Best Speaker 2021 | Magazine

BEST SPEAKER 2021 1



Editors' Message

‘Best Speaker’ contest is a significant milestone of aspiring young speakers who take the plunge to partic-

ipate in it each year. It maneuvers as a benefactor that discovers undiscovered orators and refine eloquence
of ambitious speakers. ‘Best Speaker’ not only fortifies passionate speakers but also, it is the earnest venture
of the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club of which the members take such pleasure to organize the event
phenomenally.

We as the editors of the magazine, had the greatest privilege of making the fifth edition of the Best Speaker
Magazine series a reality, along with a team of article writers, proofreaders, designers, and interviewers.
This magazine is a showpiece of the unique talents of the team and underneath the artistry, lies the immense
dedication, hard work and strength they readily offered to make this magazine a success. Best Speaker Mag-
azine is an endeavor that creates a space to nurture and harbor multiple capabilities of the members beyond
public speaking skills.

We would like to acknowledge and extend our immense gratitude to Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice
Chancellor of University of Kelaniya and Professor Chamindi Dilkushi Senaratne Wettewe, Director of the
Career Guidance Unit, Senior Treasurer of the club, Dr. Jehan Seneviratne for being with us throughout
the journey of Best Speaker 2021. We also extend our heartiest thanks to the exemplary personalities we
interviewed, of whose wisdom will be of great advantage for the readers. It is with enormous appreciation
we mention Gavelier Sakuni Thilakaratne, the President of the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club for being
the fortifying backbone behind the magnificence, Gavelier Famidha Faiz, Project Chair of ‘Best Speaker
2021’ for being the brightest guiding light throughout the voyage, Julian Sugeevan and Dulani Wijesinghe,
the Assistant Project Chairs of ‘Best Speaker 2021’ for being the cleverest navigators of this beautiful expe-
dition. We also thank them all for being the supporting pillars behind the success of the magazine. Last but
not least we extend our most precious and special thanks for the inexpressible efforts taken by the team in
making ‘Best Speaker 2021 Magazine’ a reality.

Finally, on behalf of University of Kelaniya Gavel Club we invite you to witness the finesse of our mem-
bers in every page to which untold, yet beautiful stories are intertwined.

Gav.Bhawani Willadddara Gav. Hashini Wickramasuriya
Co-Editor Co-Editor

BEST SPEAKER 2021 3

CONTENTS

6 MESSAGE FROM 25 THINKING OUT-

THE VICE SIDE THE BOX

CHANCELLOR

7 MESSAGE FROM 26 FASHION CUL-

THE SENIOR TURE & IDENTITY

TREASURER 28 TO A FALLING

STAR

8 MESSAGE FROM 30 IT'S A BLESSING

THE DIRECTOR OF THE TO BE A POLYGLOT

CAREER GUIDANCE 32 THE UNSEEN

UNIT 17 SHADOW

9 MESSAGE FROM 34 A WONDER-

THE PRESIDENT LAND-AN INTER-
VIEW WITH VERITY
10 MESSAGE FROM THE JOURNEY PRICE

16THE PROJECT CHAIR- MAGNIFICENCE 40 THE FINALISTS

PERSON 42 WHEN DEATH

THROUGH PERSE- TELLS YOU A STORY,
YOU REALLY HAVE
11 VERANCE TO LISTEN – A BOOK
EXECUTIVE REVIEW

COMMITTEE 17 THE JOURNEY- 45 QUEENDOM-

12 AN INTERVIEW WITH AN INTERVIEW WITH
THE LEGACY DILAN JOSEPH YASHODA WIMALAD-
UNCEASING HARMA

14 FINDING YOUR 22 THE UNEXPECT-

PURPOSE ED MIRACLE

24 MEN OF GOD

60

45 55

QT HUEE E N D O M AOFTRVAIICL TORY

34 55 A TRAIL OF 63 LOVE: A

A WONDERLAND VICTORY -AN IN- PROMISE TO
NEVER LET GO
TERVIEW WITH
64 THE BIG 5
CHIRANTHI SENA-
66 OUR CREW
NAYAKE

48 WOMEN SPEAK- 60 EFFECTIVE

ERS THAT SHAKE THE UTILIZATION OF

WORLD SOCIAL MEDIA

DURING COVID 19

52 GAVEL CLUB 62 READING:
TIMES
DURING THE THE ONE PAST

OF COVID 19 TIME THAT IS NOT
FROWNED UPON

MESSAGE FROM
THE VICE CHANCELLOR

Professor Nilanthi de Silva Many graduates of the University of Kelaniya,
Vice Chancellor which has a proud history of more than 60 years, now
hold high positions in the world as talented and respon-
University of Kelaniya sible individuals in all fields. Our University strives to
nurture leaders who have the capacity to make the best
decisions to uplift the nation. I greatly appreciate the
contribution made by the University of Kelaniya Gavel
Club in working towards this goal by helping students
to acquire the invaluable and important soft skill of
public speaking. The Gavel Club has always been an
active student club in the university, where the mem-
bers practice public speaking and work together with
one another in a warm, friendly and supportive envi-
ronment.

As of today, we all are confronted with the
devastation of this global COVID 19 pandemic. How-
ever, successfully overcoming the obstacles posed by
the pandemic, the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club
opened a virtual platform for all inter-university speak-
ers to develop their public speaking abilities. I am cer-
tain that it will be a unique experience for all inter-uni-
versity contestants.

The challenges are formidable and the con-
straints unceasing, yet I am confident that the Univer-
sity of Kelaniya Gavel Club will conquer these chal-
lenges in the future as well. My best wishes go to all
contestants who participate in this unique event. I also
extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the members of the
University of Kelaniya Gavel Club who have been in-
strumental in providing a comfortable platform for un-
dergraduates who wish to speak to the audience and
showcase their talents.

BEST SPEAKER 2021 6

MESSAGE FROM
THE DIRECTOR OF THE
CAREER GUIDANCE UNIT

Professor Dilkushi Wettewe I am delighted to send this message of felicitation to
Director Best Speaker 2021, the All Island Inter-University
Speech Contest organized by the Gavel Club of the
Career Guidance Unit University of Kelaniya. I would like to take this op-
University of Kelaniya portunity to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who
has worked hard to make this event a success amidst
BEST SPEAKER 2021 the unprecedented difficulties experienced in the new
normal.
The Gavel Club plays an important role in our uni-
versity community, carrying out its noble mission of
fine-tuning the communication and leadership skills of
its inclusive network of our diverse student body. The
Gavel Club, UOK, has spearheaded many events to re-
alize this timely mission. The Inter-University Speech
Contest is its signature event. It has turned into an ini-
tiative of great national importance, aligned with the
university’s goal of developing well-rounded graduates
to take up the challenges of the 21st-century workplace.
This year, we will witness its first-ever virtual com-
memoration, accepting the challenge of conducting
a contest on a virtual platform amidst the prevailing
pandemic. The Best Speaker 2021 is not only for the
benefit of those who compete in it but also for those
engaged in organizing this event. It offers them a plat-
form to develop their leadership skills, strategy and re-
silience.
This year, guided by the theme “Magnificence through
Perseverance” and inspired by the ‘pearl’ that symbol-
izes the pain and hard work behind success, the Club
has set sail to ‘Best Speaker 2021’. Alongside the con-
test, the ‘Best Speaker 2021’magazine is also to be
launched as yet another milestone that uplifts the stan-
dards of the Gavel Club, UOK.
As the Director of the Career Guidance Unit, Universi-
ty of Kelaniya, I am glad to witness and be part of this
event, which has taken so much dedication, efficiency
and hard work. I wish all the contestants the best of
luck. I also would like to thank and extend my hearti-
est congratulations to the vibrant organizing committee
that has been behind this event, for their time and effort.
I also congratulate the University of Kelaniya Gavel
Club for the successful contest conducted amidst the
challenges encountered within the last two years.
Best of luck!

7

MESSAGE FROM
THE SENIOR TREASURER

Dr. Jehan Seneviratne “Once a Gavelier always a Gavelier”
Senior Treasurer Fear of public speaking is known as one of the most feared,
Gavel Club if not the most feared, thing for most people. In 2004, a
group of undergraduates from the university of Kelaniya
University of Kelaniya who were marching towards conquering the fear of public
speaking with a Speeechcrafter program, formed the first
BEST SPEAKER 2021 Gavel Club in the South Asia as the University of Kelaniya
Gavel Club, under the mentorship of Mr. Sujith Bandulahe-
wa, the charter president of Serendib Toastmaster’s Club.
Since then, the club has seen a tremendous improvement
over the years.
University of Kelaniya Gavel Club is not just a student
organization that promotes and develop public speaking
skills, it produces leaders! Active members of the Gavel
Club, known as Gaveliers, develop and polish up their pub-
lic speaking and communication skills through their week-
ly educational meetings; during which they not only deliv-
er impromptu and prepared speeches but also take turn in
evaluating speeches. Through these exercises and various
other educational programs, they develop speaking, listen-
ing and evaluation skills and learn/practice how to respect
others’ opinions and convey their opinions in an effective
manner.
The Gaveliers do not keep their learnings to themselves;
they share! All Island Inter University Best Speaker Con-
test is one of the many ways they share their talent and
time. They conduct public speaking skill development
programs for undergraduates and school students and also
organize the Inter School Best Speaker Contest. We must
appreciate what Gaveliers bring into the society while they
are engaged in their academic work.Gaveliers are leaders.
They lead the way. They have lead the way in the Sri Lank-
an context by initiating University and School level speech
contests.
In 2005, the club introduced All Island Inter University
Best Speaker Contest promoting public speaking among
the university community in Sri Lanka. The Best Speak-
er Contest provides a platform for the undergraduates in
Sri Lanka to showcase and develop their public speaking
skills. It is not just a speech competition. It is a place to net-
work, a place to discover talent, a place to practice leader-
ship skills, a place where leaders are born, a place to create
lifelong friendships, and the list goes on!
I thank all the sponsors and well-wishers who supported
this event in numerous ways. I also appreciate all the hard
work put in by the Best Speaker 2021 organizing commit-
tee and wish them all the best!

8

MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT

University of Kelaniya Gavel Club embarked on
‘Best Speaker 2021’; its annual forage for discovering
young speakers who strive for magnificence through
perseverance. For 16 years ‘Best Speaker’ stage has
nurtured many undergraduates and midst of multiple
challenges this year’s contest is organized on a virtu-
al platform to upraise the amateur speakers in the uni-
versity arena. Just as a small grain of sand toils inside
an oyster until it remolds itself to a lustrous pearl, a
budding speaker undertakes many burdens and rise
through fatigue, demotivation, and failure as an excep-
tional orator. ‘Best Speaker’ is and always will be a
helping hand in the journey of such exceptional orators.
‘Best Speaker’ has always been not only a platform
that nourishes public speaking skills but also shel-
ters the many talents of the Gaveliers of our club.
Along side ‘Best Speaker 2021’ we proudly present
to you the fifth edition of the ‘Best Speaker Maga-
zine’ series which showcases the forte of our gift-
ed Gaveliers that extend beyond public speaking.
To the winners, finalists and all the participants of
‘Best Speaker 2021’ I extend my heartiest wishes
and good luck to proceed with your journey reach-
ing higher than you did last time. Indeed, the con-
test has been highly competitive, yet it is with great
pleasure I state that it has so been due to the excel-
lence of the skills each contestant possessed. Hence,
Gav. Sakuni Thilakaratne I thank all the contestants of ‘Best Speaker 2021’ for
President the sprinkles of glamour they added to the contest.
Gavel Club ‘Best Speaker 2021’ would only have remained a
dream if it were not for the organizing committee
University of Kelaniya whom I would like to identify as bunch of beauti-
ful pearls. I sincerely thank everyone in the organiz-
BEST SPEAKER 2021 ing committee for devoting their time and energy to
execute ‘Best Speaker 2021’ magnificently. Not to
mention that this year the organization of the contest
required extra effort and maneuvering which our or-
ganizing committee conquered without failing. Amidst
many challenges the organizing committee enthusias-
tically carried out the contest, and for that I am utter-
ly grateful. Just as a bunch of pearls together make a
beautiful necklace, the pearls of the organizing team to-
gether created the precious jewel ‘Best Speaker 2021’.
Moreover, my sincere gratitude goes to Professor
Nilanthi De Silva, the Vice Chancellor of University
of Kelaniya, Professor Dilkushi Wettewe, Director of
the Career Guidance Unit and Dr. Jehan Seneviratne
Senior Treasurer of the club, for supporting the con-
test in numerous ways and guiding us towards success.
I also extend my deepest gratitude to the honorable
judges, valuable sponsors and well wishers who im-
mensely contributed to make the contest a reality.
I sincerely hope the readers may find the
magazine intriguing at the same time wit-
ness the artistry of our talented Gaveliers.
Long Live Gavel!
9

MESSAGE FROM
THE PROJECT CHAIRPERSON

The grandeur of ‘Best Speaker’ undoubtedly lies beyond

the borders of the word ‘contest’. Hence, I would identi-

fy ‘Best Speaker’ as a masterpiece in which aspiration,

commitment, hard work and joy of both contestants and

organizers, come together. It is with pride I announce

that this year, amidst all the challenges we, University

of Kelaniya Gavel Club has set sail to a new adventure

in organizing ‘All Island Inter University Best Speaker

2021’ for the 16th year. As past contests ‘Best Speaker

2021’ is also chaperoned by a meaningful theme that

depicts the amazing voyage of a speaker: The pearl. A

speaker attains magnificence through perseverance sur-

passing varied trials and tribulations similar to the ardu-

ous journey it takes to create a magnificent pearl.

The ‘Best Speaker Magazine’ which progresses along

side the contest is an endeavor that manifests the versa-

tility of the Gaveliers of University of Kelaniya Gavel

Club. This year we proudly present to you the 5th edi-

tion of the Best Speaker Magazine series that evinces

different aptitudes of the public speakers the club nur-

turers.

I express my sincere gratitude to Professor Nilanthi de

Gav. Famidha Faiz Silva, Vice Chancellor of University of Kelaniya, Pro-
Project Chairperson
Best Speaker 2021 fessor Dilkushi Senaratne Wettewe, Director of Career

Gavel Club Guidance Unit and Dr. Jehan Seneviratne, Senior Trea-
University of Kelaniya
surer of the club for extending their patronage to perpet-
BEST SPEAKER 2021
uate our venture successfully, the academic counselors

and staff of the CGU, the well wishers and our dearest

past Gaveliers and the family members of our Gaveliers

for being with us every step of the way to make this

event a success.

This magnificent event would not have been possible if

it were not for the fortifying organizing committee with

a magnitude of strength that was selflessly offered from

the moment the decision was made to hold ‘Best Speak-

er 2021’. I’m extremely grateful I had a powerful and

supportive team with me throughout this expedition. Fi-

nally, I extend my heartiest wishes to all the finalists to

be blessed with strength and confidence to perform at

their best. More importantly I thank all the courageous

contestants for participating in the contest and I deeply

appreciate their unique public speaking skills.

To all the readers, may this magazine render you with

more insight to ‘Best Speaker’ and reward you with

wisdom. May you reach magnificence through perse-

verance!

Long Live Gavel! 10



BEST SPEAKER 2021

Th e Legacy

U nceasi ng

One fine evening a few dawned in the year 2004 as is held under two main cate-
months ago, the Gavel family a project of the University gories; prepared speech and
of University of Kelaniya was of Kelaniya Gavel Club. Ever impromptu speech contests.
called on for a regular zoom since, the contest has been Each year ‘Best Speaker’ con-
meeting that ultimately un- progressing into a series, test is accessorized, inspired,
raveled surprising news all nourishing year after year till and guided by a theme which
the Gaveliers were unaware this day. Today, ‘Best Speak- adds more glamour and
they had been waiting for, er’ has earned more respect meaning to the contest. ‘Best
about ‘Best Speaker 2021’. and much fame among the Speaker 2021’ is laced around
It is unquestionable that the undergraduates of all state the story of the opulent pearl
genius of man always con- universities across the island. that flawlessly symbolizes
quers unfortunate challenges. Underlying the title ‘Best the great expedition of an
Counter Challenging the pan- Speaker’, is a glorious quest orator who seeks magnifi-
demic and amidst the count- that strides to discover au- cence through perseverance.
less disarrays, University of thentic talent. One distinct
Kelaniya Gavel club rose to feature of this contest which 12
perpetuate its legacy by or- outshines it among many
ganizing ‘Inter University Best others, is its selection of the
Speaker 2021’ for the 16th year. best speaker out of many tal-
This year’s ‘Best Speaker’ con- ented speakers. The club be-
test will indeed be an outstand- lieves that the title ought to
ing milestone in the History of be earned by a well- rounded
University of Kelaniya Gavel speaker who is adroit in both
Club, as the contest is orga- prepared speech and im-
nized as a virtual spectacle for promptu speech. The contest
the first time since the club’s comprises three rounds; the
inception nearly 16 years ago. preliminary round, semi fi-
The ‘Best Speaker’ contest nals and the grand finals and

BEST SPEAKER 2021

Preliminary Round of Semi-Final Round of
‘Best Speaker 2021’ ‘Best Speaker 2021’

Adhering to the COVID-19 rules and Semi- finals were held on the 13th of No-
regulations the preliminary round which vember 2021 as a virtual contest with 25
is usually held at the university premis- talented contestants battling in two cate-
es was altered into a video submission gories: prepared and impromptu speech
round considering the convenience and categories.The prepared speech con-
safety of the contestants and the orga- test was held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and
nizing committee. The contestants were the impromptu speech contest was con-
instructed to record their speeches ac- tinued from 3 p.m. onwards via Zoom. 6
cording to the given standards and send contestants had the privilege of entering
it to the organizing committee. There- the finals of ‘Best Speaker 2021’, motivat-
upon the speeches were circulated sys- ing every other contestant never to stop
tematically for judging. Furthermore, their journey of becoming great speaker.
due to the challenges encountered,
the impromptu speech category was Grand finals of
not held in the preliminary round. Out Best Speaker 2021’
of many talented contestants, 25 were
selected to compete in the semi-finals. The Grand Finale of ‘Best Speaker 2021’
will be held on 28th of November as a vir-
tual spectacle with the presence of an hon-
orable chief guest, other esteemed guests,
and an enthusiastic virtual audience. On
the day of the finals, 3 contestants will
be bestowed with three prestigious titles:
Best Speaker, Best Prepared Speaker and
Best Impromptu Speaker. It is guaranteed
that ‘Best Speaker 2021’ will adjourn after
a phenomenal contest with a sincere hope
and a solemn pledge to return next year.

BEST SPEAKER 2021 13

Finding your purpose

"Live as if you only have 24 hours to live. Even if you have
talent and passion there will be challenges in your life journey.
One should conquer emotions to face challenges"

What was your answer when someone life’s purpose is to align it with your career.
asked, “who do you want to become in We tend to forget about what we were passion-
future?”. A doctor. An engineer. A law- ate about as a child, as we grow. As children,
yer. Most likely these were your answers when we were engaged in different activities such
you were a child. I used to say that I wanted to as sports, music, dancing, etc. Due to various
become a doctor. As I grew older, I started to de- social pressures as adults, we focus more on
velop a passion for finance. In university, I got the education and career. To find your purpose you
opportunity to pursue finance as my major. How- need to strike a balance between talent and
ever, there is a clear distinction between career passion. One should reignite the fire they had
and life’s purpose. The best way to achieve your as a child and try out different activities to find

BEST SPEAKER 2021 14

their talent. Find solid reasons behind your pas- pare backup plans in case things do not work out
sion. Take your time to explore yourself. Start dis- as originally planned. Be prepared to make sacri-
covering yourself as early as possible. As I ex- fices. You should be clear about what you want to
plored myself, I realized that I wanted to inspire achieve. Find a mentor who, not only motivates you
others and make a positive contribution to society. but also gives practical ideas to pursue your pur-
A major step I have taken to achieve my life’s pose. Surround yourself with a group of people who
purpose is self-improvement. I have learned a assists you to achieve your purpose. Do not reach
lot through self-reflection and others’ experienc- out too far since your purpose is within you. Focus
es. I try to be better at what I do today than I was on what you have and build your purpose. Some
yesterday. Is there something that you fantasize might make snide remarks about your goals and
about doing but don’t do? Maybe you want to be dreams. Therefore, be prepared to embarrass your-
a mentor, or an animal rights activist. Do not be self. Every individual is unique. So do not compare
afraid to step out of your comfort zone. How do yourself with others; rather you need to establish
you measure the value of something? We only un- your benchmark and compete against yourself. Your
derstand the real value of something when we lose greatest competitor is yourself. Success does not
it. Therefore, do not cast aside your talents sim- equal wealth. At the end of the day, you should be
ply because it is not related to what you currently happy and satisfied with what you do. Treat life as a
study. Whenever I hit a roadblock or lose direction wonderful adventure. Ask the question of what you
in life, I try to stay hopeful. Our past experiences, want to be remembered for. Write your own life story.
obstacles, and mistakes have shaped us into who
we are today. Therefore, do not be afraid to fail. Gav. Pasanka Samayadasa
You should enjoy what you do, to make a positive
impact. When we are pressured to do something
that we dislike we tend to procrastinate. If you are
passionate about something, you will be self-mo-
tivated and will not feel the passage of time.

Stop lamenting past setbacks and move on. Pre-

BEST SPEAKER 2021 15

In the darkness of the TRAEPLHE environments. It takes an
ocean depths and river almost unreal amount of
beds, an oyster resides, toughness to withstand
with a glowing, beautiful those conditions and an
pearl inside it. It is not cre- almost miraculous level of
ated in a second, it is not natural wonder to create
created within a week, and something as so valuable as
even upon its creation, it a pearl. In short, they come
certainly is not something from the most unlikely
easily obtainable. The cre- places one could think of.
ation and the obtaining of Great public speakers are
pearls are not easy feats or not made in comfort zones,
common feats. Pearls are they are forged with expe-
made when a sand particle rience, with the pressures
gets trapped in the oyster, and hardships of life that
or a parasitic incision hap- fuel their stories of success,
pens on the inside of an stories of faith, stories of sur-
oyster and the oyster re- vival and stories of reach-
leases its own bodily fluids ing magnificent places- all
to heal itself. These fluids soulful and passionate.
coalesce over time, over Just like a pearl at the
the span of years at times, bottom of the ocean em-
to form pearls; beautiful bedded in an oyster,
organic elements consid- tough conditions, harsh
ered to be valuable orna- experiences and other
ments, mystical artefacts of hardships of life feed the
nature and symbols growth of a public speaker.
of prosperity and royalty It is about perseverance.
across various cultures and
tribes across the planet. It is about achieving
Pearls are made in magnificence of character.
the darkness of watery
depths, under bone-crush- It is
ing pressure in untamable MAGNIFICENCE

THROUGH
PERSEVERENCE!

Gav. Ravindu Thushan Wickramarathne 16

BEST SPEAKER 2021

Dilan Joseph, a banker with over “Don’t go looking
15 years of industry experience, re- for shortcuts”
cently inspired the hearts of many
Sri Lankans when he was adjudicat-
ed as the Sri Lankan Champion of
the Toastmasters District 82 Inter-
national Speech Contest early this
year. He competed as a semifinalist
at the Toastmasters World Champi-
onship of Public Speaking.
If one needs a dash of
inspiration, he is
a store of inspi-
ration, whom
I had the
privilege of
interview-
ing on a
late-night
Zoom
meeting.

DILAN JOSEPH

The Journey

Gav. Chehastha Gurusinha 17

BEST SPEAKER 2021

QHow was your life I felt I needed to have the el, gave my best shot,
journey prior to guts to talk, be it when but didn’t get any place.
finding your passion talking to a girl, or speak- However, I won the Divi-
in public speaking and ing at a formal office ar- sion level in the Humor-
what sparked your inter- rangement. The gap was ous Speech Contest. In
est in public speaking? inside me for a long time. 2019, at the International
I spoke about this gap Speech Contest, I won
A. My public speaking with multiple crowds, but third place. Yet, I didn’t
journey had a few ad- the impact it should make place at the Humorous
vantages from my back- wasn’t there until I made Speech Contest. In 2020,
ground. I studied at St. that story into a proper I won second place at
Benedict’s College from speech. All in all, joining the International Speech
where I was able to im- Toastmasters helped me Contest. I didn’t compete
prove myself as a vocal- break all these barriers. at the Humorous Speech
ist in the choir and as a Contest since I wanted
leader, being elected as QHow has your pub- a break and focused on
a school prefect. I was lic speaking jour- next year’s Internation-
very much involved in my ney been up to the point al Speech Contest. “The
church too. Altar serv- where you competed in Gap” was drafted in Jan-
er, President and Secre- the Semifinals of the uary this year. As it was
tary of various clubs and World Championship my best triumph, I want-
societies there… all of of Public Speaking? ed to keep it for the finals.
these shaped me when But instead, I gave it a
I look back now. Being a A. The thing with Toast- try. It didn’t come out that
very timid person, every- masters is that you can well, then I changed the
thing that happened had join, but the real work- structure of the speech
a benefit to uplift myself ings happen when you with the help of my men-
as the public speaker I actively engage, which tor. I didn’t deliver that
am today. When it came I did not do until 2017. speech at the Area lev-
to speaking, firstly, I was I was very quiet at first. el, but the Division level
always on the backfoot. If In 2017, there was a sit- and won there. Everyone
you look at my speech at uation where there were was mesmerized with it.
the championship, which less contestants for the When the speech won at
explains my gap, it didn’t Humorous Speech Com- the district level, I felt like
allow me to go and talk in petition. So, I was asked I didn’t want to go beyond
front of an audience. Sec- to try out. Even then I had that. But, that’s human
ondly, my language wasn’t a problem with drafting nature, isn’t it? We tend
that great. However, as I and delivering speeches. to stick to our borders.
got married to a Burgher, It took me long practice I went on to compete at
it pushed me to learn the hours, but I gave my best the regional level. Each
language for the sake of shot and placed third in time they announced me
communicating with my the Area level. This was as the winner, I was over
wife. Until I joined Toast- all in my first contest! the moon. However, the
masters in 2015, I used This was an eye-open- semi-final was a chal-
to be an observer. I would er for me, which made it lenging stage. You can’t
look at everything but clear to me that I have go as the same person at
never comment on what I some sort of a skill to each stage; hence it was
saw. Everything changed convince people. So, in a totally different, but life
after joining Toastmas- the following year, I com- changing experience.
ters. The reason I joined peted in the International Doing a speech in front of
was not that strong, I just Speech Contest. I went foreigners, take my word,
wanted to express myself. up to the Division lev- you might be the best, but

BEST SPEAKER 2021 18

seeing a different set of Contest last year. It re- A. I develop my speech-
audience is challenging. quired a lot of prepara- es in two ways. It can be
tion. Despite all of that, either; I have a message
QHow do you feel I was able to focus on and I find a story match-
about the shift the reason why I was ing it. Or I have a story
public speaking took in front of the camera. and I make a message
from the traditional Somehow it helps you to around it. “The Gap” was
physical platform to develop your personality the second kind. When
the virtual? What new whatever the world says. preparing a speech, you
methods did you have should always ask your-
to acquire to adapt to QWe all know pre- self what you want to
the virtual setting? paring and getting give to the audience. I’ll
a speech right takes be frank, I didn’t have
A. As a speaker, the au- hours of practice. How a set message until the
dience is your best asset. challenging was it to last minute of my first
As you engage with un- prepare for a competi- speech delivery. This
known people, your anxi- tion in a virtual setting? was because there were
ety goes away if you con- two messages. One, ac-
nect with them. That is A. In terms of the phys- cepting myself and going
why, I still like the physi- ical stage, you experi- forward in my life. Two,
cal setting. You have that ence it on the contest because others accepted
opportunity to be with the day only, But, at the vir- me, I can go on with my
audience. You can en- tual stage, you can turn life. We chose the first
gage with them well. It’s on your camera and pre- message as the most re-
a whole different art. I re- pare yourself anytime. latable. It was the best
ally miss that. An online So, in terms of prepara- choice, because after the
contest is more hectic tion, the online setting is speech, I got messages
and stressful. You must the best. You can exper- from people thanking me
consider investing in iment a lot. The gesture for inviting them to see
equipment like a laptop, setup varies between the their own gaps and ac-
a camera, and ring lights. two settings. I cannot cept them for who they
Even if you do all of that, do the gestures I did at were. I felt like that was
the next thing you are my speech in a physical a straightforward mes-
compelled to deal with is setting as the online set- sage to give. When de-
power cuts. On the Divi- ting gives a different type veloping a speech, if you
sion Contest morning this of creativity. Of course, have a message set, it is
happened to me. Since there are ups and downs. easier to align the oth-
I couldn’t afford to miss er parts of the speech.
my chance, I packed ev- Q Your speech, which
erything and went to my was titled “The QApart from being a
parents’ place and de- Gap”, gave an inspira- semifinalist at this
livered my speech from tional message to the year’s World Champi-
there. At a physical con- audience where you onship, you also won
test, you are only worried should accept yourself the Division F Humor-
about your speech. But for who you are. I be- ous Speech Competi-
at an online contest, you lieve it’s applicable to tion in 2018. Apart from
have extra worries about everyone present here the overall genre of the
literally everything else. in this meeting. How did speeches, were these
However, we must adapt. you come to realize that experiences any differ-
This was truly one of this is the message that ent from each other?
the reasons why I didn’t you wanted to share?
contest in the Humorous 19

BEST SPEAKER 2021

A. There is a big differ- sector you are in, the pas- name some challenges
ence. However, there are sion of public speaking you face as a speaker?
speeches that went inter- helps. You learn to com- A. Firstly, most problems
national which also had municate with people. This happen when we try to
humor. Even though these helps especially if you are get other people to ac-
contests are different, the a manager, as you need cept us when we go on
content would pretty much to communicate and keep stage. No, you should
stay the same. Because, your subordinates in line. prove yourself, then they
when it comes to the In- Public speaking helps you will listen to you. It was
ternational Speech Con- to understand and empa- a challenge to learn. You
test, you need that humor thize with people. In terms must spend your time, be
to capture the audience. of work life balance, there inspiring and be humble

“If you are humble, it’s a gateway to
empathy.”

I’m not much of a humor- wasn’t much. To be hon- enough to buy their time.
ous person, but it was this est, I was released from Secondly, when some-
reason that gave me an work for two months to one comments on your
opportunity to try my hand work on the contest, be- speeches at Toastmaster
at the Humorous Speech cause it is difficult to man- meetings, you ought to
Contest. It gave me a little age both priorities at that be more open to it. Be-
boost in finding my speak- time. But my employer did cause you are talking to
ing style and aligning with so in the confidence that someone with the same
it. I still remember the en- I am taking the name of mindset as you. It may
ergy I got there. It made the company out to the be a straight punch to
me realize that there was world. They supported me your feelings, your ego
something in me. That on the stage and followed might not want to accept
confidence and strength up with me on my prepara- it. It goes without saying
helped me at the Inter- tions and encouraged me. that ego is something that
national Speech Contest. Of course, there can be a we ought to hold down,
change of priorities, mean- especially when receiv-
Q You have been em- ing you must compromise. ing feedback. Thirdly, I
ployed at the bank- Not just my colleagues, needed to improve my
ing industry for the past my family understood this language skills a lot.
16 years, which no doubt part as well. Because the Those were the challeng-
is an industry where level of pressure is differ- es I particularly faced.
the workload general- ent here. You need to be
ly is higher than others. actively prepared to do it. QDo you have any
How have you managed advice to share for
to balance your work QAs public speakers, any public speakers
life with your passion we all face certain who aspire to compete
for public speaking? challenges throughout in these competitions?
our own public speak-
A. Whatever employment ing journeys. Can you A. The only advice I would

BEST SPEAKER 2021 20

give is, understand the and thoughts about oth-
role you have in life. It has ers. This contest helped
its own journey. Don’t go me understand my skills. I
looking for shortcuts. If so, would say I was coachable
even if you go fast, you will because of that I found my
miss a lot of learnings you new talents, applied them,
should go through. Espe- and changed my thinking
cially as public speakers, patterns. I became a more
until you become humble positive person. The posi-
you cannot go up the lad- tiveness helped me under-
der properly. You can go stand a situation from a dif-
up, but people will say that ferent angle and apply my
you just got lucky. But, if thoughts to those. I have
you are humble, people more friends now. People
won’t say that to you be- who I can have a proper
cause they see values in conversation with and lis-
you. Therefore, have such ten to what they share. That
values then people just is where maturity comes. I
connect with you. Some would now try to create a
people don’t purposely try win-win situation even for
to grab attention, but peo- a negative-minded person.
ple just look at that person I would learn something
when they start to speak. from them and try to take
It is your personality that them to a positive mind-
attracts people. It comes set. Focus on the
with a lot of humbleness, goal you have then
self-respect, and respect you can inspire
towards others. Because others towards
of that you get confi- you and man-
dence, then the emotions age them easi-
that come out are totally ly. So, I would
different. And you should say, yes, my life
understand other people, is indeed more
again if you are humble, it beautiful now.
is a gateway to empathy.

QWhat is your life
like right now com-
pared it to how it was
before you were a pub-
lic speaker, has it added
more beauty to your life?

A. I would say I am hum-
bler now. When you go up
for something, if you are
humble, you would under-
stand what life is. Because
otherwise, you would just
try to frame yourself with
thoughts about yourself

BEST SPEAKER 2021 21

the 22

muneirxpaecctleed

Kaumadi Gunatunga
University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Best Speaker 2019- Winner

Expecting the unexpected was my life mot-
to and one of those pleasantly unexpected
moments for me was winning the “Best
Speaker 2019” title. It was one of those life-
changing experiences I encountered with
the aid of a massive team who mentored
me throughout this Best Speaker journey.
Although I knew this was a unique oppor-
tunity, it took a great deal of time to make
up my mind to fill the application. Even
after applying I had doubts about my par-
ticipation in the preliminary round until the
date of the competition. I might not have
participated if not for the call I received
from my friend Ruwasha in the morning
reminding my timeslot. And I had to rush
into the premises to make it on time.

BEST SPEAKER 2021

There it started. The Journey of Best Weeks passed with constant practice
Speaker. It was filled with exciting sessions with Akkis and Ayyas and friends in
memories that I could cherish for a Japura Gavel and finally, the most awaited
lifetime. Those small talks we had in the day arrived. On the day of the Grand Fina-
waiting room, experiences we shared with le, the magnificent stage made me nervous.
the other contestants always make me But seeing my family and my friends from
smile. I could make a lot of friends from University of Sri Jayewardenepura filled in
different universities simply because of
the “keep away your mobile phones” rule. the hall with their loud, enthusiastic cheers,
all my fears vanished. With these amazing

Despite rushing into the competition and people seated in front of me and cheering
the lack of practice, I felt I managed to me on, I unfolded my untold story.

deliver my speeches well during the
preliminary round. But it was unbeliev- Finally, here I am writing this article as the
able to see that I was selected for the “Best Speaker 2019” recollecting all those
semi finals. With that, I started to practice amazing moments I passed thanks to this
more from early mornings to late nights platform created by the Gavel club of
with constant mentoring sessions from University of Kelaniya. As the Champion of
Shahen ayya and Minura ayya who guided Best Speaker 2019, I encourage all aspiring
me to face the semifinal round with con- speakers to seize this opportunity. Because
fidence.
this is that unexpected miracle you are

On the day of the semifinals, I could waiting for. So, get ready to inspire the
witness a lot of amazing speeches. It was world by unfolding your amazing untold sto-
undoubtedly competitive. I still can re- ries. The stage is yours!

member how my friends and I eagerly
waited until we got the results. And again,
I was fortunate enough to be among the 6
finalists for Best Speaker Grand Finale.

BEST SPEAKER 2021 23

Men of God!

Behind the colossal rock
We heard you pray the God
Grubby hands quivered
Teary eyes hazed
Along the streets - lousy sighs heard

Chirping of the lil- birds
Frosted with the chill breeze
They shut the door of nest
Afraid of losing their breast

Just a breath....

Over the darken rock
We found an esoteric garden, locked!
Not a hush engrossed
But awoke with a shriek - just a shock

At the narcotic hour of silence
We went there - unchained
They beamed in matchless brilliance
Dumb eyes sparkled - delusions lained

Shook hands with unmitigated love
Raised the crown - no more bow
Dazzling sun above
Told more of love

At the dawn of truce
Heard whispers of lips,
“God heard us pray
Sent them along the way
No more tears shed

They are the men of God!”

Gav. Samali Irugalbandara

BEST SPEAKER 2021 24

Our environment is constantly Thinking out of
changing. With rapid changes
in our ecosystem, the climatic the box
conditions, and the depletion of natu-
ral resources, we are facing the chal- Gav. Shanthakumar Sabarjah
lenges of finding innovative solutions to
a new set of problems almost on a dai- "Most of these boxes are made
ly basis. While technology can aid us to out of uncertainties of repercus-
find solutions, they have the tendency sions for trying something totally
of introducing us to new problems re- new and different".
lated to those very same technologies.
How to get out of patterns?
Humans, throughout history, have cre-
ated problems faster than solving them.
Therefore, creative problem solving has
become one of the most “in-demand”
skills in the 21st century irrespective of
one’s field of interest. People often think
that the logical thinking approach is the
best way to solve problems. Though it
seems like an easy thing to do, that ap-
proach may even be more difficult since
it is becoming more and more uncom-
mon to find logical thinking in society.

“Thinking out of the box” is a metaphor that eluci- Instead of thinking outside the box
dates on thinking differently, unconventionally, or just get rid of the box. First, identify
from a new perspective. This phrase often refers to what these boxes are. Whether we
“novel” or “creative thinking’. One of the catchy phras- realize it or not we have been boxed
es used by teachers, professors, business consul- from our childhood by programming
tants, and motivational coaches is: “thinking out of the compliers in our brains, telling
the box”. People refer to this to encourage the lis- us what is and what isn’t possible,
tener to think differently from their usual pattern of risky, dangerous, and appropriate.
thinking. Can one really do it? What is the box they
are talking about? If one doesn’t know the box one Most of these boxes are made out
is in, how would one recognize what is outside? of uncertainties of repercussions
for trying something totally new and
Thinking outside the box is really not an action but a different. One will have to restruc-
mindset. It’s just the way in which the world is being ture the thinking pattern from the
perceived. The box is the limitation and the boundar- beginning to overcome those fears
ies we have created in our own minds. Once it is cre- ingrained in one’s mind in order
ated it will not be easy to go out and just solve a prob- to destroy the boxes imprisoning
lem and come back in again. Hence, on the whole, the frames of thinking. The prob-
the box in thinking out of the box is the limitation in lem is that one will have to do that
our own mindset which often limits our creativity.  while still being inside the boxes. 

BEST SPEAKER 2021 25

How to enhance creativ- FASHION
ity?
CULTURE &
A common myth is that cre-
ativity cannot be improved, it IDENTITY
is a natural skill. Creativity is
not a natural skill. With prac- EXPRESSING WHO WE ARE AND BECOMING,
tice, it can be improved. There
are many creativity-enhanc- IN WORDS, CAN BE CHALLENGING.
ing techniques that you can
use to improve your creativity. Gav. Lakshi Upananda
Some of them are brainstorm-
ing, mind mapping, the check- C ulture and identity are the two most bind-
list, and six thinking hats. ing and belligerent notions of today’s
changing realm. Fashion becomes inex-
Brainstorming is a creativity tricably entangled in formations and reforma-
technique done together as tions of identity and culture: how we represent
a group. Efforts are made to the denials and ourselves in our everyday lives.
find a conclusion for a spe- Through manifestation style (personal under-
cific problem by gathering a standings of, and resistances to, fashion), in-
list of ideas spontaneously dividuals announce who they are and who they
contributed by its members. hope to become. Moreover, they express who
they don’t want to be or become.
Mind mapping is a creative
and logical means of notetak- ‘Manifestation style’ could be a metaphor for
ing and note-making that liter- culture and identity. It's a fancy metaphor that
ally “maps out” your ideas. Use portrays physical features (for example, skin,
lines, symbols, words, colors, body shape, hair texture), clothing, and tidying
and images according to sim- practices. As the latter is particularly at risk of
ple, brain-friendly concepts. changing, they are inclined to varying and run-

The checklist is basically ask- 26
ing questions to yourself in or-
der to get a detailed clarifica-
tion. Questions such as why?
where? when? who? what?
and how? Can be asked.

Six thinking hats basically in-
clude a blue hat, yellow hat,
green hat, red hat, white hat,
and black hat. The blue hat
represents the process, the
yellow hat represents the
benefits, green means cre-
ativity, the red hat means
feelings (intuition), the white
hat represents facts, and the
black hat represents caution.

BEST SPEAKER 2021

ny ways of comprehending oneself to
others within the larger context of fash-
ion alteration. Manifestation style visu-
ally conveys numerous and overlapping
identities and cultural facets like gen-
der, race, class, sexuality, age, national
identity, personal interests, aesthetics,
and politics. Not all these identities and
cultural facets are intentionally present
at any given moment; power relations
influence one’s insight into identities
and cultures.

‘Entitled identities’ (such as whiteness,
masculinity, heterosexuality) are often
taken for granted as being “normal” or
“natural”. However, as identities criss-
cross and overlap, their representation
is unusually simple. From a cultural
studies perspective, identities have not
only histories but also futures: emerging
from somewhere, they are complicated
and contradictory, and they facilitate us
to specify who we might become.

Expressing who we are and becoming,
in words, can be challenging. ‘Appear-
ance style’ seems to extend a way of
defining it, a statement that is difficult
to put into words – that is, emerging and
intersecting identities. However, it is easier to put into words who we want to avoid
being or looking like (that is, not feminine, not too revealing, no longer a child) than
it is to orate who we are.
Moreover, one identity or one culture smears or stirs into another identity or culture
(for example, gender into sexuality). And articulations of identity and culture are often
ambivalent. Davis (1992) argued that identity and cultural ambivalences provide the
“fuel” or ongoing inspiration for fashion alteration. Fashion-susceptible ambivalences
include the interplay between youth versus aged, masculinity versus femininity, or
high versus low status, among many other possibilities within and across identities
and cultures.

From the post-1960s to the present-a period described as everything from post-in-
dustrial to the postmodern-an advanced (global) capitalist marketplace has produced
a diverse collection of products from which individuals can select, mix, and match to
produce their identities (Kaiser 1999; Kaiser, Nagasawa, and Hutton, 1991). Wilson
(1992) reminds us that despite modern (or postmodern) fragmentation, we ultimately
do not choose our bodies, “so postmodern playfulness can never entirely in the day”.
In the context of ongoing fashion change, ‘appearance style’ functions ambiguously
both to (a) resist “older” ideas about fixed personality or true self (b) fix identity (for
example, ethnicity, sexuality, religion) more firmly. As the global and local penetrate
one another, style and fashion afford strategies for articulating the “contradictory ne-
cessity and impossibility of identities and culture in the messiness of everyday life”.

BEST SPEAKER 2021 27

To A Falling Star

In the mirror I see a perfectly eat? “An ELEPHANT
shaped young lady with a pure white sa- from DOWN SOUTH” I
ree neatly wrapped around her body... hear it right next to my
slightly smiling, in her eyes was that look ears... before a tear wells
of, “I proved it”. up in my eye, I reach out
Clack! Back to reality, I quickly tied my to my earphones. While
hair to a lower bun; matching the modes- “the truth untold” by BTS
ty that has always been embedded into is playing in my ears, in-
my soul. Running out of my apartment on side my head I was col-
the 6th floor, and then out of the elevator lecting as much facts as
to the dusty main road, I almost twisted possible for a dreadful
my legs which were having a tough time debate. Part of my brain
fighting with my not so familiar high heels. asks: Am I a mismatch?
Soon after I got inside a bus, I made sure Am I a shame? Am I ugly
that I caught a window seat and paid for with dark, fat flesh? Am I
the ticket as soon as possible, because just a bit of poop among
I eagerly wanted a pause so that I can so many beautiful things
have a quick flash back at how much this in this world? Above all,
moment has costed me so far. am I alone in this? Am I
useless? ….. but there
It was around 4.30 in the evening, me comes a little faint voice
rushing to catch my 3-hour train, eyes getting shattered from
struggling to hold back all the monsoon time to time, there’s no
rains. Sliding through the strange side- one braver, stronger,
ways surrounded by the people that I am prettier than you... you
totally a stranger to, I get myself seated at get up at 3 am to cook
a window seat in the dull brown train. All breakfast along with the
I feel is hunger. I’ve been starving myself lunch for your family, you
from 8am straight, I’m not even sure that rush to catch the 5am
my lunch which was cooked at 3am is still train, go along the roads,
edible... but if it is, can I eat? Should I buses and rivers of peo-

BEST SPEAKER 2021 28

ple that you have never hall, I was provided with a booklet of a
been familiar with, go in- list of soon-to-be graduated names from
side a higher education the college... turning through the pages
center which seems so one by one, I found my name near which
beautiful but actually a there was a “MERIT” within the brackets.
traumatic holocaust. You And then I kept on turning the pages .. I
get bullied yet manage couldn’t find them; the ones who used to
to block all the tears from bully me for what I looked like, for where
rolling down... how can I was from .... And that’s where I real-
someone be that strong ized that Karma is a boomerang it comes
if it isn’t you? Yes, you back to us in the exact amount of force
are far from home in this ... me, who didn’t hate back or fight back
big Colombo city... but now in the prettiest smile the most beau-
have you ever imagined tiful heart with FAIR more importantly, a
how the love, trust and smarter brain; a DEGREE with a MERIT.
blessings from your bed
ridden mom have always Now go refer the block letters, you will
encouraged you? How know how to transform your life... and to
many times your dad be proud of yourself.
checked on you until you
get home?... a little tear P.S. Think before you hurt someone’s
rolls down the cheek, feelings, because you might not be hav-
then another and anoth- ing a single idea of what the other per-
er, and I lost control. son is going through. And to the falling
star who is reading this, please remem-
It was decorated ber that even though you feel like you’re
brightly, green and yellow being dragged down, you are that one
everywhere. Thousands bright star full of hope.
of busy heads dressed
in white... even though Gav. Kasuni Geethandi
faintly, I still get that bur- (A person who wishes humans
dened tortured feelings to be humane)
while passing through
the huge black gate.
Entering the graduation

BEST SPEAKER 2021 29

he uniqueness of age to get on a language ex- es is difficult to be brought
languages fabricates pedition. Because it is of con- into words as it honors us in
sequence to anyone at any many aspects. A language
Thuman beings from age in a lifetime. Language can improve problem-solving
learning can broaden the skills and helps to enhance
the ordinary capacity to an horizons into a new spectacu- the attitude of creative and
extraordinary facet among lar dimension. It embarks you logical thinking. It enriches the
other animal species on earth. on a splendid journey through immense power of verbal and
Language is the predominant the bridge of its very own spatial abilities, and it helps
means that humans utilize culture. The culture depends the effective functioning of
to communicate with each on its language and vice your brain. Certain languag-
other. It transforms thoughts versa. It depicts the essence es expand your knowledge
and feelings in one’s mind of its language. Believe it or of vocabulary and the usage
into sounds of words. Lan- not, learning a new language of grammar even in the lan-
guage shapes up the society is effective in the 21st centu- guage which is your mother
and interestingly sharpens its ry, because of the vast and tongue. How many of us know
related culture. The lifestyle tremendous diversity among the meaning and the tech-
of mankind is enlivened by a the communities all around nique of a “gerund”? Learning
language. We cannot even the globe. new languages creates an
describe a society or a culture effort in you to boost your
without the word ‘language’. Human beings practically ex- mother tongue as well.
That is because language is cel at learning strategies. It’s
the prominent way in articulat- totally an advantage to learn Language is a vital indicator
ing one’s thoughts into words something new. The impact to demonstrate you as an
and it is the only way of hand- on learning new languag-
ing over cultural wisdom to IT’S A
the next generation as well.
Learning a new language is BLESSING TO BE A
just like a mountaineering
expedition. It features several POLYGLOT.
winsome circumstances at
the beginning. There is no
specific

BEST SPEAKER 2021 30

energetic and enthusiastic know. It reduces mental stress

individual. That is because and disorders like dementia

you have already accepted and anxiety. It heightens your

the challenge of learning concentration and the capac-

something new that you were ity for multitasking. Further,

not aware would be effec- a new language strengthens “Learning
tive. New languages provide your confidence and the abili-
you with the opportunity to ty of decision-making. As you

connect with new commu- commence your expedition a
nities across boundaries as of learning a new language, language
a global citizen. A language you will be able to absorb is to have
could motivate you literally another new language effort-
and metaphorically. A person lessly. Because it has already

who knows more than three heightened the functioning of one more
languages is called a polyglot. neural tracks in your brain. window
If you are a polyglot, you are New words and new grammar f rom
a personality amply skilled to structures will foster enhanc-
face certain circumstances ing the memory as the brain

without fear. By getting your- recognizes numerous solu- which to
self enriched in more than tions to a single dilemma. look at
three languages incredibly in-
spires you to acquire a higher Self-confidence increases the world.
standard among your peers. eventually when you master
Employers seek experts who something new. Learning a ”
can seamlessly get engaged new language does the same -A Chinese
with persons coming from and it reveals a portal to the
different cultures. Thus, it is mastery of higher verbal and proverb
blissful excellence that can be non-verbal intelligence in a
achieved by anyone. crucial manner. And of course,

being a polyglot helps you

What is on your mind when make everlasting relations

you are into learning some- with new communities. Native

thing new? If it is a new lan- speakers admire the stimulus

guage, how can your health that you put into learning the

be influenced by it? Learning native language. It’s crystal

a new language is of bound- clear that if you become fluent

less and alluring advantag- in another language, it builds

es. New languages help to your personality more than

keep your brain healthier and anything.

functioning as you switch in

between the languages, you Gav. Sachini Somarathna

BEST SPEAKER 2021 31

Goodbye to a fun-filled weekend and back to a “I don’t exactly know the reason, Mr. Th
hectic Monday. Rajiv and Sanka are driving on Rajiv asked me to email all the clients
Duplication Road. Breaking their laughter, Rajiv’s that the meetings with the CEO will be Uns
[The Secretary of The Shoppers’ Global (Pvt) Ltd] cancelled for another couple of weeks
phone rang.  since he is on urgent leave.  Sha

Rajiv in a weird voice said, “Dude, it’s a heart- “Who knows, perhaps the MAN-
ache, a call from the MAN-AGER”  AGER must be going on a foreign
tour or maybe he’s getting married” 
“Whoa, it’s strange machang. Usually ants go in
search of sweets but here sweets come looking The room filled with laughter and
for you...”  mockery of the CEO, Mr.Anand. 

(Rajiv answers the call of Mr. Anand, CEO of The Alas! This lasted no longer. Soon af-
Company)  ter the lunch break the peon, Samson
suddenly came with a notice of an ur-
“Good morning sir, yeah some legal procedures gent staff briefing in the next fifteen
are yet to be completed, I’ll confirm it with the Cli- minutes. 
ent sir” 
The staff gathered at the conference
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***  hall. Many faces were puzzled. Mr.
Rajiv decoded all the puzzles that
It’s almost 9:00 AM, everyone is rushing in, some arose in the minds of the staff. 
are busy clocking in at the lobby entrance at a
fingerprint reader. The office premises is full of “Dear colleagues this urgent meeting
hustle and bustle.  is to communicate about the sudden
arrangement of a Bodhi Puja on be-
 A great relief**  half of Mr.Anand” 

Mr.Perera rushed to the staff lounge.  All faces turned pale. He further
elaborated the situation by say-
  “Here’s great news, our MAN-AGER won’t be ing that the key reason for this
coming to the office for another two weeks.”  meeting is to pray for a speedy
recovery of Mr.Anand, who is
“Wow Speedy that’s great great news” chorused hospitalized due to a sud-
the others from the staff lounge.  den heart attack. 

Ajith raised the question, “by the way, why is he The hearts of the staff
on sudden leave?” 

BEST SPEAKER 2021 32

who mocked Mr.Anand melted villagers about the demised of the CEO. Their Conver-
with sympathy.  sation uncovered the hidden personality and the roller
coasters he has gone through in his life. It revealed
*** **** *** **** *** ****   that Mr. Anand came from an underprivileged family
who had lost their father at a very young age. Acting
he All were dressed in white with flow- as the breadwinner of the family, he has undertaken
ers in their hand to offer in the Puja the entire responsibility of feeding, educating, and
een on behalf of Mr. Anand’s health. providing all the necessities for his lovely family. Be-
Before the Puja was over, Mr.San- sides growing up as a man, he also had helped many
ka received a call from his buddy with their education, and had been the only hope of
the villagers to combat their financial and other diffi-
dow Rajiv. It was not a happy call.  culties. He had always extended kind words to people
“Hello, machang how are things who were depressed and helped them overcome it.
over there?” Mr.Sanka enters the Though he has been a light in others’ lives he himself
had been tested with various calamities. 
gathering and breaks the heart-
With a guilt-ridden heart, everyone got onto the bus.
breaking news.”Mr.Anand is no They were all still until they reached the funeral house. 

more. Pray for his soul to rest in Ms. Priya and Mr.Sanka were looking for the family to
convey their condolences. But to their surprise, anoth-
peace.”  er tragedy came to light. One of the villagers told them
that none of Mr. Anand’s family members were alive.
*** **** *** **** *** **** He had been abandoned for more than five years. His
two children, wife, and mother had met with a road
It was a dull day at The Shoppers’ accident which stole his happiness like a thief. Tears
Global (Pvt) Ltd. Mr. Anand’s cabin started rolling down their faces after hearing it. They
was filled with emptiness. The staff felt condemned of themselves. It was too late when
was getting ready to attend the everybody realized the true value of this MAN-AGER.
funeral. At about 6:00 PM the bus The name MAN-AGER was completely different from
started heading towards Matara.  his real character. 

The bus halted at the Weherehe- “Never be judgmental and judge a book by its cover,
na Buddhist temple. Everyone each person has their own story”

entered the temple to worship Gav. Fahra Fuwais
and refresh themselves after
a few hours of travelling
from Colombo to Matara.
At the temple, they
overheard the con-
versations of some

BEST SPEAKER 2021 33

VIREYTP R I A wo

C

BEST SPEAKER 2021 34

Verity Price made histo- years of my life. I grew up never seeing my father initially be-
ry on the 28th of August cause my dad was in the army. And when the war ended and
2021 by becoming the my dad came home, my family decided to move to South Afri-
first African to win the ca because they wanted a better future for me and were wor-
World Championship of ried about my education. All we had when we initially moved
Public Speaking, orga- to South Africa was one car and a camper van. Although those
nized by Toastmasters In- initial years were tough, I had loving parents who put me first
ternational. On speaking in everything they did, so as I mentioned in my final speech as
to Mrs. Price over Zoom I
discovered that she was well, I had the time of my life back then.
an extremely approach- I’ve always wanted to act, I’ve always wanted to express my-
able and humble wom- self but back then, I just didn’t have the confidence to stand up
an with a fascinating on stage. It was when I turned 20, that I started writing songs.
and empowering story But what could I do with these songs I wrote when I was terri-
to tell. She is also a sing- fied of standing on stage? So, I just kept putting off that dream
er, an actor and a corpo- and the longer I put it off, the more uncomfortable I felt… like
rate speaking coach who the dream inside me was bigger than the fear that was trying
does keynote speeches
at venues around the to hold me back.
The biggest change for me was when I started working with a
world. vocal coach. The way he taught me to sing involved more of
teaching me how to be confident. He used to always say, “You
QCan you tell us need to be comfortable with things being uncomfortable.” And
a bit about your so, the way he taught me to be confident was to make things
childhood? How has it go wrong and make things uncomfortable. And he just taught
influenced your pres- me to keep singing no matter what happens. And he taught me
ent decisions and ac- that “When you’re okay with things not being okay, everything

complishments? gets easier.”
And so slowly I managed to build up my confidence, I moved
I had a very interesting back to South Africa and started singing professionally. And
childhood. I was born in through my music I ran a crazy project where I asked peo-
Zimbabwe. And the coun- ple to buy my first album before I recorded it and I ended up
try was going through a selling 2000 copies of nothing in 25 countries, that I ended up
civil war during the first 5 becoming more famous for innovation than I did for speaking.
And suddenly, I was being invited to speak all around the world
onderland on how to think differently about the obstacles in our lives. The
speeches I delivered drew on inspiration from my father be-
Gav. Verosha cause these were moments that changed my life. For the last
10 years, I’ve been speaking to people on how we could tell a
C EAbeygoonewardena different story, think differently, how we could move past the
obstacles in our lives by changing our attitudes. And in those
10 years, Toastmasters has been the organization that helped
me craft my stories, to work on my delivery, find my humor that

has taken me on such a journey.
So that’s where I find myself right now, a mother of a 2-year-old
boy, who entered the World Championship of Public Speaking
and won and I’m so grateful for everything. This wouldn’t have
happened to me if it was not for the lockdown because I would
then be at home, looking after my baby, but because I could do
it online this time, I have managed to go on this crazy journey.

BEST SPEAKER 2021 35

QCan you walk us spective what exactly I had erful?” And we often can’t do
through the process learned from my dad. But it this by ourselves, we need a
of how your speech at took 100 days for my speech mentor, we need feedback
the World Champion- to develop from that version, from our club members to
ship of Public Speaking to what you saw in the finals. hear what’s missing for them
And it was all about taking so that we can fill in the gaps
came to life? that initial story and just re- for them. I think that’s the nu-
fining it until it could speak to ance that sometimes speech-
You have 7 minutes to speak
to the whole world if you en- everyone. es are missing.
ter the finals and the ques- And we also need to remem-
tion was, what would you QWhat are some of ber the fact that less is more.
say if you only had 7 min- the minor details You can have only one key
utes to speak to the world? of speechcraft that are message that you’re trying to
Now that’s a lot of pressure! overlooked but have a get across and anything that’s
So, when I had got through huge impact on your superfluous to that message
the District competitions and needs to go. It is hard to just
was waiting to hear if I had overall presentation? cut these extra parts that, in
got through to the semi-fi-
nals, I started looking for my Most of the time, "There are ceilings th
second speech and I wrote a when initially writ-
couple of speeches but they ing a speech, we’re
weren’t really what I wanted way too close to
to say. But 100 days before
the contest, I woke up at 3 the subject. For ex- And it just takes one
am remembering the story of ample, when I was these ceilings and
my dad. It was a story that talking about my
I had given in some of my dad, I did not think
keynotes, but I realized that
there was something im- to describe him be-
portant and vital there. So,
I started writing my speech, cause I know what
which had a very similar flow
to what you heard in the fi- he looks like, and our minds, make our stories
nals. But the initial message I forget that the audience more special to us. But you
and the point of the speech doesn’t. Speechcraft is all must learn to let go of being
was very different. My initial about thinking, “How do I attached to exactly how things
speech had a lot of extra as- introduce my audience to a happened and make a deci-
pects to it that didn’t really character or to a situation in sion on how you’re going to
resonate with my male au- the shortest but most pow- give your message to the au-
diences when I presented it erful way?” And in the case dience in the 7 minutes that
in the first few rounds. So, I of my dad, the phrase that I you’ve got, so that there are
took a step back and thought chose was, “My dad wasn’t a no questions in their minds,
of how I could tell my story glass half full guy, he was a and they will be with you 100%
in a way that would speak ‘aren’t I lucky I’ve got a glass’ through your story and not left
to both men and women, guy”. And in that phrase, behind thinking of something
young and old coming from note how I haven’t described
different cultures. That’s what he looks like. But I’ve that happened earlier on.
when I started working with
my mentor Lance Miller. given the audience a sense QWhat are some of
He helped me put into per- of his character. So, we’ve the lessons you’ve
got to look for opportunities learned as a toastmaster?
BEST SPEAKER 2021 to do that in our speeches.

As speechwriters, we’ve got The biggest lessons in toast-
to look at our speech and masters for me were more
go, “Where can I simplify it, on the leadership side where
but make it a lot more pow-

36

I learned how to delegate, did, I acted opposite Sean Speaking. How do you
manage to keep yourself
how to trust that other peo- Astin who played the role of motivated to keep going
amidst the challenges
ple can get stuff done and Samwise Gamgee in Lord of
you must’ve faced?
not to micromanage or do all the Rings. I got to play his
I knew that, if I got to the fi-
the work for them. This was love interest in a little mov- nals, I had to do my best for
Africa. It was so much big-
something I got wrong a lot ie called Slipstream. So that ger than what it would mean
for me as a speaker and a
in the beginning. I’ve also was quite incredible. Vinnie Toastmaster. It was about
what it could mean for Africa
always been afraid to have Jones, the British Footballer because I really believe that
in everything in life, there
hard conversations. So, if with an attitude was also in are ceilings that we put on
ourselves. And it just takes
I was leading a team and that movie and contrary to one person to break through
these ceilings and the rest
there was one member who his reputation, he was such just follow. I call it the four-
minute mile phenomenon;
wasn’t pulling their weight, a softie. as in how Roger Bannister
ran the first sub-4-minute
I didn’t have the courage to I’ve also spoken with Lisa mile, something that was be-
lieved to be impossible back
go and sit down with him and Nichols and John Demartini, then. But then suddenly ev-
eryone starts to run faster
tell him what was going on. so I’ve met some exception- than 4 minutes for a mile
that you realize that it was
That is actually a lesson that al speakers over the years. just a psychological barrier.
I’m hoping I’m right and that
I am still learning in Toast- And I’ve met and connected all I have done is break that
barrier, and that more peo-
with so many ple from Africa can compete
at the finals and bring back
more peo- one of these trophies. So,
what pushed me past ev-
hat we put on ourselves. ple that don’t erything in this contest was
person to break through come to mind knowing that if I win, it was
right now. But the beginning of something
what’s beauti-
for all of Africa.
the rest just "follow ful is that once
you meet QAre there any spe-
someone, cific people that
even if they’re have motivated you in
extremely fa- your public speaking ca-
reer? What strikes you
masters. mous, they’re just another the most regarding their

Talking about the speaking human being. You end up speaking styles?

side of things, I’ve loved having a totally normal con- 37

working in mentorship, work- versation about hopes and

ing with other speakers. I’ve dreams over coffee and you

gotten so much value out of realize that sometimes we

giving feedback to people end up creating so much

and working with them to distance between ourselves

find their stories. Those are and other people because

the two things that have re- we think that they’re better

ally shaped me. than us. But when you real-

ly get the chance to talk with

QAs a singer, an ac- them, you see that we’re all
tress and a corporate human, we’re all figuring it

speaking coach, you must out.

meet some interesting

people along the way. Who QThis was the first
are some of the people time someone

that stood out to you? from the African conti-
I have indeed met some re-
nent has won the world
ally interesting people. In
championships in Public
my first movie that I ever

BEST SPEAKER 2021

Well, my coach Lance Miller! how to do it differently next time what I’ve learned so far to oth-
He was the champion in 2005 and see failure as a guidance er toastmasters so that those
and his speech remains one system rather than a full stop. who are aspiring to be where
of my all-time favorites. And Nothing exists without a lot of I, and 80 other incredible win-
that has always been one of failure behind it. And my whole ners are, have the opportunity
my benchmarks of an incredi- life is an example of things to give that journey their all. I’ll
ble speech. He was someone that were failing. I turned 40 be running workshops and key-
who mastered the art of using and for me my life was a fail- notes at Toastmasters districts
very short sentences to create ure because in my mind, if my around the world, and I’m really
powerful pictures. And he was life didn’t look a certain way, excited for that. And within that,
a speaker that I would watch that meant that I had failed. I’m just starting to coach aspir-
and think to myself “That is the But when I embraced the fact ing world champion speakers
type of speech I want to write”. I that that was the way my life which is so wonderful because
didn’t try to emulate Lance how- was and started living life with just 6 weeks ago, I was being
ever because we’ve got differ- gratitude and mindfulness, my coached and now suddenly I’m
ent speaking styles, but it was perspective of failure shifted, coaching. So, that’s an unex-
an incredible opportunity for me and I felt like I was enough. I pected part of it which I’m really
to have him as my coach and then started getting different re-
work with him in discovering my sults. The one thing that I could excited about.
change was the attitude that I
speech. brought to the experience I was QFinally, do you have a
I loved Mike Carr’s winning having. So, look at anything message for all under-
speech in 2020. That inspired that’s happening as an oppor- graduates and Gaveliers of
me to enter the virtual con- tunity for growth rather than an
test because I needed to see opportunity for failure and learn Sri Lanka?
someone else do it first. And
watching how all the finalists from the results you get. Yes, I do! It’s a message I wish
used their screens, the creativ- I’d got at your age. In your life,
ity, and the ingenuity that they QHow can Gavel Clubs you have a choice. You can ei-
brought to the virtual space was better promote public ther react to what happens to
eye opening. I’ve also watched speaking in our universi- you, or you can create what
all the World Champions like happens because of you. And
“I see something in you”, “The ties in your opinion? the one thing that I can guaran-
power of words”, “Change by tee you is that in life, there’s al-
attire”. Those were all speech- Keep creating a space where a ways going to be circumstanc-
es that had different elements group of people come together es and situations that you don’t
of humor, language or use of to speak and learn and lift each like, that you didn’t choose, that
the stage and I’ve gained inspi- other up; keep having vibrant you wish were different. But the
meetings, hold each other up one thing that is always 100%
ration from all of them. to a higher standard where you in your control is the way you
challenge each other to try new think about it, the way you talk
QWhat holds most peo- skills. That’s the journey. Call it about it and the actions you
ple back is “Fear of a growth space and just… clap take. And when you start taking
failing”. Do you have any- definitive action in the direction
a lot! of where you want to go, that is
thing to say about that? when your life changes. And,
QAs the World Champi- while you might not always
Fear of failure is what holds ev- on of Public Speaking, have control over the circum-
erything back. Our ego doesn’t what do you think is the stances, that attitude will open
want us to look foolish, it wants up possibilities that did not exist
us to play it safe. But there’s next step in your life?
no growth here. So, we need to you before.
to step past our fear of failure There are a few things that So don’t let life happen to you.
and embrace it instead. If you I want to do in my next chap- Make life something that hap-
don’t get it right this time, learn ter of life. One is to teach back
pens because of you.

BEST SPEAKER 2021 38

BEST SPEAKER 2021 PLATINUM SPONSOR
39

Hasitha Perera Mahdi Siraj Sajani Jayathma
University of Kelaniya
University of Jaffna University of Kelaniya
“You don’t always have
“Tears, toil, failed attempts “Nowadays people fear what to run against the flow,
sometimes just remem-
and sweat are not scars but harms their status, image, and bering that the flow
has multiple currents
venerable pentimenti of the reputation. is enough”

symphony of colours we call They are not real fears. FIN

life. Don’t fear bleak days, after Real fear is regret.

all lingering darker-shades but Real fear is losing your loved

T H E”brighten up the white lights. ones without getting the

”chance to say ‘Goodbye.

The only thing that Dreams will only be Speech is an art of ex-

separates those who dreams, until you wake pressing oneself. I be-
dream and those who up, work hard, and win lieve it is a way of moti-
used to dream is oppor- it out.In life we all have vating and inspiring not
tunities. The getting dreams, goals, and de- only ourselves but the
or lack thereof, leads, sires.It’s good to have world at large. Speakers
in the case of the for- them but it’s pointless help create memories for
mer to satisfaction and keeping them, if you are others. While the world
change, whilst the latter, not going to do anything is suffering in a global
to disheartenment and about it.Yes, it is not go- pandemic, this moment
self-doubt. The Gavel ing to be easy to achieve gives me much happi-
Club of UOK, taking up them.Nothing is.Success ness. Best speaker is a
that magnanimous re- is only success because grand arena that allows
sponsibility to offer this it is achieved and not us to showcase our tal-
massive stage of oppor- granted.So, if you want ents before the world. I
tunities, gives wings to to accomplish dreams. would like to thank all
words and thoughts, Pursue it.If you fail and the organizers for cre-
hitherto cocooned and fall.Get up, learn from ating a canvas that we
hid. But words should your mistakes, and con- can paint our story. It
never be hidden; they tinue.If you think you are is a helping hand as we
should be free to fly and not good enough.Then find ourselves in this lost
do their magic of re- train yourself, till you are world! Long live Gavel!
sulting in change. And the best.If you are humil-
it’s a veritable thrill to iated.Bear it. It will only 40
have come this far in this make you stronger. For
prestigious stage for it when one purses their
tells me that my words dreams.There is only one
too have something iron rule to keep.
magical about them, and KEEP MOVING FOR-
I must thank the Gav- WARD.
el club of UOK for that
amazing assurance and
opportunity.

BEST SPEAKER 2021

Mineli De Croos Selani Indrapala Shehan Paul

University of University of Moratuwa University of Moratuwa

Sri Jayewardenapura “Your self-doubt does “Each time when people
around you or that voice
“If it ignites your soul, not define who you are inside of your head says
fight for it even if you “Know your Limits ! “, tell
or what you are

are alone in the capable of.” them that you are limitless”

N A L I S T Sbattlefield”
Since childhood I was a Words have power. To I had heard stories about
the grandeur and the
passionate girl, for I was persuade, to compel and prestige of this Public
inspired by the best & she to empower. It is both Speaking arena. Thus,
being able to be a part
is none other than my an honour and privilege of the novel generation
grandmother, Mrs. Kamala to have this opportuni- of the decade-old legacy
ty to use this power at of this massive contest
Wijeratne. From listening is quite remarkable for a
to her bedtime stories the Grand Finale of Best budding public speaker
Speaker 2021 amidst the like me. Speaking of the
to writing & performing beginning of this journey,
my own stories, my pas- tough competition. I’ve I remember how hesitant
sion for English language come this far, only be-
& literature grew day by I was to apply for these
cause of my gavel family, kinds of virtual competi-
day. Many science stu- the gavel club of Univer-
dents give up on their sity of Moratuwa, who has tions But in the end,
passion on aesthetics due supported me and guided I convinced myself that
to academic pressure. But me throughout my entire
I chose to fight for my journey. Public speaking I should apply for the
passion even though it competition not because
meant that I had to swim may seem scary at first I wanted to win Titles or
in stormy seas. Poetry & (I know. I took 3 months
theatre taught me about to muster up the courage awards, but because I
life & moulded me into wanted to tell my story
a better human being. It to speak my very first which is unique butquite
won’t be easiest climb to table topic), but with the
pursue with your passion relatable to lots of Sri
but it’s all an adventure right support, that fear Lankan undergraduates. I
that comes with a breath- can turn into your big- wanted to learn and grow
gest strength. I wish all while inspiring thousands
taking view. the very best to the oth-
er finalists. I’m hoping of others who are going
to witness an awesome through the same
struggles as I am.
showdown.
Let this be a tribute to all
BEST SPEAKER 2021 those wonderful souls out

there!

41

"When Death tells a Story, You 42
really Have to Listen
A magical, spellbinding, profound
novel in essence"

Gav. Sarani Halloluwa

There was a mother and her
daughter, holding hands

Standing frigidly next to the small
male corpse

Amongst the wasteland of snow

A pair of train guards and a pair of
gravediggers

Were rubbing their hands hard
Whilst cursing the current digging

conditions
Almost frost stricken

Withing seconds the snow was
carved

Into the skin of the small male corpse
Now heavy

“The dearest brother of the girl un-
known” they say

The mother was in panic, her daugh-
ter was numb

But her mouth jittered, arms folded
And the tears were frozen in the
scene of the burial
But she is not just an ordinary girl
A thief
A BOOK THIEF!

BEST SPEAKER 2021

BEST SPEAKER 2021 Choosing Death as the exquisite nar-
rator Markus Zusak in his novel The
Book Thief glimpses a sensationally ac-
complished debut rather unexpected, shabby,
and extremely moving which accompanies the
readers to the chaos of disastrous Holocaust in
the contemporary war-raged Germany.
Intricately woven around the life of the book
thief, later in the pages known as Liesel
Meminger, Zusak demonstrates how magnifi-
cent one’s passions can be in helping him/her
to cope with life even in the most noxious, de-
structive periods. Therefore, it is wide clear that
Liesel’s thriving passion lies in books wherein
the eye of the author, is merely an unsatisfied
hunger that grows day by day.
On that wretched snowy morning she was on
her way to the foster care in the Himmel street
- the domicile of The Hubermanns - they were
waiting. Born to a poor Germanic mother and a
communist father (who had been taken away)
even shattered by the death of her sweetest
brother, it was indeed a soaking farewell to be
forever away from the woolly, worn shallows
of her mother’s coat. Hans Hubermann, her
new papa, implausibly saintly was worth a lot,
whose eyes were made of kindness. He was
her first teacher, the gentlest soul on earth with
whom she lettered the alphabet in the base-
ment, under the dimmed lights. She grinned
when he rolled his cigarette, played the accor-
dion tilting his head left and right with his eyes
closed. Instead, her new mama, Rosa Huber-
mann who looked like “a small wardrobe with
a coat thrown over it” was quite the version of
Cinderella’s stepmother but rather mild who
loved this newly arrived girl but never left a sin-
gle sign of care, display. Both papa and Liesel
were the Saukerls – filthy pigs under her roof to
whom she was bound profoundly although her
face and words sounded otherwise.
The life of our protagonist goes slow in the dis-
tant regards of Death who recites her times
spent playing football with Rudy (who fancied
himself with Liesel exchanging passionate kiss-
es) and the other kids on Himmel street, en-
tangling in fights, taking ironing around town,
and her favorite basement sessions until she
meets Max Vandenburg, the 24 year old youth
who shows up at The Hubermann doorstep.
This Jewish Fist–fighter, The Sleeper soon be-

43

comes friends with Liesel as tion. It is fair to highlight the fact whole world ended in split sec-
they both shared one thing in that Liesel at the beginning felt onds for Liesel. Under the drip-
common: “Nightmares”. Liesel quite insecure with the words, ping sky, the Himmel street was
about her dead brother, Max taunted by Ludwig Schmeikl in sleep, but the bombs dropped
about his doomed family, and “you idiot” but with her passion down in clusters and everything
fistfights with Hitler which al- strongly withstanding Liesel be- was collapsed, flattered where
together corresponds to his comes smarter, feels useful in Mama, Papa, Rudy lied motion-
long-term anxiety. Despite such the world as our narrator says, less on the ground embracing
traumatic sheet drowning, fero- “but now… she felt an innate their sleep forever except Lie-
cious screams in the middle of sense of power.” The distinct sel, who was in the basement
sleeps, for them the swapping feature exemplified here by the with piles of books around her
of nightmares, as well as little author is the two contradictory who ultimately survived.
basement discussions about ways of Liesel Meminger and And voilà,
books, were well paid off. As Adolf Hitler in adhering to the This is the tale of the book thief
such Zusak attributes to their prowess of words and books. who glimpsed how powerful the
friendship, explicit happiness Liesel in a far more blessed words can be to have a strong
that two people can share in way uses the skill and passion impact on how we interpret,
the realization that they togeth- to bring people back together feel, and influence the beliefs
er seize the same passion, by whilst Hitler in the pure hatred of ourselves and others. Thus,
making themselves busier and and ferocity uses his powerful Zusak reveals that the power
more acquainted with books, word choice to eliminate the en- of words and passion for books
art projects where Max keeps tire Jewish race through his el- were big factors in the survival
on encouraging Liesel to learn oquence and his writing of Mein of people in Germany during
and be creative. Kampf. Therefore, through the World War and Liesel being one
Zusak throughout his novel por- character development of Lie- of them walks us in the paths
trays the never-ending addic- sel Meminger Zusak recreates of beauty and brutality at the
tion of Liesel, her quest to read a crystal-clear portrait of the same time, making the same
books by resonating the word lives of children in Germany war raged setting so disastrous
Book Thief in his ecstatic writ- during the Second World War and glorious.
ing – “The first stolen book: Jan- who discovered their passion in Triumphant and tragic,
uary 13, 1939, the second sto- books, sheltered under the roof damning, brilliant, and mas-
len book: April 20, 1940” which of foster parents, encountered terfully told Markus Zusak
helps her commune with the liv- strangers, spent days in base- induces that the stories are
ing and dead where it’s mere an ments, shared the most deli- to be told, in new ways, and
existence in a world of stories cate, pure kisses with young- the world will seem to have
that becomes her true salva- sters. Such magical his writing tuned in as never before!!
is which overflows with prose
as poetry, Markus Zusak visu-
alizes the vicious day where the

BEST SPEAKER 2021 44

QUEENDOM
Yashoda Wimaladharma

At the age of fourteen, she entered the world of 45
fame through ‘Atta Bindei’ in 1988 directed by
Bandula Vithanage. She has managed to con-
quer hearts till today and would continue
doing the same for eternities. Established
nationally and globally as an actress, mod-
el, and presenter, she has already marked
her legacy. What amazes her ardent ad-
mirers is not just her caliber as an artist
but as the exceptionally humble human
being concealed inside the artist.

Her incredible performances as ‘Kusum’
in ‘Le Prix d’une Femme’ (The price of a
woman) (1993), ‘Acharyan’ (1991), Sis-
ter Maria in ‘Mother Teresa: In the Name
of God’s Poor’ (1996),‘Kirimanike’in‘Agni-
dahaya’ (2002), Punya in Samanala Sandha-
waniya (2013), Vaishnavi, the Tree Goddess in
‘Vaishnavee’ (2018), ‘Yashodhara ‘in Thana-
malvila Kollek (2020) would talk on be-
half of her potential to adopt vivacity
to any character bestowed upon her.
Being the epitome of ‘Beauty with
Brains’, she holds a master’s de-
gree in Hindi. In an era where
stardom, success would not
even last for a few hours,
the constant love coming
her way has proven to
be a witness to her craft.

BEST SPEAKER 2021

QAs this interview is for the Uni- Q You have seen a lot for your

versity of Kelaniya Gavel Club, be- age. How did you handle all the
ing a graduate from University of tragic experiences that came along
Kelaniya yourself, how would you with the demise of your beloved
give a start to this interview which father?
is undoubtedly going to be inspira- The demise of my father was the
tional to many? sole reason which kept me moving
It is not the first time I opened up ahead irrespective of all the odds.
about my experiences at Kelani- He couldn’t be a witness when I
ya back then. When I got selected made his dream come true by com-
to Kelaniya with flying colors, the pleting my masters at University
JVP riots were going on which halt- of Lucknow which gave me the
ed my entrance to the university for university life I never had. I know
three years. I wanted to Major in he is watching over me straight
Hindi, which I was selected for, ex- from heaven. My story was heard
ternally. My beloved father, Ravilal by people because of my fame as
Wimaladharma, a former senior lec- an artist but there are so many un-
turer for Hindi at University of Ke- told tragedies because of brutal
laniya back then, persuaded me for ragging still echoing at graves,
the internal degree as he wanted me mental asylums, and unfulfilled
to explore myself at Kelaniya just as dreams. When I hit rock-bottom
the rest of the artists like, Jackson in life, how I get over the baggage
Anthony and Jayalath Manorath- is, by transforming my pain into
na did. However, I was subjected a beautiful craft onscreen. I am
to brutal and individual ragging. I grateful to my father for choosing
was not allowed to attend lectures; me this divine profession.
I was accused of taking away the
chance of another to enter the uni- ‘I would love to
versity just because my father was exhale my last breath
a lecturer and because I came from in front of a camera’’
a privileged background. The living
hell I was going through… I really Q You are one of the most re-
don’t want to open up to the media
about. My father who was known to spected artists nationally and glob-
many, as one of the most compas- ally. How did you sustain yourself
sionate artists Sri Lanka has ever in this entertainment business
known, could not see me suffering. while safeguarding your dignity
It made him suffer a nervous break- with zero controversies?
down and further confined him to a First of all, the moment I entered
bed for four years before he passed the industry I earned a lot of re-
away. The nation lost an irrepeal- spect as I was my father’s daugh-
able lecturer and an artist, but I lost ter and I had to live up to the re-
the center of my universe. Yes, I spect I received. To sustain in this
have forgiven those who were be- business, I never stopped learning
hind this heinous tragedy, but I have and always tried to make my craft
not forgotten, and I have been con- much better. Even after 35 success-
ducting anti-rag forums so that no ful years in the industry, I aspire to
child would ever go through what join yet another international act-
I did. In 1998, a bill was passed by ing school to develop my acting
the Sri Lankan government which capacity furthermore. Education
did put some restrictions over brutal adds value to your existence irre-
ragging. spective of the profession you do.

BEST SPEAKER 2021 46

When I used to read my notes peeping from the door to get a I see a lot of talent in the youth.
even in breaks during shots, peo- sight of me. I was good at my It’s just giving respect to each oth-
ple mocked me, ‘You are a pro- studies. So, I just wanted to focus er’s craft and work irrespective of
fessional actress, why are you on that. On top of it, I was a very seniority. It’s just giving respect
wasting time on these? ‘I didn’t timid girl. The one simple piece of to each other’s craft and work ir-
say a word but smiled. Today, I advice given by my father helped respective of seniority. I believe a
think my work speaks on behalf me a lot. That is, ‘Be yourself.’ responsible senior artist must help
of me because I was able to estab- Gradually, I started feeling confi- the youth to craft their work so the
lish myself globally as an artist dent in my own skin. Even if I am legacy can be continued by them.
mainly because of my proficien- going through a very bad day, I To blend them personally is so re-
cy in English, Hindi, and French make sure that I meet my admirers freshing.
language. with a smile on my face because I
know that small gesture can simply Q To be loved for the outer
Q Being born with a silver make their day.
ppearance is a privilege, to be
spoon can be both advantageous Q You called yourself a ‘very- known for your craft is a blessing
and too pressurizing. How did but to be cherished for the hu-
you mark your individualistic mid child ‘back then. How did you man being you are is more than
print in the industry? transform yourself into this very a blessing, and you are blessed in
Of course, I had the access confident public speaker that you all these aspects. What would be
to some directors as I was the are today? your final message to those who
daughter of my parents and be- So, this is a journey of 35 years. are inspired by you?
cause I was the niece of Bandula My father and my uncle saw a I will share simple advice. Move
Vithanage. My uncle introduced spark in this timid 14-year-old girl. forward against all odds. Don’t
me to the industry. I don’t think I always wanted to ask what they try to be someone else to fit in and
I would have been able to come saw in me but could never do like be you and stand out. Never give
this far if I took the silver spoon, both of them are gone now. The up. Never stop learning. Simply,
I carried for granted. I challenged journey I have had as a speaker is be a good human being!
myself with vivid characters and just being confident in vocalizing
lived in every character. That’s my personal experience with the
the exact reason why I sustained intention of sharing a message, my
in this industry with this stardom opinions, and of course my craft.
for this far. I am still learning, My father has always been my in-
and my only dream is to exhale spiration throughout my journey,
my last breath in front of a cam- but I didn’t stay idle and instead
era with the humble hope that I worked hard to be this social icon
will be born in an industry where I am today.
due credit is given for blooming
talent in my next birth. ‘The blend of
appreciation &
Q You mentioned ‘stardom ‘. criticism is the perfect
mantra for success.’
The moment you get stardom,
your life becomes an open book. Q You have always lived up
Isn’t that a little bit overwhelm-
ing? to e proverb,’ ‘Be the senior you
I was just 14 when I first acted. never had.’ How do you blend so
Actually, I did the shoot during well professionally as well as per-
the vacation. It came out when sonally with the younger, budding
the vacation ended. The moment artists?
I entered the school, I felt as If I
was an animal in the zoo shown
to the public. All the girls were

BEST SPEAKER 2021 Gav. Tharuvi Nanayakkarawasam

47

Greta Thunberg WOM
TSPHEAKAERST

Yara Shahidi former First Lady Michelle Obama in her entry to Harvard). In
her capacity as a speaker, Shahidi talks about her activism as a
Dubbed by none other than young woman of color in media and as an advocate for young
Oprah Winfrey as the voice of people’s political participation. She unabashedly calls out media
Generation Z and endorsed corporations who are portraying and perpetuating stereotypes
by her as a future president of against women, people of color, the LGBTQ community and
the United States, one would ethnicity. It is starkly evident through Shahidi’s words that she is
think that Shahidi has achieved wiser than her years and even braver still. Her eloquence shines
all that a 21-year-old young through how articulate she is in giving voice to the voiceless;
woman can achieve. But her how she is in herself an empowered young woman who is

compelled to empower others. A

salient feature of Shahidi’s talks is

Gav. Piyumi Wattuhewa that she ends them with quotes from
acclaimed

One must only go as far as googling the authors;
words “great speakers” to see that female James
voices in public speaking are severely un- Baldwin,
derrepresented (only 2 of the 9 names that Toni
come up are that of women!); which begs Morrison,
Maya
the question: WHERE ARE THE WOMEN? Angelou
It is not that there aren’t any great wom-

en speakers; far f rom it actually! It is just to name a

that their voices and characters are far less few; it is a

featured. It is because of this very reason powerful

that this piece will focus on featuring some testament to
exceptional female speakers who are sen- the homage
sational in their own right (and who occupy she pays
to those
a very special place in my heart)

who came

accolades and achievements before her
go far beyond. Yara Sayeh and enabled her to raise her voice. She
Shahidi is an Iranian African embodies the hope that everyone has for
American actress, model, the future and for the younger generation
activist and student at the to do and be better. But perhaps more
prestigious Harvard University than anything, she is the epitome of girl
(She even received a power and the potential that girls can reach
recommendation letter from if they are given the opportunity to grow.
Upon accepting the Glamour Woman of the
48
BEST SPEAKER 2021

MEN

T SHAKE
the World

Year Kathy Buckley

Award,

Shahidi said:

“To be a woman is to be an abolitionist;
to be a woman is to understand the power
of our ‘Yes, of course’ but to understand how
groundbreaking and system shaking it is to say
‘No’ “
Need I say more?

“If you pass judgment on somebody it doesn’t define
them, it defines you.”

Kathy Buckley

Yara Shahidi Kathy Buckley’s speeches are the type that get forwarded and shared
umpteen times on social media and this is due to two reasons: her amazing
story and her superb delivery. She, a motivational speaker, comedian,
humanitarian, and author, was born as a person who is hearing impaired. She
draws from her own experience as a person to paint a clear picture of how
society treats people with disabilities. She bravely shares her story of how
she was bed-ridden for a prolonged period due to an accident and her story
of being abused by her father. Amazingly, Buckley is humorous and engaging
with her audiences and is not afraid to make fun of herself and her disability as
she tries to instill empathy through comedy. She is careful to make sure that
her words are accessible to others like herself - i.e., those who are hearing
impaired- as she uses sign language to communicate along with her oral
delivery, securing her a position as a master dual communicator; a title a very
few people in the world can claim. Unmatched is in her ability to put a stadium
full of people into the shoes of individuals with disabilities. Buckley’s speeches
leave you grateful for everything that you have; they make you appreciate that
you are able-bodied, that you have ten fingers and ten toes, that you have
someone that you love and someone that loves you, that you are unique and
therefore special in your way. These are what great speeches are made of.

BEST SPEAKER 2021 49

Muniba Mazari Muniba Mazari

Greta Thunberg b“FMeauianlunibreoapiMstiaoaznna.roiBputtiogni.viInt gshuopulids
not”
“We are watching you”- is an almost ominous way to -Muniba Mazari-
start a speech but this is the exact phrase that Greta
Thunberg uttered at the UN Climate Action Summit in oAMo-“nbfwnMFaoeonaztuha”tianlohunriweSbrioeraopiutfsMtiihesotaaheannzt.uaoBsaArrpiiuen-msttiioapfgrnliovee.immsiInsttgbsohuofMuoopdrruuiimmlsnvdeeibnoraytf
2019. Thunberg is a young climate activist from Sweden
and has garnered attention from all over the world for iaapstt“smwwsmhutmabiahasouahawtwttmkHsptsEnnhhahhohtoit“mwhAsfepbidotsnsastwHMswaMlmrtaossssmappptntihnngneneeesooutlstishvorhhoihiheetnmoooooomaoetleapotithttpfpowonngaevfiutthaneipeeonhheiktrrddda,rldimosoaoeeaoaoaaraeathheartngergrdtstveeeectuthpvhdasdi,gpssenrhhohiairgenowaaergrrgihikztzsttyyrnlhtlteeivlgitiereiaavnnlyyhyloeioieeesiesueetpeselbegcwoennsaasteiensnai,askckellypfatesdeIiaehn,aSslasetaikskfaecwlaosaardrevlIsdtin.ftalioarctaprtresa.sdungttseraaabtfurfritolacehredeosaerfehnsoliiorcpdttsieeennhotspamdsl.atttaahtnlosEnrtot.rre.remshciotpnlrlMeere,hlrelotsoinastioiulhirnaeeaom,ahointsetirdtocotatsnhte,anhyewetppafoiMnnnpapvvinoeouyslotenfrtorenbdtnatineotnldoolsLvnibeithhhgeeasauwenMsleorayehopineegieooyatetraeefgirtoatrslgsswtlrarnataaiaogeshhaafto,iaseeeaenirernzmtnzgcdn,hyrlc,ohrslemlzrnvrceiahtsaaatlhosoAoazaoiacsnLeceehudcsolvafbnetrtrcinylteaa,hbbosteuhtiitanweoeiisauthesnuttrnheasueuhanfttztehemissgiucaervdyohteaodechutiat;eelrvahdsfaeeteotwaatddleedrimsteuenrihhsdtsihrasepemu.ehip.meeioeisdrattevhnstoieriasendseito;poeridbnnislhfeannenpny’dehushietitatirtourrrvDrefrlseoeimncowhttynoaedSrhnsuondheofilfnhpb.atitu,,rselgetissaidofidndai,oeeenioftco,aslhogrkdrtpse’rmo,gtrmoicdungkrotsoeesPcignsbonrmahetsohnpaaohudn,lesnnohttrtchdrnmanrareeso,abl,pdibeeohhtuseruiicdcMcltiaooadwtehrootuteasiioftlasonmdeDdontofittfoooiycrnibtiocrsewobscliecghséeceimtinioeslveoukutmtbfrscefpnmuirsessremonaaswpurosgdiohwoeoudsuutoonethnetehahne.t,eyt.ifiacnoconstsihtfhitdortrehisehsanfietnuearoaeadftongoiferrghbobndaoesev,oSapreiBaweiadnphihrvoepalfmoutPiidsenrowsitloidatnetai.niwdidnosthaitametdeabtnambg,ffrntplnhhanenoeunlmaieritrmcone,edhe,icnrotiswliatnfnslivcnrmthwnhdiataenuaebeyahfdmBoeyhosneahtaeohoorsioecnrsasavndo.eioltperoarkaee”iayiittnassclnaslidhinednoasrha,ptvvfcthettaumrtecepntntg,ttSoslluenieythlensyed.édthniyweetbseysmiiisreeoi.dttsdusitrahagdabderoopyrmddesewdyStrtur5aaaamtnssshsiblerhhhaatetgoeaoannelb,sr.nhhngnhheoiiadil0eeenfttnttetontonrertlaassliedeheedeaedoeohoedaonycyyssrrr”tt.ftf,.tll
her outspoken rebukes of the failure of modern states
and multinational corporations to mitigate the effects
of climate change. She is extremely blunt as he states
nothing but straight facts from reputed sources to call
out the international community for their hypocrisy and
their negligence in taking care of the environment for the
future generation. Her ability to hold her ground amidst
unfounded criticism and liable powerful world leaders who
regard her with either begrudging respect or resentment
is admirable. In her emotionally charged speeches,
she implores the international community to act post-
haste. She has become not only the face of the Climate
Action Movement around the world but also the voice
of a generation who will potentially suffer devastating
consequences because of the misgivings of those in
power now. Thunberg is succinct, effective, and efficient
in her speech; no word is wasted, not a second spent
without meaning. Her style of delivery of speech is very
much like the aspirations and demands she has instilled
therein: quick, practical, and urgent,

“You are failing us, but young people are starting
to understand your betrayal. The eyes of all future
generations are upon you. And you choose to fail
us, I Say: we will never forgive you”

BEST SPEAKER 2021