One fine day our President, TM Chandima Gayan, asked me whether I would like to be the Installation Chair of the 13th installation of our club, Siyane Toastmasters. He added that I just had to deliver a welcome speech. Why should I say no if I only had to do a welcome speech? So, I said yes.
Do you think it was only the welcome speech? Eventually, I realised that the Welcome Speech was the simplest thing to be done as an Installation Chair. Installation is one of the most glamorous events of Siyane Toastmasters, usually with a large gathering. So I knew that I had just said yes to a tremendous responsibility.
Together with our newly elected executive committee, we came up with the theme “TOGETHER WE”.
We selected Nature Gardens Hotel at Yakkala to have this precious night of Siyane Toastmasters. It was a houseful event with over 70 Toastmasters and guests. Most of the senior officials of the Toastmasters fraternity in Sri Lanka joined us to witness the glamour of the function led by DTM Nisal Weerakoon- District 82 Director, DTM Mahinda Karunakara – Programme Quality Director and DTM Ganga Fernando- Club Growth Director.
DTM Zameen M Saleem was the keynote speaker who delivered an inspiring speech. The event was enriched with two entertainment items, and it was great to witness a ballroom dance on the floor. Also, a team of singers entertained the crowd.
The Awards ceremony was attractive to everyone, as always, and TM Sanduni Eriyagama was crowned as the outstanding toastmaster of the year.
Yes, I delivered the Welcome speech, but up to that moment, I could learn so much more and add a whole lot of experiences to my Toastmasters journey.
