TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL – DISTRICT 82
BEYOND THE PODIUM
Toastmasters in Sri Lanka has evolved from a public speaking forum into a nationwide leadership movement, producing global champions, international leaders and a new generation of confident voices.
The familiar image of Toastmasters is of people standing behind a lectern, delivering speeches and learning how to speak with confidence. Its role however, has expanded beyond this.
What began in 1983 with the Colombo Toastmasters Club – the first Toastmasters club in South Asia – has grown into a nationwide movement of more than 172 clubs and over 4,000 members across 65 cities.
Today, Toastmasters clubs operate within banks, technology companies, multinational corporations, professional organisations, universities and communities. Their membership is equally diverse – bringing together executives, entrepreneurs, students, educators and professionals at different stages of their careers.
The common denominator is their willingness to commit, speak up and take responsibility.
MORE THAN A SPEAKING CLUB The strength of Toastmasters lies in its practical approach to leadership that is not taught with a textbook. Members learn by taking the stage, chairing meetings, evaluating others, managing teams, organising events, and eventually leading clubs, divisions and the district itself. That makes a Toastmasters club something of a leadership laboratory.
Its reach also extends beyond its membership. Through Speechcraft and youth leadership programmes, clubs take communication and leadership training to schools, universities, workplaces and communities – often reaching people who may never have considered joining Toastmasters.
A DISTINGUISHED YEAR FOR DISTRICT 82 For District 82, which comprises Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the 2025/26 Toastmasters year centred on creating an impact beyond individual achievements.
Under the theme ‘ripples of change,’ District Director DTM Niroshan Nadarajah together with Programme Quality Director DTM Bhathiya Hettiarachchi and Club Growth Director DTM Piyakara Jayaratne led the district through a year focussed on strengthening clubs, developing leaders and expanding engagement.
These efforts earned this district the Distinguished District recognition at the close of the Toastmasters year on 30 June. This achievement extended beyond the contributions of these three leaders. And it reflected the collective efforts of thousands of members and hundreds of club leaders across Sri Lanka who kept their clubs active, expanded membership, developed new leaders and created opportunities for others.
A highlight of the year was Ovation 2026, the district’s flagship annual conference, held at Shangri-La Colombo in May. More than 750 Toastmasters from across the country gathered for a weekend of speeches, learning, competition, recognition networking and fellowship.
SRI LANKA ON THE GLOBAL STAGE Sri Lanka’s Toastmasters community has also produced leaders who have taken their experience to the international stage. Dananjaya Hettiarachchi became the country’s first World Champion of Public Speaking in 2014. Balraj Arunasalam went on to become Sri Lanka’s first Toastmasters International President in 2017/18. This record of achievement continues to grow.
In August, former District 82 Director and a longstanding contributor to Toastmasters International Sudash Liyanage received the Toastmasters International President’s Citation, adding another international recognition to the country’s Toastmasters legacy.
These achievements reflect the depth of talent and leadership developed within the Sri Lankan Toastmasters community over more than four decades.
FIND YOUR VOICE The value of Toastmasters extends beyond speaking at a lectern – it lies in the confidence and ability to step forward and take responsibility.
Members may initially join to improve their public speaking skills. They may stay because the experience helps them become more attentive listeners; more capable leaders; and more confident individuals, both professionally and personally.
With clubs across Sri Lanka, opportunities to begin that journey are available close to home. Your voice could be the next to create a ripple. Find a Toastmasters club and take the first step.
– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira
COMPANY DETAILS
- Telephone: 0773 062222
- Email: niroshandtm@gmail.com
- Website: www.district82.org
