A Night Of Legacy And Leadership: Celebrating 20 Years Of BCIS Toastmasters Excellence

The 20th Installation Ceremony of the BCIS Toastmasters Club was held at Hotel Janaki, marking a significant milestone in the club’s enduring journey of excellence recently. This year’s theme, Expansion, New Beginnings and Purposeful Growth, was far more than an aphorism. It served as a resonant call to action, a reflection of our shared commitment to evolve, to lead with clarity and conviction, and to embrace transformation with courage and grace. 

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Toastmaster Shamal Ratnayake, Chair of the Installation Organising Committee, whose thoughtful words set the tone for a celebration rooted in tradition and forward momentum. The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of Distinguished Toastmaster Arunasalam Balraj, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, bringing with him a legacy of leadership and inspiration that deeply resonated with all in attendance. 
At the Installation Ceremony, the keynote address was delivered by the writer, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Afghanistan, and the President Retired Flag Ranks Association. 
In his remarks, the writer paid tribute to Toastmasters, which fosters confident public speaking and purposeful leadership, would be deeply fitting. 
Further, the writer offered his heartfelt praise to Toastmasters International, acknowledging its pivotal role in cultivating articulate, confident, and visionary leaders. It underscored the enduring values that Toastmasters instils: clarity in communication, integrity in leadership, and courage in self-expression as essential attributes for those who aspire to serve and lead with purpose. It was a powerful reminder that true leadership is not defined solely by command, but by the ability to connect, inspire, and elevate others. The content of his keynote address is presented below, capturing the depth of his wisdom, the clarity of his vision, and the spirit of this year’s theme—Expansion, New Beginnings and Purposeful Growth. The words served not only as inspiration but as a guiding compass for the club’s journey ahead. 

Excerpts from the speech;
“Good evening, Mr. Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to be with you this evening. I am reminded of the profound commitment that each of us makes not only to personal development, but to the ongoing evolution of leadership itself. This journey is not marked by titles alone, but by the courage to grow, the humility to learn, and the resolve to serve with purpose. Toastmasters offers us more than a platform to speak; it offers a community where voices are nurtured, confidence is cultivated, and leaders are shaped through shared experience and mutual encouragement. 

Leadership and Communication are Two Sides of the Same Coin 
“The most important tool in leadership is communication. If you can’t communicate, you can’t lead”. — John Maxwell 

Toastmasters International is a globally recognised organisation dedicated to empowering individuals to develop confidence and excellence in both communication and leadership. Operating in over 140 countries around the world, Toastmasters International has empowered millions of individuals to overcome fear, build confidence, and find their voice. It has transformed nervousness into poise, hesitation into self-assurance, and silence into powerful influence, enabling ordinary people to become extraordinary communicators and leaders to grow into compelling speakers, persuasive presenters, and impactful leaders. 
Whether you’re delivering your first icebreaker speech or leading a high-stakes team project, the environment is designed to challenge and support in equal measure. 
In the military, this connection becomes even more pronounced. Imagine a battlefield commander issuing vague instructions under fire, confusion takes hold, morale tumbles, and the cost can be devastating. In both war rooms and boardrooms, communication is not simply a leadership accessory; it is the very lifeline of command and cohesion. 
Because leadership, at its core, is not about control, it is about influence, vision, and trust. And all of that rests on a foundation of clear, purposeful communication. A leader’s ability to inspire, align, and mobilise others hinges on how effectively they can articulate their vision and values.
That is the power of Toastmasters. It is more than a speaking club; it is a leadership incubator, a confidence builder, and a community where potential is nurtured and excellence is cultivated. 
Whether you’re a student preparing for the future, a professional striving to lead, or a veteran looking to share your story, Toastmasters offers the tools, the practice, and the mentorship to help you rise. 

Leadership and Communication: Inseparable Forces 
Leadership and communication are often discussed as distinct skills, but in reality, they are inextricably linked. A leader who cannot communicate is like a captain steering an aircraft through fog without a compass. 
The direction may be clear in their mind, but without clarity, the team is adrift. Misunderstandings multiply. Confidence fades. The mission falters. Because in every walk of life, words lead the way. 

Influence: Leading Through Connection 
Influence isn’t about barking orders or commanding attention. It’s about inspiring others with clarity, authenticity, and respect. 
Think of the greats: General Douglas MacArthur or Admiral Grace Hopper. They weren’t just brilliant strategists; they were compelling communicators. Their words gave courage, built conviction, and moved people to action. As leaders, whether mentoring a Toastmaster or managing a team, our first task is to connect. And connection begins with communication that is honest, relatable, and intentional. 

Vision: The Art of Making People See 
Every leader has a vision. But until that vision is shared, understood, and embraced, it remains just an idea. 
A brilliant plan that isn’t communicated is useless. A strategy locked inside a leader’s head is like a battle plan sealed in an envelope; it changes nothing. Leadership means painting a picture others can see. Describe the destination. Explain the journey. Share the “why” behind the “what.” When people understand the vision, they don’t just follow. They join the mission.

Trust: Built One Word at a Time 
Trust isn’t built through grand gestures; it’s built in the small, consistent moments of clarity and care. 
In the military, soldiers trust leaders who speak truthfully, explain decisions, and listen to the ground realities. The same applies in civilian life. Toastmasters teaches that how we say something matters as much as what we say. Words, tone, and timing used wisely build trust that turns listeners into believers. 

When Communication Fails 
When communication breaks down, everything else follows: Morale drops, Confusion sets in, Trust erodes, and culture fractures. Clear, thoughtful communication restores alignment, builds confidence, and fuels a shared sense of purpose. 

Leadership in Crisis: Calm and Clear 
In times of crisis, people do not expect perfection. They expect honesty. A leader’s voice can be an anchor. A clear message calms nerves. A steady tone restores focus. Even a simple phrase, “We will get through this, together”, can go a long way. Crisis doesn’t just test leadership, it reveals it. And the leaders who rise are those who speak with transparency and compassion. 

Listening: The Silent Superpower 
Leadership is not just about talking; it’s about listening with intent. 
The best commanders listen to their troops. The best Toastmasters listen to their audience. When people feel heard, they feel valued. And when they feel valued, they give their best. Listening is not a weakness; it is wisdom. It is how we grow, adapt, and connect. 

Conclusion: Communication Is the Heartbeat of Leadership 
To lead is to communicate. And to communicate well is to lead better. Not with the loudest voice, but with the clearest message. Not with perfect answers, but with honest dialogue. Not with ego, but with empathy. When people feel heard, they contribute. When they feel seen, they commit. When they feel understood, they go the distance. In war or peace, in the boardroom or battlefield, leadership rises or falls on a leader’s ability to communicate. 

Communication is not just a leadership skill; it is the heartbeat of leadership. 
To lead is to communicate. And to communicate well is to lead better. Not with the loudest voice in the room, but with the clearest vision. Not with perfect answers but with authentic presence. Not with ego but with empathy. Because at its core, leadership is not about commanding, it’s about connecting. People don’t follow titles. They follow trust. They follow those who share their values, not just their goals. They follow those who lead with clarity, who listen with intent, and who act with integrity. 
When people feel heard, they don’t just comply, they engage. When they feel seen, they don’t just show up; they show up with heart. And when they feel understood, they don’t just follow, they believe. That is the difference between managing and leading. 
So, fellow Toastmasters, 
Let your communication be strong. Let it be filled with courage and care. Because every time we speak with clarity, integrity, and compassion, we are not just communicating. We are leading. 

Final lines: spoken slowly, firmly, and from the heart: 
In a noisy world, be the steady voice. In uncertain times, be the clear one. In a divided moment, be the unifying one. 
Because communication is not just a skill to master, it is the heartbeat of leadership. Let it beat strongly. Let it lead the way. Let it echo with purpose in every meeting, every mission, every moment. 
Let’s remember what leadership expert Warren Bennis once said: 

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality through clear communication and consistent action”.

What a powerful truth. Because a vision locked in a leader’s mind is just a dream, let it beat strongly. Let it echo with purpose”.
In keeping with the cherished traditions of a Toastmasters installation ceremony, the remainder of the proceedings unfolded with elegance and decorum. Each segment was thoughtfully orchestrated, honouring the values of leadership, fellowship, and personal growth that define the community. 
The event drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, esteemed members of the Toastmasters fraternity, and enthusiastic well-wishers, whose presence added both prestige and warmth to the evening. Their collective support and spirited engagement served as a testament to the enduring impact of Toastmasters in shaping confident communicators and visionary leaders.

The Writer, Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala (RWP RSP VSV USP MPhil MSc FIM ndc psc), is the President of the Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers, Senior Fellow, South Asia Foresight Network and Formerly Commander, Sri Lanka Air Force, and an Ambassador to Afghanistan.