English Speaking Union amplifies efforts to promote English literacy in Sri Lanka

 HRH Princess Anne speaking to the finalists of the national public speaking competition over successive years

• We also hope to organise two workshops in the North and East of Sri Lanka because we feel that the students there are neglected.
• The ESU was founded in 1981 by late Dr. T. P Amerasinghe, Barrister-at-Law at Gray’s Inn, London and Doctor, Juris-honoris causa and is affiliated with the English Speaking Union International in Dartmouth House, London
• Even though this programme was discontinued in 2012, its members have hopes to resume this programme for the betterment of the youth in Sri Lanka.

During their visit to the British Council office while in Sri Lanka, HRH Princess Anne and Sir Tim Lawrence spent time with young students and members of the English Speaking Union of Sri Lanka (ESU). The ESU was founded in 1981 by late Dr. T. P Amerasinghe, Barrister-at-Law at Gray’s Inn, London and Doctor, Juris-honoris causa and is affiliated with the English Speaking Union International in Dartmouth House, London. It was during his tenure as founder President that Dr. Amerasinghe introduced the Callen Method of teaching spoken English within 90 hours which gained much popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

ESU’s main objective is to train young people in the art of public speaking, literature, oracy and promote the value of effective communication around the globe and help the youth realise their potential. As such, several young contestants have benefitted from its Summer programme at Jesus College, Oxford University organised by the headquarters at Dartmouth House, London. Even though this programme was discontinued in 2012, its members have hopes to resume this programme for the betterment of the youth in Sri Lanka.

One of its highlights is the national public speaking competition held annually. Its finalist is provided with an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the international competition held in England. During their visit, the Royal guests listened to a speech delivered by Shaakya Nathavitharana, one of six finalists at the 2023 Grand finale. The students shared their experiences while in England and HRH Princess Anne appreciated their talents. 

“It was very nice speaking to HRH Princess Anne and she took a keen interest to meet our young students who won the public speaking competition,” said Thilak Amarasinghe, ESU Vice President and National Organizer. “They also represented Sri Lanka in the international public speaking competition. We had two girls who went into the grand final of the international competition. At the moment we’re preparing for the 2024 national public speaking competition and the winner will be awarded the Dr. T. P Amerasinghe Challenge trophy and will be selected to represent Sri Lanka in England in May this year,” said Amarasinghe. 

ESU’s main objective is to train young people in the art of public speaking, literature, oracy and promote the value of effective communication around the globe and help the youth realise their potential. As such, several young contestants have benefitted from its Summer programme at Jesus College, Oxford University organised by the headquarters at Dartmouth House, London

Speaking further on the preparations, Amarasinghe said that a workshop will be conducted as its initial step. “We are starting with a workshop in February followed by training and coaching sessions before we do the competition in March. The winner will be selected and trained further before he or she leaves to England. We also hope to organise two workshops in the North and East of Sri Lanka because we feel that the students there are neglected. So we hope to go to Jaffna and conduct a workshop and draw attention to students in Ampara, Batticaloa, Jaffna and several other places. We plan to select the best four contestants and bring them to Colombo, find them accommodation, food etc., and get them to participate in the national competition. We also have plans to start debating workshops and conduct a debating competition starting with Colombo district. This will be done for the first time. Unfortunately UK doesn’t have international debating competitions. We want to do one locally to attract a lot of students,” said Amarasinghe. 

One of its highlights is the national public speaking competition held annually. Its finalist is provided with an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the international competition held in England. During their visit, the Royal guests listened to a speech delivered by Shaakya Nathavitharana, one of six finalists at the 2023 Grand finale,

Thilak Amarasinghe ESU Vice President and National Organizer

He further said that the ESU is trying to arrange for student exchanges in collaboration with its headquarters in Dartmouth House, London. “With this arrangement, they could send children to Sri Lanka and we could reciprocate by sending children there. This in fact happened when Dr. T. P Amerasinghe was President around 25 years ago. Then we had the Oxford scholar programme, but unfortunately it was discontinued in 2012. We are planning to write to them and request to resume this programme once again,” he added. 

ESU Vice President Haritha Wijewardene said that it was a rare opportunity to meet with Princess Royal and it’s a huge encouragement for all the students. “We must not forget Dr. T. P Amerasinghe who was instrumental in inaugurating this Union in 1981,” said Wijewardene. 

Taking the mantle forward is its incumbent President Upali Ratnayake and a dynamic executive committee comprising a blend of youth and experienced individuals working voluntarily to achieve its goals.

Shaakya delivering her speech in front of the Royal guests

Members of the ESU presenting a token of appreciation to HRH Princes Anne