OVATION 2024, the District 82 Annual Conference, held from May 10th to May 12th at the Wave N’ Lake Conference Hall in Welisara, Sri Lanka, was a remarkable gathering that brought together over 750 participants from across District 82 (Sri Lanka, Maldives, and British Indian Ocean Island). This three-day event served as a vibrant celebration of communication, leadership, and personal development, featuring an array of distinguished speakers and engaging activities.

A Grand Opening:

The event commenced on May 10th with a splendid opening ceremony graced by the esteemed presence of Morag Mathieson, DTM, President of Toastmasters International, alongside District Director Mahinda Karunakara, DTM, and his leadership team. The ceremony began with a stirring flag parade, symbolizing the unity and diversity within the Toastmasters community. Attendees were then treated to insightful keynote speeches from Toastmasters International President Morag Mathieson, DTM, and Professor A. K. W Jayawardane, former chairman of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon.

Additionally, Mr. Chandra Schaffter, the founder of Janashakthi Group of companies, was honored with a communication and leadership award for his lifetime of leadership contributions to the community by District 82 of Toastmasters International. Furthermore, Omegaline Limited and Sri Lanka Customs were recognized by Toastmasters International with two special corporate awards for enhancing employee engagement through continuous support for Toastmasters communication and leadership programs.

Day 2 Highlights:

The second day of OVATION 2024 began with the highly-anticipated evaluation speech district contest final, followed by a captivating keynote speech from Mr. Ramesh Schaffter, the managing director of Janashakthi Insurance. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in four educational sessions conducted by renowned personalities, with two parallel sessions running simultaneously to cater to diverse interests. Educational presenters were Nirnajan De Silva, CTM, Chrishanthi Emmanuel, DTM, Dr. Jayalath Edirisinghe, & Mr. Roshantha Jayathunge. The day concluded with an enlightening educational session delivered by Toastmasters International President Morag Mathieson, DTM, providing valuable insights and strategies for personal and professional growth.

As the sun set, the evening came alive with laughter and entertainment as participants enjoyed the Humorous Speech Contest final, showcasing the wit and humor of Toastmasters. The festivities continued with a lively Luau-themed event, fostering camaraderie and relaxation among attendees.

A Finale to Remember:

The third and final day of OVATION 2024 began with the Table Topic Speech Contest final, testing participants’ impromptu speaking skills under pressure. This was followed by an insightful keynote speech by past Toastmasters International President Balraj Arunasalam, DTM, inspiring attendees to reach new heights in their Toastmasters journey. The much-awaited International Speech Contest final was a highlight of the event, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals of the World Championship of Public Speaking.

The event concluded with the Hall of Fame award ceremony, where outstanding leaders and clubs were recognized for their exemplary performance over the past year. The district leadership team, including the incoming District Director for District 82, Ganga Fernando, DTM, a senior lecturer at the University of Colombo, was also installed, ensuring continuity of leadership and vision within the district.

Winners of Speech contests:

• International Speech Contest: Ravi Uduwela
• Evaluation Speech Contest: Ayesha Ratnayake
• Humorous Speech Contest: Ravi Uduwela
• Table Topic Speech Contest: Sandun Fernando

Success and Feedback:

OVATION 2024 received glowing reviews from participants, who expressed overwhelming satisfaction and appreciation for the event. The conference provided a platform for learning, networking, and recognition, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to continue their journey of personal and professional development within the Toastmasters community.

In summary, OVATION 2024 was a testament to the dedication, passion, and talent within District 82. It showcased the transformative power of effective communication and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. As the district looks ahead, events like OVATION 2024 will continue to serve as beacons of excellence, driving growth and success within the Toastmasters community.