FAPM Conference highlights Toastmasters’ impact in the corporate sphere

The Faculty of Agricultural and Plantation Management (FAPM) of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka hosted the Division H (District 82) year-end conference of Toastmasters International for the 2023/2024 season recently. 
Dubbed as ‘Hotshots’, the event not only celebrated the art of public speaking, but also brought together the best of Division H. 

The conference saw a distinguished lineup of Toastmasters, including D.T.M. Lawrance Madapatha (Executive Director of All Free Trade Zones), T.M. Padmajith Jinadasa (Past Divisional Director), D.T.M. Kapila Mithrarathne (CFO of Alpha Apparels), D.T.M. Chethiya Subasunghe (Admin Manager of Omega Lines Toastmasters) and D.T.M. Tharaka Amarasena (Manager of CSE Anuradhapura branch) among others. D.T.M. Niroshan Nadarajah, Club Growth Director of District 82 of Toastmasters International and Senior Brand Manager of Renuka Group, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
The keynote address, delivered by President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris delved into the essence of leadership through turbulent times. He also highlighted the courage of local leaders, particularly a group of young lawyers who stood up to protect the innocent amidst political unrest, showcasing leadership that resonates with the Toastmasters spirit. 
Niroshan Nadarajah’s reflections on the transformative power of Toastmasters on communication styles underscored the impact of Toastmasters beyond the club environment into the corporate sphere. 
The conference also hosted two exciting competitions: the International Speech Competition and the Table Topics Contest. Emerging victorious in the speech competition was T.M. Sudath Fernando, Finance Director of ATG Group of Companies. His prowess earned him a spot in the national semifinals scheduled for April 28th. The impromptu speech contest saw T.M. Dilani Kasundara Hettiarachchi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka clinching victory.