers and even 

contested at Division level, in some cases their children joined and became Gaveliers and prospered. 

Our people have a lot of talents, but deprived of a proper forum to explore their capabilities. 

Then we created SERENDIB as an appropriate platform. Today no one can complain, here is the 

opportunity, join and explore your talents and become the champions. Most of us have benefited 

from this concept. We have many examples in our club to refer. I am unable to list them all here. 

Please join and you will realize and learn. If it was not beneficial, we wouldn’t have prolonged this 

club for so long with the limited resources. 

Let me be very frank, with my job, responsibilities at home and other involvements I used to feel 

a burden, when it comes to preparing speeches, participating in contests and organizing events. 

It was hectic that I was finding it difficult to manage. Once in a while I use to feel like getting out 

of this. But today I am missing all that very badly. Those weekly gatherings, which bring a lot of 

pleasure, sense of achievement, enjoying the success of our community members, the happiness 

when my friends walk out of that auditorium as champions. Believe me you will not get this 

opportunity again anywhere in the world. Therefore, let’s involve and enjoy. 

Dear Members we should do a lot of canvassing and bring all our friends, relatives, families to this 

club. As this is a family club, we need to grow. Our skills have to be developed and the club has to 

prosper. Never feel enough with what you have done, and don’t think this is not your responsibility. 

All these negative feelings may benefit you for a while, but in the long run you are missing out a 

lot. Let us have a never give up attitude, because as of now I think this is the only organization that 

could bring our people together and become the best community. 

I whole heartedly appreciate our new team for the best work they are doing so far, lot of 

achievements have been realized during these few tenures. Congratulations to Toastmaster Ferasath 

Cassim and his superior team. Also thanks to our outgoing team led by Toastmaster Zubair who is 

one the experienced Toastmaster and a very challenging personality of our community. Thanks to 

his team of creative members for all the effort they had put to make our club as one of best during 

their tenure. 

Toastmaster Ferasath Cassim. I know him personally very well for a long time. He is very silent, 

but a man of action. He and his team will definitely be successful and our Serendib Club image will 

fly much more higher. 

LET’S STRIVE TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER. 

14 SERENDIB BREEZE



A Journey to Success........ 

It is with a great deal of pride that I offer my congratulations to Serendib Toastmasters club at this 

time of celebrating the 15th Anniversary. It has been exhilarating to observe the growth of the organization 

into the dynamic entity that it is today, which has such a powerful influence on the community. As a 

result, many members are taking challenging responsibilities as leaders and are likewise excelling in their 

professional field as well. 

Having been a member of Serendib since 2006, I know from the inside and the outside the fabulous 

commitment of Serendib’s members in making this organization grow and thrive. I had the opportunity to 

witness Serendib’s journey of success year after year. Every year the Excom comes up with novel ideas of 

improving the quality of the meetings. I remember in the past the Excom started publishing the weekly 

meeting agenda in the Serendib’s website and this year too members are utilizing the social media to the 

extent possible to reach out to all the members in an easy and simple way. 

It is so heartening to see members vigorously participating in contests, speech marathons, membership 

drives and achieving multiple crown titles. Congratulations to the President TM Zubair and VP Education 

TM Gihan and other TMs for organizing such meetings filled with educational and cheerful activities. These 

inspire members to actively participate in all the didactic activities conducted proficiently with a touch of 

innovative plans. Bravo bravo…! 

Congratulations to TM Ifthiquar for a great campaign by attracting new members and getting recognition 

from TMI. Another rising star TM Sunil, congratulations on attaining Triple Crown, we know how much of 

commitment and hard work goes in to accomplish this title. 

I am extremely happy to congratulate the highest title achiever Subramaniam Thangasamy for this 

prodigious accomplishment. Everyone knows that it is the fruit of his passion and dedication towards his 

development and contribution to the club. All the Serendibians are proud of him. Congratulations! 

Oh what a joy it is to be a member of a club which holds excellence as a high standard, nurtures young 

and adult members, from the past and present and encourages us all to do and be the best we can in 

our personal and professional growth. While thanking the outgoing team, President TM MIM Zubair, his 

Executive Committee, the outgoing Gavel Club Counselors, outgoing Gavel Club Presidents, for coaching, 

supporting, fostering, encouraging fellow members all the way to an efficacious tenure. Congratulations 

on your grand success! 

I wish the newfangled team headed by TM Ferasath Cassim, his Executive committee, Gavel Counselors 

TM Indika Gunaratne and TM Anuja Raddella every success in advancing the baton forward as the Awards 

night theme says “Success is a journey, not a destination”. Therefore, fellow Serendebians, pack your best 

suit and your sharpest attitude for yet another productive year during this amazing Journey to Success…!. 


15



Celebrating a Landmark event; 15th Anniversary 

I would like to start with congratulating the outgoing president MIM Zubair and his able team, who 

had brought in many accolades and achievements during the last year. Let me also offer my best wishes 

to the new incoming president Ferasath Cassim and his capable team. 

I cannot believe that time has gone by so fast, and that now we are going to celebrate the 15th 

Anniversary of our Serendib Toastmasters Club. Needless to say, how challenging it is to organize such 

a gala event especially in a country like Saudi Arabia. Yet, our senior leaders and Past Presidents have 

been doing a great job year after year, since the first event held in 2001. 

This annual event is not just to gather and enjoy but has a meaning with a deep sense. That’s why 

it takes over 5 hours in total covering all areas. This is a time to recognize all the achievements of 

members at different levels. Formally this event is called the “Annual Awards Ceremony” since the main 

objectives are to recognize the High Achievers. Contest winners, Educational milestones to name a few. 

A few years back the installation and the disbanding of the Executive committees were also done 

during this ceremony. But in the recent times the club is organizing a separate event for this purpose. 

Turning back to see what we have done in the past years, I cannot believe myself. What a long way 

we have come. I can remember most of the past events were very fruitful in putting up great shows by 

the efforts of the club’s members. It’s not just the Project Chairman, but a whole team, working together 

tirelessly in different areas finally culminating into Gala Event. 

Whether you are a Toastmaster, Gavelier, Parent or a well-wisher, have you ever thought about the 

real meaning of having this Annual Event? It’s not just a Prize Giving or a show with speeches, But this 

is the forum where we show what Toastmasters & Gavelliers can do. The under lying message is “this is 

the place to develop one’s Communication & Leadership skills, a place where Leaders are made” 

Over the years I have seen how fresh Toastmasters and young student Gaveliers develop from 

nervous and shaky speakers into very confident and effective ones. This is the platform that many begin 

and slowly but steadily evolve as good leaders. As a Toastmaster I have benefitted immensely over the 

past 14 years and I had the privilege of holding many positions over the years. Although I don’t consider 

myself to be fully accomplished in this arena of public speaking, we as seniors have started imparting 

whatever knowledge we have gained through this journey. Looking at the young talent especially the 

Gaveliers, I am overwhelmed and see a very bright future for them.I am sure the new president along 

with the Gavel Counselors will do their utmost to uphold the standards and the values set by our past 

leaders so we can see high performances in this year and many years to come. 

Keep the Serendib flag flying high, as we celebrate the 15thAnniversary...!! 

16 SERENDIB BREEZE



Being a Toastmaster is an honor and being a member of Serendib TM club is a great 

privilege. It gives me immense pleasure in sending this message across as Serendib celebrates 

her 15th Gala Annual Awards Night. 

Yet another successful year in the history of Serendib has been accomplished. Year after 

year Serendib is marching forward with its esteemed banner towards the journey of success 

and has come a long way. During this journey, she had molded a lot of ordinary people into 

extraordinary speakers and exceptional leaders, who are serving the community in esteemed 

organizations. 

It is heartening to see members delivering projects actively and achieving many titles, 

some were able to grab Triple crown titles as well. Congratulations to all of them. I wish this 

year too the desire of achieving greater heights be there amongst the members. We all as a 

“team” should adhere to the standards set by TMI and should strictly follow the requirements 

of the CC and AC manuals assisted with proper mentoring. Once these ingredients are mixed 

together, automatically there will be “titles” that will flow in with proper learning. 

I wish the club to reach further new heights by sharing knowledge and wisdom. I am sure 

that this club has individuals who are determined to achieve unimaginable levels. 

Congratulations to the outgoing President TM Zubair, his excellent team, Gavel club 

presidents, Gavel members and their respective Gavel counselors for a job well done. 

When I joined the club, I saw something in this gentleman whom I am just about to 

highlight. He was not only a leading figure in Serendib Toastmasters Club but also an ardent 

social worker in the community. A calm and composed character, always willing to assist who 

ever seeking his help. All the people within and outside our community liked this gentleman 

in the past as well as in the present. He is none other than our incoming president, TM 

Ferasath Cassim. As a past president of the club, I am relieved to see that the club is in good 

hands. I wish him and his vibrant team all the very best. 

Long live Serendib! 


17

14TH ANNIVERSARY AND ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT 

Another Delightful Evening 

Serendib Awards Night is one of the best events in Riyadh 

Toastmasters arena. It is the annual colours nite, an evening dedicated to 

celebrate the achievements of its members covering a year just concluded. 

Serendib Toastmasters Club which is affiliated to Toastmasters International 

(TMI) comprises of three clubs. They are the main club which is Serendib 

Toastmasters Club and the two Serendib Gavel Clubs. Despite the busy 

professional and family schedules, members of Serendib Toastmasters Club 

are a bunch of selfless, highly energetic, committed group of individuals 

who work together for the community. The executive committee 2015- 

2016 of the main club assigned me as the project chairman for the awards 

night and immediately, with the EXCOM’s approval, I appointed one of the 

dynamic Toastmasters, Mohamed Hilmy as the deputy project chair. 

Like in many projects the club had implemented in the past, the senior 

leaders of the club were the foundation and the consultative group for the 

project. We had a fantastic blend of experienced and new Toastmasters to 

work with. The energy levels were beyond expectations. It was a difficult 

task to form the project steering committee and to assign roles. Yet, with 

the guidance of Serendib’s past and present stalwarts, I was fortunate to 

assemble a great team. We commenced the project sometime late in Sep 

2015. 


Project Chair 

Mohamed Hilmy 

Deputy Project Chair 

Project team leads 2015 were the following Toastmasters: 

• Project Chair Anver M. Rizan • Chief Souvenir Committee Officer Subramaniam Thangasamy 

• Deputy Project Chair Mohammed Hilmy • Chief Editor Ifthiquar Noohu 

• Chief Program Officer Nirone Dissanayake • Project CFO Gayan Karunaratne 

• Director Awards & Certificates Ferasath Cassim • Head of Logistics Abdul Munaf Azees 

Accordingly the sub groups were formed to assist the leads. It was one cohesive exercise where 

all the members contributed with utmost zeal and dedication. This great team not only drove the 

project to perfection, they also achieved “togetherness”. To me it was more of a “team bonding” exercise, 

which showed hidden “leadership” talents of the respective teams. The combination of a high quality 

souvenir (magazine) backed by editing excellence, strenuous but successful campaign of advertisement 

collection that saw cushioning project expenses, meticulous preparation of awards & certificates, the 

creativity and entertainment which enchanted the audience, flawless logistical support from the beginning 

to end, timely invitations and well managed ushering of guests, the expenditure within the budgets, all 

18 SERENDIB BREEZE

synchronized seamlessly confirming to the TEAM, “Together Everyone Achieves More” concept. As 

head of the project, I couldn’t have asked for more. 

We were privileged to have the company of His Excellency Mohamed Azmi Thassim, The 

Ambassador of the Social Republic of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the Chief Guest 

together with Madam Thassim. It also marked His Excellency Thassim’s first official engagement 

after starting his duties. We were touched by his acceptance of our invitation together with Madam 

Thassim to grace the occasion. Also I must mention the names of the guests of honor who 

graciously accepted our invitation and added colour to this all important annual event. They were 

District 79 Director, Distinguished Toastmaster Abdullah Al-Sharif, Area 6 Director Toastmaster Magesh 

Prabhakara and other distinguished dignitaries. The invitees were ushered according to rich Sri Lankan 

tradition. 

The ceremony was officially declared open by the Sergeant-At-Arms, 

followed by the welcome speech delivered by the Serendib Toastmasters 

Club President, Toastmaster Mohamed I.M. Zubair… 

President introduced the masters of ceremony 


19

Followed by lighting of the oil lamp by the Chief Guest, 

Madam Thassim, Guests of Honor and other dignitaries. 

We showcased our gavel talents; “Gavelliers are the future of communication and leadership“ 

International speech was delivered by Girls Gavel Club’s Gavellier Steffanie Christine… on “Love, 

respect and hold on to your parents”… with the speech title “Aren’t we the best” International speech 

delivered by Boys Gavel Gavellier Naveeth Riyaz with a speech title of “Be yourself” and Gavellier 

Zameel Zamik on “Know the word, love your enemy” 

Awards galore! for those Gavelliers and Toastmasters who achieved educational milestones 

during the year. Main Club’s International speech champion, Toastmaster Afdhal Saheer with an 

appealing message “Step to success” and The Toastmaster who tickled your funny bone, 1st 

runner up at the humorous speech contest, Divisional level, Toastmaster Abdul Munaf Aziz… 

20 SERENDIB BREEZE

Time was up to release the 14th Serendib Breeze magazine to the Chief Guest, Guests of 

Honor and other dignitaries. It was also announced the availability of the digital version of 

the “14th Serendib Breeze” @ www.serendib.toastmastersclubs.org 

The much awaited Gavel talent showcase began… 

…for a change, Gavel Boys got the opportunity ahead of the Gavel Girls… 

Recognizing contest winners of all the three (3) clubs, namely Serendib Toastmasters Club, 

Serendib Girls Gavel Club and Serendib Boys Gavel Club… 

…With that our Area 6 Director, Toastmaster Magesh Prabhakara was inspired to attend the 

meeting based on a promise given by me “no one will go empty handed by attending the 

Serendib Awards Night…” Toastmaster Magesh inspired us with the theme “how important is a well 

earned award in our life” and District 79 Director, Distinguished Toastmaster Abdullah Al-Sharif 

commending Serendib Toastmasters Club’s invaluable service to the Kingdom’s Toastmaster’s 

fraternity since 2001. 


21

Outstanding achievers of Serendib Toastmasters Club, Serendib Girls Gavel Club and Serendib 

Boys Gavel Club whose achievements were in line with the Toastmasters’ International 

guidelines.We had a wonderful refreshing break with fellowship… and kept our audience at the 

edge of their seats, RAFFLE DRAW time… graced by Toastmaster Kolitha, three lucky winners 

were chosen by and wards presented by Madam Thassim. 

What a cultural show, Mrs. Mala’s dancing troop doing the honors to the Sinhala song 

“Malmada bisowuni kohido yanne”… audience were captivated with their melodic twists and 

turns… we recognized their efforts with a token of appreciation… 

Much awaited Girls Gavel talent showcasing continues… 

…Girls Gavel got talent… with the theme “This is where leaders are made… how Gavel programs 

assists this noble cause of building tomorrow’s leaders was showcased brilliantly” 

Serendib Toastmaster’s Club president Toastmaster Mohamed I.M. Zubair, Area 6 Director 

Toastmaster Magesh Prabhakara, and myself as the Immediate Past President were presenting the 

“triple crown” winners with their pins. 

For the 1st time in the history Serendib Toastmasters Club, bagged three awards out of five District 

Public Relations Awards in offer… 

1. Securing 3rd place in Synergy web byte award “best club web site” competing with 232 clubs, 

2. Securing 3rd place in captivating communiqué award “Best Newsletter” (3 releases) competing 

with 232 clubs. 

3. Winning 2nd place in the Talk of the town award “Best article in External Media” with the title 

‘Shifting trends in parenting’, competing with more than 6000 members… 

Award were presented by the District 79 Director, Distinguished Toastmaster Abdullah Al-Sharif 

accompanied by the immediate past Division B Director, Distinguished Toastmaster Subramaniam 

Thangasamy, President Mohamed I.M. Zubair, Area 6 Director, Toastmaster Magesh Prabhakara and 

myself as the Immediate Past President 

22 SERENDIB BREEZE

The Awards went to our VPPR, TM Samantha De Silva, with a rumble of applauses by the 

audience. TM Samantha, we salute you for bringing pride to Serendib in District 79 !!! 

His Excellency Mohamed Azmi Thassim, The Ambassador of Social Republic of Sri Lanka 

in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, presented his 1st official speech on taking over office, with very 

positive remarks about the event…we were honored to have you and Madam gracing this 

occasion. 

We are grateful to the Immediate Past Presidents of Serendib Toastmasters Club, Serendib 

Girls and Boys Gavel Clubs for “marching their respective troops to greater heights”… the 

distinctions went to • Gav. Nuha Rizan, • Gav. Firaz Cassim and • Anver Mohamed Rizan. The 

award was presented by His Excellency Mohamed Azmi Thassim, The Ambassador. This was the 

13th consecutive year where Serendib Toastmasters Club won the “President’s Distinguished 

Club” award. 


23

Serendibians were grateful for the 

leadership and humanitarian services rendered 

by the Immediate past Ambassador, His Excellency 

Mohammed Hussian Mohammed who had 

already left the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 

“Award of Communication and Leadership” was 

hence received by Mr. Mohammed Aslam, a 

relative of HE Mohammed Hussian Mohammed. 

Finally the Toastmaster of the year and the Gavellier of the year Awards were announced, 

handed over and celebrated. The winners were; 

Gavellier of the year - Girls 

Steffanie Christine Kulathunga 

Gavellier of the year - Boys 

Naveeth Riyaz 

Toastmaster of the year 


Vote of thanks was presented by my colleague, who was beside me like a strong pillar from 

the very beginning, who was vigorously involved in all aspects from obtaining advertisements to 

Logistic, Invitations to venue, etc;…. without his tireless efforts we could have not celebrated the 

14th Gala awards night, Toastmaster Mohammed Hilmy, a big thanks to you. 

Program came to an end with the National Anthem followed by a scrumptious dinner. 

Indeed it was a great pleasure to 

be the Project Chair. It marked the 

end of yet another highly successful 

Serendib event. “Long live Serendib 

Toastmasters Club together with Girls 

and Boys Gavel Clubs” 

24 SERENDIB BREEZE

Sasirinda Waragoda 

Project Chair 

May is the most colorful month of the year because Sri Lankan 

Buddhists celebrate the Vesak festival. Likewise Serendib Toastmaster 

Club celebrated Vesak Festival with glamour. The annual Vesak Dansala 

is a foremost event among them. In effect dansals are centers that offer 

food and drink, to visitors, free. Sri Lankan phenomenon of dansala 

(open house), occupies a special niche due to its profusion, its variegated 

aspects, the enthusiasm and the fervor it engenders and, above all, due 

to its innovative manifestations year after year. Everyone’s idea was to do 

something different than in the previous year.So this year we were able 

to do an ice cream danasala. Not only we helped our community but also 

raised funds for people in Sri Lanka. 


25

Rakeeb Rafeek 

Project Chair 

The VPPR team headed by TM Rakeeb organized an outing for 

Serendib families. It was held successfully on Friday the 29th April 2016. 

The outing was filled with lots of fun & games. 

Delicious spread of traditional Sri lankan lunch of Plain Rice, Maalu 

Ambulthial, Chicken Mirisata, Wambathu Moju, Ala Badum, Parippu, 

Papadam and Fried Chilli poured extra boost Football, carom and 

swimming games were entertaining and the outing was exciting with 

BBQ dinner by the veteran BBQ expert TM Farzan. Kids, Gaveliers, 

Members , Parents and everyone enjoyed the outing, which ended with 

the distribution of gifts to small kids , organized by TM Anuja. 

26 SERENDIB BREEZE

The club conducted the speech 

marathon on Tuesday 01st December 2015 

with great success and appreciation by the 

4 Guests and 25 members who were there 

to witness a life-time’s wonderful speeches 

and members achieving great milestones. 

As for the Synopsis; Toastmaster of the 

evening, TM Ferasath invited the evaluators 

to read the speech criteria and then called 

the speakers one by one. 

The first Speaker was 

TM Jazuli who gave his 

Ice Breaker, explained 

where he was born, who 

his parents were, where 

he studied and his first 

and current work. He had a very good flow 

and was very confident. The second Speaker 

TM Jaan, who opened the speech vibrantly 

to do the CC manual’s 4th project. He 

started his speech by 

giving us some data 

about the number of 

suicide deaths in Sri 

Lanka and then slowly 

moved to a mini story 

about a friend of his and his colleague, a 

calm lady teacher. He kept the audience 

captivated and curious. It was a marvelous 

speech, quite dramatized. The third speaker 

was TM Farhan again from the CC Manual’s 

4th project. TM Farhan 

started describing about 

his native area Helboda, 

where he was born and 

raised up. He spoke 

about the breathtaking 

landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, 

the land of Paradise that Sri Lanka has 

been blessed with. He invited the 

entire membership and guests 

to visit these places when they 

travel next to Sri Lanka. He had 

a great flow and was very vibrant. 

The fourth speaker TM Gihan did 

the 4th project from the CC manual. Our Evaluation 

champion again displayed his great talent in speech 

delivery, where he spoke about the 

mistakes and how to learn from 

them. He had a great voice, great 

flow and was very confident. The 

fifth speaker was TM Fazmy whose 

project was the 3rd speech from 

the ACB manual“Story Telling”. He started to narrate his 

personal story, according to the criteria in the manual 

to describe about his own experience about finding a 

life-partner. He had very good humor, voice modulation 

and was very vibrant. 

The sixth and the final speaker 

was TM Thangasamy, who was 

delivering his final speech from 

ACG Manual’s 10th project. TM 

Thangasamy exhibited a live show 

on television, where he explained 

about mail merging techniques in Microsoft Word, step 

by step. 

His presentation was very smooth and informative. 

The entire crowd got the easy techniques of mail 

merging and everyone showed their gratitude for TM 

Thangasamy for bringing in an important presentation. 

TM Afdhal was invited to the lectern by the host 

to give a presentation on how to prepare speeches 

from CC4 to CC6. He gave a very useful presentation 

for members who are in line to finish their speeches 

to get qualified for the next Club Contest to be held in 

January. 


27

Gihan Tissera 

My Personal 

Secret!!! 

I was preparing to deliver a project in 

Competent Communicator manual. The first big 

challenge was to decide on the speech topic. A lot 

of topics were coming in to my mind, but I had 

difficulty in deciding the topic for the speech. 

Then I decided the topic “Be focused to achieve 

your goals”. The next challenge was to write the 

script. It was a bigger challenge than deciding the 

topic. How do I start, how should the body be 

crafted, how should it end, how to include humor 

are some of the decisions I had to make? It was 

a daunting task, whenever I started to write the 

script I was not motivated to proceed with it. I 

would find some excuse to postpone it. My script 

writing was not moving at all. 

The breakthrough came when I changed the 

speech topic. I was not passionate about the 

serious topic “Be focused to achieve your goals” 

so I changed it to ‘my personal experience 

during the last year awards night’. Now I was 

passionate to speak about my experience last 

year, so the script came through easily. It was 

easy to write a script on a subject that you 

have real passion. 

So the secret for script writing is to choose 

a topic you are passionate with. It may be an 

experience, your pet, good health, emotions, 

motivation etc; It really does not matter what 

topic you choose; what matters is that you are 

really passionate with the topic you choose. 

28 SERENDIB BREEZE


”Life isn’t just a matter of milestones, 

but heartfelt moments” 

It is indeed an overwhelming honour for 

me personally to write to this magazine as ‘The 

Toastmaster of the Year’ of 2016-2015 

I am not stating this lightly, but with an 

emotion filled heart, after a long and rewarding 

journey. 

It was not long before that I was not even 

able to stand in front of an audience, let alone 

speaking. With the unwavering support and 

encouragement of my fellow Serendib club 

members, I managed to win the Division contest 

consecutively for past 3 years. I sincerely 

believe that the support and encouragement 

found in our club is unmatched, unparalleled, 

and non contestable. Serendibians inspire and 

instil such confidence in every speaker that they 

are capable to fully expressing themselves while 

being true to their character and personality. 

Winning the “Toastmaster of the Year” award 

was a dream come true. Even though I believe 

that learning never stops, I am glad that all those 

years of practice and training has rewarded well. 

The credit goes not to myself alone, it must be 

shared with fellow Serendibians. It is a testimonial 

to the organisation and the values of our club. My 

dream would have been just a dream till today, if 

not for those generous Toastmasters who dragged 

me up and pushed me forward. 

Toastmasters’ has now become a focal point 

in my life. It has played a big part in guiding me 

professionally and personally. Even though I am 

lucky to have achieved many milestones along the 

way, it is truly the moments with the club that I 

will always cherish. 

In my life time I cannot forget my two mentors, 

whose encouragement and valuable words inspired 

me. All the rewards should go to my guardians 

TM Afdhal Saheer and TM Nirone Dissanayake, 

for their unwavering support till today. Without 

my mentors I could not have achieved anything 

in Toastmasters. Thanks to the Almighty, for who 

am I today, 

Lastly, I urge everyone to invite his or her 

friends and colleagues to get involved in this 

wonderful experience. 

Thank you for your continuous support! 


29

30 SERENDIB BREEZE


31

MEMBERS INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 

Distinguished Toastmaster 

Subramaniam Thangasamy, 

Individual Achievement 

The Distinguished Toastmaster award 

The highest individual honor in the 

Toastmasters fraternity 

District Awards 2015-2016 

Educational Acheivements(Triple Crown) 

M.I.M. Zubair CC,ALB 

Best Club President 

of the Year 2015-2016 

Sunil Bhat CC, ALB 

Club Achievements 2015-2016 

• For the first time Serendib won Seven (7) positions at Area 6 contests out of twelve (12) 

positions (4 categories x 3 winners). 

• For the first time Serendib sent contestants for all four categories (TT, International, Humorous 

and Evaluation) to Division B Contests. 

• Two of our Gaveliers participated in District 79 contest. Including a first timer. 

• Received a Golden Ribbon for achieving President Distinguished Club Status by the end of March 2016. 

• Inducted quality members and achieved all three ribbons (Smedley , Beat the Clock & Talk up Toastmasters). 

• TM Thangasamy achieved his Distiguished Toastmaster title this year. 

• TM Sunil Bhatt achieved his Triple Crown awards for completing 3 educational titles together this year. 

• TM Ifthiquar was awarded a pin by TMI for sponsoring 5 new members this year. 

• Special District Award for achieving 10 DCP points and maintaining members by 30 June 2016. 

• The President was recognized with the plaque by the District for being one of the best Presidents in District 79. 

• Many members achieved their educational and leadership titles. 

• Speech marathons were conducted to boost the morale of members. 

• Successfully migrated from traditional paper based agenda with an e-agenda using the TMI website. 

• Pushing towards a paperless weekly meeting to make the meetings environment friendly. 

• Well organized / entertained gala event, a family day-out by VPPR team. 

• Serendib Members Sponsored Vesak Dansala at the Sri Lankan embassy premises. 

32 SERENDIB BREEZE

SERENDIB TOASTMASTER CLUB 

CLUB 

AWARD 

WINNERS 

2014-15 


Toastmaster of the Year 

Samantha De Silva 

Most Enthusiastic Toastmaster 

Mohammad Afdhal Saheer 

Most Improved Toastmaster 

Ferasath Cassim 

Outstanding Club Officer 

Gihan Tissera 

Most Dedicated Toastmaster 

Hatim Thasleem 

Most Committed Toastmaster 

Farhan Abdul Gafoor 

Most Supportive Toastmaster 

Mohammed Hilmy 

Most Supportive Toastmaster 


33

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS 2015-2016 

Distinguished Toastmaster / 

Advance communicator Gold / 

Advance Leader Silver 

Subramaniam Thangasamy 

Advance Communicator Bronze 

Advance Leader Bronze 

Mohammad Afdhal 

Saheer, ACB,ALB 

Kolitha 

Panditharathane,ACB,ALB 

Mohammad Afdhal 

Saheer, ACB,ALB 

Sunil Bhat,CC, 

ALB 

Competent Communicator 

Sasirinda 

Waragoda,CC 


ALB 

Farhan Abdul 

Gafoor,CC, CL 

Anuja Raddella,CC 

Competent Leader 


ALB 

Farhan Abdul 

Gafoor,CC, CL 

Fazmy Safvan 

CC, CL 

34 SERENDIB BREEZE

AREA CONTEST WINNERS 2015-2016 

Farhan Abdul Gafoor,CC, CL 

1st place in Humorous Speech 

3rd place in International Speech 

Gihan Tissera 

1st place Speech Evaluation 

Mohammad Afdhal Saheer, ACB,ALB 

2nd place in Table Topics 

3rd place in Speech Evaluation 

Abdul Munaf Azees,CC,ALB 

2nd place in Humorous Speech 

Sasirinda Waragoda, CC 

2nd place in International Speech 

CLUB CONTEST WINNERS 2015-2016 

International Speech 

Sasirinda Waragoda, CC 

1st Place 


2nd Place 

Table Topics 

Hatim Mohammed Thasleem,CC 

3rd Place 


1st Place 


2nd Place 

Speech Evaluation 

Hatim Mohammed Thasleem,CC 

3rd Place 


1st Place 

Gihan Tissera 

2nd Place 

Humorous Speech 

Mohammed Fazmy Safvan,CC,CL 

3rd Place 


1st Place 

Abdul Munaf Azees,CC,ALB 

2nd Place 

Mohammed Fazmy Safvan,CC,CL 

3rd Place 


35

“Better Quality” is our theme 

Consider it an honor to be writing a message for this prestigious magazine, and especially on the topic 

of Serendib Gavel Clubs. 

I was approached by the President TM Ferasath offering me the position of Chief Gavel Counselor for 

both boys and girls Gavel clubs. For the respect and honor of the President and the Executive Committee, I 

immediately accepted. Even though I had experienced being the Girls Gavel club counselor, I was wondering 

how i am going to handle it. Specially, when considering the sacrifice of family time. 

However, when I consulted with my wife, she said to take it for the 

sake of those children. This gave me the moral boost I needed. Moreover, 

having a team of marvelous counselors like TM Indika, TM Sasirinda, 

TM Anuja, TM Jazuli, TM Rakeeb, TM Farhan. And an advisory panel 

comprising of Thangasamy, TM Riyaz, TM Nirone, TM Rizan, and TM 

Zubair, I knew it is going to be a cake walk, hence I sealed the offer. 

My entrance to the Gavel club counseling is due to our great Distinguish 

Toastmaster Subramaniam Thangasamy. He is not only a Distinguished 

Toastmaster, but a role model for all Toastmasters of District 79. He 

pushed me into being a Gavel counselor two years back. Today I really 

treasure that gesture. I was able to lead a group of young people to 

success, with his mentorship and guidance. 

Thangasamy is the Outgoing Chief Gavel Counselor. How much more 

privileged can you be, when you are taking over duties from your own 

mentor and role model in Toastmasters. 

I remembered Thangasamy quoting the following during one of our 

meetings. He said, “As Ralph Smedley, the founder of Toastmasters said 

that we learn best in moments of enjoyment. For me the gavel club 

meetings were always enjoyment, and for the children too. There were 

always enthusiasm and excitement throughout the sessions. The children 

felt very comfortable in the meetings which maximized their creativity 

and learning.” And further he quoted from Pearl S. Buck saying; “To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done 

with joy and a whole heart.” Thangasamy confirmed it is true; he enjoyed the role of Gavel counselor as he 

helped the young leaders grow, especially when they are on stage performing like superstars. 

In fact, Thangasamy is the longstanding Gavel counselor of Serendib. When he took over in 2005 it was 

only one club, and in 2013 he managed to get us two Gavel clubs due to the large number of students joining 

the club. And today with his able guidance, we managed to form three clubs. 

Thangasamy, we sincerely appreciate your continued service towards Serendib and the community. If 

ever we introduce, you shall be the first inductee to the Hall of Fame of Serendib TM Club. 

In continuation of the hard work of outgoing and past counselors, and to be in line with our main 

club theme “Quality”, we the new counselor team pronounce “Better Quality” as the theme for the Gavel 

Clubs this year. We as a team will ensure that quality of our Gaveliers performance in communication and 

leadership will be improved. 

36 SERENDIB BREEZE

Riyaz Yousuff, CC,CL 

Outgoing Gavel Counselor 

Serendib Boys Gavel Club 


Incoming Gavel Counselor 

Serendib Boys Gavel Club - Senior 

Sasirinda Waragoda,CC 


Serendib Boys Gavel Club - Junior 

Give Today’s Youth 

the Gift of Toastmasters! 

It is my pleasure and honor to serve as a Gavel 

counselor of Serendib Toastmasters Gavel club – Boys for 

the year 2016-2017. Joining Toastmasters has changed my 

life in just a few months that I have been with the Serendib 

Toastmasters’ club. It’s a long way to go and I would like 

to share this experience with our Gaveliers, who will be our 

future leaders. 

Teenagers are often more comfortable communicating 

electronically than speaking face to face. Yet many events in 

teenagers’ lives require interpersonal communication skills to be resolved successfully. Now, 

more than ever, they need guidance in developing their communication skills. 

Through Toastmasters’ Gavel Clubs, participants learn to: 

• Overcome nervousness when speaking before an audience. 

• Organize and present ideas logically and convincingly. 

• Listen carefully to others’ ideas. 

• Participate in and lead group discussions or meetings. 

• Offer advice to help others hone their speaking and improve their leadership skills. 

All these skills are necessary for earning a living in today’s competitive job market, but are 

also essential for maintaining healthy personal relationships and achieving academic goals in 

middle, high school and college. 

I assure that we Toastmasters do everything to bring our children up in their lives. I formally 

request the parents to involve in their kid’s development by inquiring and mainly attending 

Toastmasters, Gavel club functions and meetings. 

On behalf of my team, I take this opportunity to thank the nomination committee as well as 

other senior Toastmasters for their guidance, support and enthusiasm. 

Let us work together towards excellence and “quality over quantity” to make this world a 

perfect place for all of us to live in harmony. 


37

Naweeth Riyaz 



IT’S TIME FOR A NEW BEGINNING 

“Changes and progress very rarely are gifts from 

above. They come out of struggles from below.” 

You can be an athlete, a person who studies hard, a 

person of a different nationality, you can be a notorious 

person, but when you all come to the Gavel Club, you 

are all ‘GAVELIERS’ . The year 2015/2016, was one of 

the best years of progress, enlightenment and achievement, 

no matter what the consequences were. 

This year the Gaveliers and I were able to uplift the 

Gavel Club’s spirit among us. The year of not giving up. 

We were able to produce many eloquent and improved 

gaveliers, winning prestigious and prominent awards 

in the club and district contests. Gav. Zamil, by overcoming 

his obstacles, got to the district contests held 

in Jeddah. I thank all the Toastmasters and mentors 

for helping him get to the peak of our Gavel Club. Our 

attendance increased many fold reaching an average of 

40 to 45, which depicts that the Serendib Boys Gavel 

Club was able to shine and stand out leaving a firstclass 

impression. 

It was such a great honour and tribute being the 

President of such an outstanding and dedicated team of 

Gaveliers. I also thank our Gavel Counselor, Toastmaster 

Riyaz Yoosuff for having encouraged and enlightened 

our Gaveliers throughout. 

I wish the incoming President, Gavelier Zamil and his 

team the best of luck and hope they enjoy leading the 

club to success and splendor as I had experienced. 


Thank You 

Mohammed Zamil Zameek 



Leadership is a posture and a choice, 

not a role that must be bestowed on you. Step 

up and be a leader when no one is watching or 

expecting you to do so.” 

In speaking with many of the past club 

presidents, I’ve heard that the experience 

of being the president makes you a different 

person than the one you used to be. I would say 

this is actually true of everybody that spends 

a year committed to the positive change 

and growth in your speaking and leadership 

skills that this club encourages. From what 

I’ve seen in my years of participating in this 

club, everybody who regularly attends and 

takes on roles at meetings has an amazing 

and noticeable transformation for the better. 

I encourage you all to go a few steps further 

and strive to be and do the best you can in all 

that you do! 

Serendib Boys Gavel Club is a caring, safe, 

and supportive environment where we come 

together to practice and hone our speaking 

and leadership skills through constructive 

feedback. A place where you can become 

confident and persuasive in front of a group, 

give constructive feedback, and develop and 

expand your leadership skills. There is humor, 

warmth and camaraderie at every meeting. 

For this year the theme is “Better Quality”. 

Maintain quality in speeches, meeting roles 

and in every aspect of the meeting. And I wish 

all the best to all Gavelliers for the upcoming 

period. 

38 SERENDIB BREEZE

SERENDIB BOYS GAVEL CLUB 

CLUB 

AWARD 

WINNERS 

2014-2015 

Naweeth Riyaz 

Gavelier of the Year 

Firas Cassim 

Most Enthusiastic Gavelier 

Mohammed Zamil Zameek 

Most Improved Gavelier 

Hasheef Uwais 


Kevin Pieris 

Most Dedicated Gavelier 

Hamdan Afdhal 

Most Committed Gavelier 

Imad Ameer 

Most Supportive Gavelier 


39

CLUB 

CONTEST 

WINNERS 

2015-2016 

Mohammed Zamil Zameek,CG 

Contestant 

SATAC International Speech contests 





1st Place 

Arif Zahir 

2nd Place 

Evaluation Contest 

Dewmith Warnasooriya 

3rd Place 

Zeshan Ahmed 

1st Place 

Vishal Perera 

2nd Place 

Speech Evaluation 


3rd Place 

Vishal Perera 

1st Place 

Naweeth Riyaz,CG 

2nd Place 

Humorous Speech 

Anuk Ranaweera 

3rd Place 


1st Place 

Saad Ameer 

2nd Place 

Imad Ameer 

3rd Place 

40 SERENDIB BREEZE

Dear Parents, Dignitaries, President (past 

and present), Executive Committee members 

(past and present) of Serendib Toastmasters 

Club, Toastmaster Rizwan Tahir, the person 

who introduced me to the Serendib Toastmasters 

Club, fellow Toastmasters, Chief Gavel 

Counselors (past and present) and the Gavel 

Counselors (past and present), 

Once you go through the below quotes that were 

extracted from our Gavel girl member’s magazine 

articles and my counterpart Toastmaster Indika’s 

write up as “incoming Gavel counselor – Serendib 

Boys Gavel Club”, I should not waste your valuable 

time in penning down my wisdom. We, Gavel 

counselors are like “gemcutters”, we assist in 

‘polishing’ your daughter’s/son’s hidden talents to 

give them a lifelong value. 

Dear parents, please motivate us by sending your 

child to weekly meetings regularly. Kindly spread the 

word to your neighbor, friend about this invaluable 

structured program. Please consider this as a “social 

responsibility” from your end. 

The theme for 2016-2017, finalized by the Gavel 

Girl President Thachitri and her theme is “believe in 

yourself”. 

Anuja Raddella, CC (Gavel Counselor, Serendib 

Gavel Club Girls – 2016-2017) 

“I am who I am Today in Toastmasters, only 

because I went through my fear and not around it. 

Your largest fear carries your greatest strength; the 

cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” 

Kalinga Sanchala Devmini 

(Vice President Education – Serendib Girls Gavel 

Club 2016-2017) 

“If we want to achieve our goals, if we want to 

fulfill our dreams, then we must always remember 

to work hard with determination and perseverance. 

Work hard till we sweat and perspire. Work hard till 

our dream is achieved.” 

Tachitri Arunagirinathan 

(Incoming President Serendib Girls 

Gavel Club - 2016-2017) 


Outgoing Gavel Counselor 

Serendib Girls Gavel Club 




“Almost everyone who comes to Toastmasters, 

are controlled by their fear at the beginning. 

Toastmasters is the place where everyone can 

get rid of their fears of public speaking. All this 

time I thought that Toastmasters was all about 

public speaking, until I was given the role of the 

president.” 

Steffani Christine Kulathunga 

(Immediate Past President – Serendeb Girls 

Gavel Club 2016-2017) 

“It has been one amazing year since I have 

joined the Serendib Girls Gavel Club. During this 

time, I have learnt that you don’t always win in life 

but with a positive attitude you always have the opportunity 

to be successful in life.” 

Christina Anne Almeida 

(Assistant Vice President Education – Serendib 

Girls Gavel Club 2016-2017) 

“As I continued in Toastmasters I discovered, 

with the support and encouragement of my club, 

that I gave the best speeches when I am genuine, 

honest, and 100% Chamudhi. That’s right, people 

actually like me for being me.” 

Chamudhi Wickramasinghe 

(Vice President Public Relations – Serendib Girls 

Gavel Club 2016-2017) 

“Time cannot be bought, when it’s lost. Time is 

more than money or gold; time cannot be stored 

once time is gone, it cannot be brought back by 

anyone. Time is very important & valuable because 

nothing can stop or replace time.” 

Reem Nasar (Treasurer – Serendib Girls Gavel 

Club 2016-2017) 


41

Get Rid of Your Fears 

FEAR has two meanings, forget 

everything and run or face everything 

and rise. 


Kulathunga, CG 



Almost everyone who comes to 

Toastmasters, are controlled by their fear 

in the beginning. Toastmasters’ is the place 

where everyone can get rid of their fears 

of public speaking. All this time I thought 

Toastmasters was all about public speaking, 

until I was given the role of the president. 

During the last 4 years, every single 

meeting taught me a new lesson. Now I 

wasn’t just a Gavelier, but a Gavelier with 

responsibilities. I learned that leadership is 

not about titles, positions or flow charts. It is 

about one life influencing another. It is with 

great pride I announce that our Gaveliers 

had gone to the Division and District levels. 

If I said that running the meetings were 

tough, I would be lying through my crooked 

teeth. This is because I was blessed with 

an amazing team of officers who was there 

with me through thick and thin. I would 

like to thank TM Afdhal, TM Ifthiquar and 

Thangasamy for always being there to 

advise us. I would also like to thank the 

Ex-com members, the Gavel counselor and 

all the Gaveliers for helping to me run the 

meetings smoothly. I wish Gav. Thachitri 

and her soldiers all the best. Let it be a 

battle that everyone will remember. 

Thachitri 

Arunagrinathan, CG 



Being part of the Serendib Girls Gavel 

club is an Honor. To Lead the Serendib 

Girls Gavel Club is a Privilege. 

SGGC has given me a lot over the years and although 

I know there is a lot more to gain from this wonderful 

organization, it would be an honor and privilege to share 

what I have learned from Toastmasters. 

There is an old saying, “Do not pray for tasks equal to your 

powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks”. My powers are 

no match for the task I have been given. With the help of 

the Incoming ExCom members, TM Afdhal Saheer, our Chief 

Gavel Counselor, TM Anuja Raddella, Gavel Counselor and 

TM Farhan Gafoor, Assistant Gavel Counselor, we can get 

through this year successfully. 

Whilst I expect the cooperation of Gavelliers’ during 

2016/2017 business year, we will ensure all Gavelliers feel 

at home with this friendly and warm “family”. 

Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, 

Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” 

We, the Serendib Girls Gavel Club EXCOM members and 

Gavel Counselors have come together. I wish with all my 

heart that we can keep together and work together towards 

success.It is my dream and prayer that we will transform 

the possibilities and opportunities into stories of success 

and triumph. The theme I have chosen for 2016 /2017 is, 

“Believe in Yourself.” It is only possible to achieve our goals if 

we believe in ourselves, our thoughts and opinions. William 

J. H. Boetcker rightly said, “You can succeed even if nobody 

else believes it, but you will never succeed if you don’t 

believe in yourself.” This will eventually assist achieving our 

main club’s theme this year, “Better Quality”. 

I like to thank all those who took Serendib Girls Gavel 

Club to greater heights. I also thank the Toastmasters for 

entrusting me with the responsibility. I promise that I too 

would do my best to take the club into further heights; of 

course RISE AS SERENDIBIANS! 

42 SERENDIB BREEZE

SERENDIB GIRLS GAVEL CLUB 

CLUB 

AWARD 

WINNERS 

2014-2015 

Steffani Christine Kulathunga 

Gavelier of the Year 

Thachitri Arunagrinathan 

Most Enthusiastic Gavelier 

Sarah Mohammed Kamil 

Most Improved Gavelier 

Raghavi Thangasamy 


Aarah Ahamed 

Most Dedicated Gavelier 

Fathima Ameera Rizni 

Most Committed Gavelier 

Pricilda Suruthi Leon 

Most Supportive Gavelier 


43

CLUB 

CONTEST 

WINNERS 

2015-2016 


Contestant 

SATAC International Speech contests 





1st Place 

Aarah Ahmed 

2nd Place 

Thachitri Arunagirinathan,CG 

3rd Place 

Table Topics Contest 

Thachitri Arunagirinathan,CG 

1st Place 


Kulathunga,CG 

2nd Place 

Pricilda Suruthi Leon 

3rd Place 

44 SERENDIB BREEZE

SERENDIB TOASTMASTERS 

Zakraf Shafee 

Installation Ceremony Chair-2016-2017 

Serendib Toastmasters Club 

The event 

Serendib Toastmasters club and 

Serendib Gavel Club’s Executive committee 

officers installation is one of the main events 

in the Toastmasters Calendar. Serendib clubs 

held the 2016-2017 Installation ceremony 

with a gala event on 01st November 2016 at Al 

Maaz Family restaurant banquet hall in Malaz, 

Riyadh. 

The Ceremony 

The club president TM Mohamed Zubair 

started the ceremony with his Inaugural 

speech and welcomed everyone to the event. 

The club president introduced the MCs and 

they took over the proceedings. 

Area 6 Director TM Nirone Dissanayake was 

invited to the stage to discharge the current 

Serendib Girls Gavel club executive committee 

members. The members were appreciated with 

Certificates of recognition for the successful 

completion of their tenure. 


45

Immediately after this event the outgoing gavel president Gav. Steffani Christine presented her 

message, thanking everyone who supported the club during her tenure. 

The ceremony was paused for the salah for fifteen minutes. 

Once again the Area director TM Nirone was called on stage to to discharge the current Serendib Boys 

Gavel club executive committee members and appreciate them with certificates of recognition for the 

successful completion of their tenure. 

Immediately after the event, the outgoing gavel president Gav. Naveeth Riyas was called to give 

his speech, which he did profoundly and reminded everyone how the club achieved many accolades 

during the last year and wished the new club all his support. The Gavel Counselor TM Riyaz Yoosuff gave 

an update on the training given to the children at the Gavel club and informed the parents to be more 

vigilant of the children’s activities. He commended the efforts of the Gaveliers and was proud of many 

achievements the clubs had achieved over the past years. The new Serendib Boys Gavel club executive 

committee was installed by the Area Director. 

Immediately after the new team was installed, 

the Incoming Serendib Boys gavel president 

Zamil Zameek gave his speech. 

Once again the Area Director was called to 

install the new team of the Serendib girls gavel 

club. 

Upon installing the new Girls Gavel club executive 

committee, the Incoming Serendib Girls gavel club 

president Thachithri Arunagirinathan gave her speech. 

This was followed by the Area Six Director, TM Nirone 

Dissanayake’s speech, urging the parents to be part of 

the boys and girls gavel teams. 

46 SERENDIB BREEZE

The Executive committee of the Serendib Toastmasters club for the year 2015-2016 was 

discharged by the Division B Director TM Yaseen Ali. 

Immediately after this event the present executive committee, the outgoing club President TM Mohamed 

Zubair presented his speech. Once again the Division B director was called on stage to deliver 

his speech. Upon completing his speech, the MCs informed him to remain on stage as it was time for 

the most important event of the evening. The installation of the new executive committee members 

for the Serendib Toastmasters club year 2016-2017. 

Once the installation was done, the 

incoming club president TM Ferasath 

Cassim delivered his speech. 

Upon completion of the installation 

ceremonies of all three clubs, the Project 

chair was awarded a token of appreciation 

by the Incoming and Outgoing club 

presidents. 

Parents, Guest, invitees and Members enjoyed the entire ceremony which ended with a 

scrumptious dinner. 

As the Project Chair, would like to thank the Division B Director, Area 6 Director, Incoming club 

President, Outgoing club president, both Excom teams, Past presidents, Members, Parents and 

my family for the entire support they rendered to conclude a successful event. 

A special appreciation goes to TMs Fazmy, Rizan, Anuja, Gihan, Jazuli, Niroze, Nirone, Sasi, 

Zubair and our new club President Ferasath for helping me organize this show. I wish Serendib 

president TM Ferasath Cassim, Boys gavel club president Gav. Zamil Zameek, Girls gavel club 

president Gav. Thachithri Arunagirinathan, and the excom members of the three clubs, all the 

very best for their year 2016-2017. 

Long live Serendib... 


47

SERENDIB TOASTMASTERS EXCOM 2016-2017 

Standing (L-R): Zakraf Shafee(Asst. VP Public Relations), Rakeeb Rafeek(Asst. Treasurer), 

Anuja Raddella(Sergeant at Arms), Mohamed Hilmy(VP Public Relations), Nirone Dissanayake 

(Area 6 Director), Ferasath Cassim (President), Farhan Abdulgafoor(VP Education), Fais Junaideen 

(VP Membership), Sasirinda Waragoda(Asst.Secretary), Gihan Tissera(Parliamentarian), 

Nyroze Ahamed(Treasurer), Jazuli Ismail(Asst. Sergeant at Arms) 

Absent: Ifthiquar Noohu(Secretary), Sunil Bhat(Asst. VP Education), 

Rizwan Thahir(Asst. VP Membership) 

SERENDIB TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEMBERS 

48 SERENDIB BREEZE

SERENDIB BOYS GAVEL CLUB EXCOM 2016-2017 

Seated (L-R): Indika Gunaratne (Gavel Counselor–Senior), Afdhal Saheer(Chief Gavel Counselor), Zamil Zameek 

(President), Nirone Dissanayake(Area 6 Director) , Ferasath Cassim, Sasirinda Waragoda(Gavel Counselor–Junior), 

Standing (L-R) Satija Handapangoda(Asst. Treasurer), Arif Zahir(Asst. VP Education), Esala Kumarsinghe(Treasurer), 

Timira Damayantha(Asst. Sergeant at Arms), Muadh Jameel(Asst. Secretary), Hamdhan Afdhal(VP Public Relations), 

Saajid Naushad(VP Membership), Saad Ameer(Parliamentarian), Imad Ameer(VP Education), Adhitya Seram 

(Asst.VP Membership), Visal Perera(Sergeant at Arms), Dewmith Warnasooriya(Asst.VP Public Relations) 

Absent: Mahdi Siraj(Secretary) 

SERENDIB BOYS GAVEL CLUB MEMBERS 


49

SERENDIB GIRLS GAVEL CLUB EXCOM 2016-2017 

Seated (L-R) Anuja Raddella(Gavel Counselor), Afdhal Saheer(Chief Gavel Counselor), Tachitri Arunagirinathan(President), 

Nirone Dissanayake (Area 6 Director), Ferasath Cassim, Farhan Abdulgafoor(Asst.Gavel Counselor) 

Standing (L-R) Nabeela Fawmy(Asst.VP Membership), Tashiya Rebeira(VP Membership),Sajika Gunaratne 

(Asst. Secretary), Afrah Fahan(Asst. Treasurer), Reem Nasar(Treasurer), Sanchala Dewmini(VP Education), Chamudi 

Wickramasinghe(VP Public Relations), Christina Almeida(Asst. VP Education), Suruthi Leon(Parliamentarian), Amna 

Ahmed(Secretary), Manelka Jayasooriya(Asst.VP Public Relations). 

Absent: Merina De Silva(Asst. Sergeant at Arms), Saumya Samaratunga(Sergeant at Arms) 

SERENDIB GIRLS GAVEL CLUB MEMBERS 

50 SERENDIB BREEZE

It is with great pleasure I write these 

few lines felicitating the 15th anniversary 

of the Serendib Toastmasters club. 

The gavel club too celebrates another 

victorious year which marks a great 

triumph for the club as it takes a lot of 

time, hard work and willpower from 

Toastmasters and Gaveliers to run it 

fruitfully. 

I joined the gavel club 6 years back, 

and I never realized at that time that I was 

beginning a transformative experience. 

Oh sure, I signed up to get better at 

public speaking, but what’s more is that 

through the Gavel club- whether speaking 

extemporaneously in table topics, giving 

a prepared speech or evaluating a fellow 

Gavelier- I have always reaped more than 

what I expected. 

I joined as a member, and started 

taking up assisting roles which taught me 

the art of carrying out leadership. And 

Gav. Nuha Rizan, CG 

President 2014-2015 

when the time came, I was elected president which was 

an incomparable experience as I became more confident 

as a person and also learnt what it takes to be a good 

leader. 

The Gavel club has been a beacon of strength for most 

of us, bringing out the potential in us to speak and lead. 

So we Gaveliers acquire skills that help us in many walks 

of life. It provides us with many opportunities to grow 

and therefore we should utilize every opening we get, to 

prepare ourselves for the future. 

I encourage all youngsters to join the gavel club and 

benefit from this marvelous program- I assure you, it is 

the best decision you will ever make. 

While congratulating the outgoing presidents and their 

executive team, I wish the incoming committee the best 

of luck for another prosperous year. 

Always thought I can’t do anything but Toastmasters 

encouraged me to do something I’ve never done before… 

Before entering Toastmasters, I 

was a very shy person who had stage 

fear. I have never spoken in front of an 

audience before that memorable moment 

of joining the Serendib Gavel Club. I have 

lost great opportunities because of my 

stage fear. 

On the first day in the gavel club, 

the guests were called out to comment 

on the program. When it was my turn, 

my heart was beating as fast as ever. I 

walked up to the lectern with great fear. I 

was stuck for a moment but with the help 

of the President and the Gaveliers, I was 

able to speak a few words. A few weeks 

Gav. Anuk Ranaweera 

later, I got inducted. My first job was to be one of the 

meeting leaders. And guess what, I won the Best Meeting 

Leader Title. Slowly my mentor encouraged me to deliver 

my first speech. With every speech I delivered, I gained 

confidence. Now because of Toastmasters, I got over my 

stage fear and can talk anywhere confidently. 

Thank you Toastmasters, for helping me get over my 

greatest fear in life. I wish I could complete all my projects 

in a short period of time. 


51

Gav. Arif Zahir 

After a great deal of persuasion, 

my friends managed to convince me to 

join Toastmasters. Attending the club 

meeting for 3 weeks till I became a 

Gavilier wasn’t too hard either. I knew to 

speak, the only problem was how? 

As the time went by I learned 

many things from the evaluators, who 

mentioned about the good and the areas 

that need improvement from what I said 

at the lectern. However I learned the 

most etiquettes of speaking by watching 

fellow Gaviliers speaking. I used their 

body language, pauses, and even their 

ideas. I did become better, in fact a lot 

better, but a piece was missing from this 

Toastmasters puzzle. 

One fine day, as I was memorizing my 

international speech, it was so hard that 

Successful with a style 

I gave up and I just spoke on what I felt on the topic 

that I had decided to speak on. The crowd was roaring 

with cheers, my mentor was happy with my work, and I 

won second place. And to be honest, I actually enjoyed 

speaking up there. It was one of the amazing feelings I 

had ever experienced. I had mastered an art of speaking. 

Ever since that day, I started to speak with my heart 

and my stage fear was destroyed. I loved getting a role 

in every meeting. My way of speaking had improved, and 

will continue to improve. Finding my own style enabled 

me to speak like it was an everyday thing. 

I have found my style, what’s yours? 

“Without self confidence and courage, 

one will lose twice in the race of life.” 

-Marcus Garvey. 

Leadership skills, self confidence, 

Gav. Esala Kumarasingha 

self esteem and courage, the four fold 

ingredients that are necessary to become 

a role model and an icon of greatness. 

Toastmaster’s is a reputable, international 

organization striving to bring out these 

four fold ingredients in a person. As a 

Gavelier, the Toastmasters’ gaveliers 

initiative for children has enthused me to 

develop these four fold ingredients within 

me, projecting me into a higher status in 

life. 

My experiences with the Serendib 

Gavel Club has been full of ups and downs. 

I was initially introduced to the gavel club 

by my father, also a former Toastmaster. It was a blurry 

of faces, introductions and long, boring speeches. I hated 

it. Soon, I despised it. But when it was my turn to speak, 

I realized that the gavel club was much more than this 

boring place. The members support you throughout your 

ups and downs. It inspires me to strive and work hard and 

entail my dreams and goals. 

So now I write to all the readers of this article, you 

must develop self confidence and self esteem to realize 

your goals with the inner strength. This, my dear friends, 

is what the Serendib Gavel Club is all about. 

52 SERENDIB BREEZE

TERRIFIC Tips & Tricks to ACE your Table 

Topics® and Prepared Speeches 

“Mistakes are fingerprints on 

the road to success” 

Gav. Jamaal Bishri 

Prepared Speeches: 

• Know the room you are giving the speech in 

– Arrive early at the venue and familiarise yourself 

with the room 

• Know your audience–Chat with a few members 

of the audience as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to 

a group of friends than to a group of strangers 

• Know your material– Practise your speech until 

it is perfect-that way nothing can go wrong 

• Relax– Your whole speech depends on this. 

Take a few deep breaths before you are called to the 

lectern 

• Visualise yourself giving your speech– Do this 

at home when practising and once you are in the 

meeting room 

• Turn nervousness into positive energy– Harness 

your nervousness and transform it into vitality 

and enthusiasm. 

• Gain confidence by experience– Many 

speakers find their anxiety decrease after each 

speech they give. 

Table Topics: 

• Read magazines, newspapers, and listen to 

newscasts 

• Organise your ideas. Pause before speaking 

and determine your viewpoint 

• Remain calm. The audience will think you 

are confident if you appear confident. 

Go with a positive attitude and learn from 

your mistakes! 

Benefit of Being a Toastmaster 

Gav. Hafeed Hussain 

When I joined Toastmasters I didn’t know 

how much I would grow and how much fun I would 

have. It is a amazing experience and I want to tell 

you just what’s so great about it. 

Toastmasters is an educational organization that 

trains you on communication, public speaking, 

and leadership skills by way of Learn by doing. 

It gives confidence and encouragement to us. 

Being a Toastmaster is investing in myself and 

my best possible future. Toastmasters encourage 

you to challenge yourself in a different venue that 

helps you learn and grow. 


53

BY POSITIVE THINKING 

YOU CAN ACHIEVE THE 

IMPOSSIBLE 

Gav. Christina 

Anne Almeida 

“The Positive Thinker Sees The 

Invisible, Feels The Intangible and 

Achieves The Impossible” 

Positive thinking is, being 

optimistic, which sees the bright side 

of life. In my opinion, positive thinking 

brings happiness and it also becomes a 

strong part of success in your life. 

In Toastmasters’, we all learn in many 

areas. Prepared Speeches, Impromptu 

speaking, Speech evaluation, Leadership, 

helping one another and many other 

areas. These will be your big step towaards 

success. As far as I know, all of these fall 

in place, if we have a good mentality and 

a positive attitude towards what we do. 

It has been one amazing year since I joined the 

Serendib Girls Gavel Club. During this time, I have learnt 

that you don’t always win in life. But with a positive attitude 

you have the opportunity to be successful in life. Failure 

always is the first step. But with this amazing quality and 

mentality of ‘THINK POSITIVE’ you will overcome all the 

obstacles. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my 

family, fellow Gavelliers and Toastmasters for supporting 

me throughout. 

I would want to conclude by saying that Toastmasters 

is where leaders are made and it is a great honour to be a 

part of this recognized club. 

Dream Big, Work Big & Live Big. 

Doctor, Engineer, Accountant, 

Beautician, Mathematician.... 

We all have dreams in life... We dream 

of changing the world, but fail to change 

ourselves. We dream of being doctors, but 

dislike biology.... We all dream big but work 

little. 

Colin Powell once said, “A dream doesn’t 

become a reality through magic; it makes 

sweat, determination and hard work.” 

If we want to achieve our goals, if we want 

to fulfill our dreams, then we must always 

remember to work hard with determination 

and perseverance. Work hard till we sweat 

and perspire. Work hard till our dream is 

achieved. 

And only then, will we be successful in 

life, as Swami Vivekananda once said, “Take up one 

idea. Make that one idea your life- think of it, dream 

of it, and live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, 

nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, 

and just leave every other idea alone. This is the 

way to success.” 

To become a magistrate, dream for a judge. 

To become a supervisor, dream for a manager. 

To become a doctor, dream for a PhD. 

Achieve higher than your dreams, shoot for a 

higher goal and always, 

Gav. Thachitri 

Arunagrinathan 

DREAM BIG, WORK BIG AND LIVE BIG... 

54 SERENDIB BREEZE

What Toastmasters 

Really Helped 

Me To Do…? 

I didn’t join Toastmasters to help 

me overcome my social anxiety- I didn’t 

even know Toastmasters would help me 

be more comfortable in a variety of social 

situations. I didn’t even realize how much 

my social anxiety had improved until 

recently. I reflected on what changed and 

that is when I realized, that what changed 

was me, was Toastmasters. 

When I started Toastmasters, I felt 

really uncomfortable talking about 

myself. I was confident in my abilities but 

I was still uncomfortable being me. Not 

Chamudhi the 8th grader - just Chamudhi. 

The first speech project in Toastmasters 

is a speech about ourselves. I wrote and 

rewrote and rewrote that speech. And 

Gav. Chamudhi 

Wickramasinghe 

finally, I hurriedly crafted my speech together the night 

before, because I just couldn’t figure out what to say 

about me. 

As I continued in Toastmasters’ I discovered, with the 

support and encouragement of my club, that I gave the 

best speeches when I was genuine, honest, and %100 

Chamudhi. That’s right, people actually like me for being 

me. The encouragement and motivation from my fellow 

Toastmasters gave me confidence to keep trying new 

things. The best thing I have gained from Toastmasters is 

making many wonderful friendships with the people in our 

club. Our members are from a diversity of professions, 

countries, ages, and life experience. Public speaking 

and leadership skills are essential for our personal and 

professional lives. Toastmasters are an effective and fun 

way to develop these skills. 

DON’T WASTE TIME 

Gav. Reem Nasar 

Time is very important and it is 

limited. We should allways strive to make 

the best use of it. 

Time is not gold or money to buy, a student who thinks I will study the next day & neglects 

when it’s lost. Time is more than money doing so, will suffer during exams & in the future. So 

or gold, it cannot be stored either. Once friends we still have time to go. Time management is a 

time is passed, it cannot be brought foundation to your successful future. 

back by anyone. Time is very important Punctuality, also is a part of time management. A 

& valuable because nothing can stop or person who understands the importance of time will 

replace time. However some people don’t practice punctuality in life. A person who is not punctual 

realize the value of time. If we waste time will find it difficult to finish his duties. For example, 

now, it will spoil our future because our students must go to school at the right time, being 

future is in our own hands. If we want a punctual. The future is unseen and it is true that nobody 

successful life then we should not waste can forecast the future. So we must work hard today to 

our time. Time management is a very be better in the future, we should use our time properly. 

important factor for success. If anybody If you see some successful people, they made the 

wastes time, he or she is failing to build up best use of time. Don’t say “I will start the next day”. 

a good future and will suffer. For example, Work Hard And Try Your Best To Use Time Wisely… 


55

Gav. Kalinga Sanchala Devmini 

Dedication and Hard Work 

It was a Wednesday evening when we start our 

journey to Dammam, when I started my “journey” too… 

During our journey we had many stops, to eat, to release 

boredom, to stretch out… I wasn’t surprised when we 

reached Dammam at midnight. Searching for a hotel 

wasn’t a difficult task, Sheraton Hotel was at an eye’s 

distance from ours. I hated this part of it, every time 

I open the window to see outside the hotel, I felt my 

stomach boiling and the body trembling with nothing 

but fear. The next morning was the worst when uncle 

Thangasamy demonstrated how both Zamil and I should 

go about our business and made sure we were ready to 

GO. “It’s ok Sanchala you can do it!!! Fight your fears and 

you will be in battle forever, face your fears and you will 

be free forever!” I made up my mind… I was ready. 

This thought didn’t last for long. When we came to 

the entrance of the hotel; OMG!! The hotel took almost 

half of the earth; it had a thousand huge compartments, 

thousand windows and a thousand huge doors. Before 

entering we stopped near the fountain in front of the 

main door to take some photos, it was only then did I 

remember how to smile; after 2 days I finally smiled!!! 

When we went inside… there was no one I knew, literally 

no one. Now what?? There I thought I saw the whole 

earth gathering in this hotel. A little while later it all 

started, the moment I hated and still hate in my life. The 

contest Master was introduced and we were told to get 

to one table to collect our numbers. Luckily my number 

was 6. My lucky number seemed to be unlucky at that 

moment. I felt my heart-beat very fast and a chill passed 

through my spinal cord. Every one, every single Gavelier 

from the other clubs rocked the stage, they were all so 

good. And this made me feel even worse, that I felt like 

screaming from the top of my voice. but no, I never did! 

“Our 6th contestant, Kalinga Sanchala Devmini, her 

speech title Why Beauty Is Overrated.” I reached the 

stage, took a deep breath, and started. As I went on I 

felt good, now I filled with nothing but pride. Once it was 

over, it was relief that filled the air. It was then 

that I started opening my eyes to look around, talk 

to people I’ve never talked to before. The crowd 

never bothered me any way (after finishing the 

speech!!). Many did come and congratulate and 

compliment me, but I knew they did it because 

they had to. We were all ready for dinner, OMG the 

food seemed so yummy that I forgot that I was 

supposed to act formal. There was sushi, chicken 

lollipops, cheese macaroni, salads of different 

kinds, rice and many others, that I didn’t even 

know their names. After eating the winners were 

announced, and my name wasn’t mentioned. I 

wasn’t sad or depressed because I knew I could 

have done a million times better. 

We decided to leave as my father had to go 

to work the next day. But half way through to 

the hotel we got a call and I was told to come to 

the finals the next day too. Until the finals were 

over I couldn’t stop wondering how and why? 

Finals were the best, due to some reason the 

crowd never bothered me, I didn’t feel anything, 

everything was normal. When I was called I gave 

my best out to the world, and so this time I didn’t 

reject it, satisfaction filled me when the tables 

started to shake, glasses on them started to dance 

as the crowd applauded. Newspaper reporters 

interviewed us all and cameramen took so many 

snapshots. The day was nothing but done, many 

did come and congratulate and compliment again 

and this time I knew they meant it. 

Well yes, it did take a lot of time, dedication 

and hard work but finally it all worked. I am who 

I am Today in Toastmasters only because I went 

through my fear and not around it. “Your largest 

fear carries your greatest strength; the cave you 

fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” 

56 SERENDIB BREEZE

Gav. Adithya Seram 

Toastmasters’, an everlasting 

experience that we cannot decline 

Toastmasters is an International club operating around the continents which provide an 

experience of Public speaking skills. This we cannot learn anywhere else around the globe, 

other than Toastmasters. 

First when I heard of Toastmasters, unlike most Gavelliers I was very excited and could not 

wait until I joined. There were many reasons. 

1. Because I needed to develop my speaking skills, so I would not be humiliated, every 

time I am called to speak on a topic. 

2. I wanted to show my fellow classmates that I had taken a new beginning, since I faced 

many problems. 

All these problems were solved very quickly with the help of the Toastmasters and the 

enthusiastic, helpful Gavelliers. They made me open the door of Success. 

During the weekly sessions, we go through 3 segments. 

• It is an impromptu speaking within a period of 1 to 2.5 minutes. It helps the Gavelliers 

to instantly develop and deliver a mini speech. 

• Secondly we have prepared speeches. It is speeches prepared by Gavelliers and 

presented in front of eager Gavelliers, so they too can learn and develop speaking skills. 

• Finally, we have evaluation, it is where Gavelliers learn their weak points and try and 

develop them, encouraging to do better the next time. 

In my opinion, there is no better place than Toastmasters to learn leadership and speaking 

skills. So I encourage many guests to have the feeling of the everlasting experience and I hope 

that you Gavelliers do too. 

I hope you good luck and invite you to join me in this everlasting journey. 


57

Registration team in action 

I am so lucky to be treated along with 

VIP’s says Madam TM Sameena 

Thanks for this Sovenier says 

HE and District Director 

Am I the lucky winner ........ 

TM Zakhraf asks Madam Thassim 

What is it so funny TM Rizan, 

please share with us too 

58 SERENDIB BREEZE

Final photo for the day before the dash for a scrumptious dinner. 

We are not less than anyone else.... 

we are Serendib Girls Gavel club members 

International Speech at Gavel 

showcase. Gav Sanchala 

Serendib Gavel Clubs members 

We are the future leaders 

Hurray! we have successfully 

accomplished the Gala event 


59

Serendib ExCom Installation moments 

I am proud of you my son says 

TM Riyaz to Gav. Naweeth 

We are thankful for your 

services Gav Steffani 

Serendib TM club is in your 

hands TM Ferasath says TM Zubair 

Thanks for your dedicated service 

TM Zubair--TM Ferasath says 

We are buddies, lets take a selfie 

for facebook says TM Imran 

60 SERENDIB BREEZE


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62 SERENDIB BREEZE

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