Picture this: It’s September 8th, 2023, and the air is abuzz with excitement as Siyane Toastmasters Club in Sri Lanka eagerly welcomes their special guests from Singapore International Toastmasters Club. This isn’t just any meeting—it’s a momentous occasion dubbed “Friends Beyond Borders,” and it’s about to redefine what it means to connect in the digital age.
At the helm of this groundbreaking event is none other than our Club’s President, TM Apsara Ranasinghe. Her determination, hard work, and unwavering vision have been the driving force behind turning this dream into a reality, ensuring that every moment of the experience is not just enjoyable but unforgettable.
As the clock strikes 6:30 PM IST and 9 PM SGT, members from both clubs gather virtually on Zoom, ready to embark on a journey of camaraderie and personal growth. Leading the charge is Raman Preet Bhatiya, our enthusiastic Toastmaster of the Day hailing all the way from the Singapore Club. And let’s not forget our very own TM Shehan Paul and TM Madushika Munasinghe, proudly representing Sri Lanka within the Singaporean ranks—a delightful reminder of home in a sea of new faces.
With warm greetings and eager smiles, the meeting kicks off, and it’s clear from the start that this is going to be something special. Laughter and banter fill the virtual room as members share anecdotes, deliver speeches, and tackle impromptu speaking challenges with gusto. The energy is infectious, bridging the miles between us with every word spoken and every idea shared.
But it’s not just about speeches and evaluations—it’s about the connections we forge along the way. As the meeting progresses, friendships bloom, transcending time zones and cultural differences. And when the formalities come to an end, the fun is far from over. In a spontaneous burst of camaraderie, members from both clubs decide to keep the conversation going, chatting late into the night, sharing stories, and building bonds that defy geographical boundaries.
And the connections don’t stop there. Inspired by the newfound friendships, members from Siyane and Singapore International Toastmasters Club decide to take things to the next level. Before we know it, we’re joining our Singaporean friends for online karaoke sessions every weekend, belting out tunes and sharing laughs like old pals.
As we look back on that unforgettable evening, it’s clear that it was so much more than just a meeting—it was a celebration of friendship, connection, and the power of human interaction. It’s a reminder that no matter where we come from or how far apart we may be, there’s always common ground to be found and smiles to be shared.
So here’s to the magic of forging connections, one Zoom call at a time. Here’s to Siyane Toastmasters Club and Singapore International Toastmasters Club, united in the spirit of camaraderie and personal growth. And here’s to the countless friendships yet to be made, waiting just beyond the borders of our screens. Cheers to the 335th meeting of Siyane Toastmasters Club—a night we’ll never forget.
