Toastmasters across Sri Lanka connect for annual conference

Ovation 2026 – Annual Conference of District 82 Toastmasters International

District 82 Toastmasters International concluded its annual conference, Ovation 2026, on 16th and 17th May at Shangri-La Colombo.

Themed ‘Tides of Transformation,’ the two-day event brought together communicators, leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and change-makers from across Sri Lanka and the wider region, marking what many attendees described as one of the most energising gatherings the district has seen in recent years.

The conference opened with a keynote from K. R. Ravindran, Past President of Rotary International, who spoke on character-driven leadership and the importance of integrity in today’s world. 

A panel discussion titled ‘The Human Touch in a Digital Age,’ featuring Sanali Kaushalya, Mevan Peiris, and Sanjaya Elvitigala, moderated by DTM Gayathri Liyanage, explored what it means to lead with empathy in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Day Two brought a much-anticipated conversation with Sri Lankan music duo Bathiya and Santhush, moderated by DTM Kalpana de Silva, on personal branding, reinvention, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. The conference closed on a high note with a keynote by Stephanie Siriwardhana titled “Every Tide – A Chance to Rise,” encouraging participants to embrace transformation and opportunity in both their personal and professional lives.

One of the most anticipated segments of Ovation 2026 was the District 82 International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest Finals, showcasing the finest speakers in the district. The conference also marked the installation of the incoming District 82 leadership team for the 2026/27 Toastmasters year. District Director Bhathiya Hettiarachchi, DTM; Program Quality Director Piyakara Jayaratne, DTM; and Club Growth Director Hingston Lovell, DTM were formally installed in a ceremony conducted by Past International President Balraj Arunasalam. 

Addressing the gathering, outgoing District Director Niroshan Nadarajah, DTM, reflected on a year defined by collective effort and purpose. “Transformation does not happen in isolation. It happens when people choose to show up, to learn, and to lift each other. That is what District 82 has always stood for, and what Ovation 2026 has once again demonstrated beautifully,” he said.