toastmaster-magazine-2016

Kolitha Panditharatne
Past President (PY 2011-2012)
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