CMA Sri Lanka Final Apex Level students complete workshop series on speech craft

From left: Chandana Samaraweera, Shemal Fernandopulle, Anil Indika, Ruchira Perera, Adrian Perera, Dian Abeyewardene, Kosala Dissanayake, Niranjan De Silva and Shanthi Maheswaran (Standing): Speech crafters batch-11

The CMA Sri Lanka Toastmasters Club conducted their 11th speech craft program sponsored by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA). 28 participants at the Final Apex Level attended the Advanced Professional Communication Skills program over a period of 12 sessions. The speech-craft program enabled budding CMA Management Accountants to be equipped with the necessary soft skills leading to development of holistic professionals. The speech craft program trained students to demonstrate effective speech craft competencies with communication and leadership skills enabling them to become professional leaders competent to climb to the top of the corporate ladder under the astute leadership of Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, which is one of his dreams come true. 

The speech craft program concluded on 8 April where the 11th batch excelled themselves by commencing the program with the ‘Round Robin Session’ on the topic ‘Speech craft Program and me’, where students cherished the keynote speakers for their valuable presentations where students were trained to organise their speech on ‘what you say’ and ‘how you say’ on the following keynote topics: Overcoming Fear – Becoming a Competent Speaker, Structuring the Speech Effectively, Evaluate to Motivate, Impact of Voice in Speeches, Meeting Role Play and Leadership, use of Body Language, IT Impact and Technology Advancement Impacting Accounting Profession and Effective use of Power Point presentations in Speeches, Effective use and impact of Humour followed by special modules presented on Team work and Time Management and Positive Thinking and Career Path Guidance Road Map. The program highlighted by four outstanding speeches by speech crafters of the 11th batch on ‘Being Happy in life’, ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Impact of Junk Food’ and ‘Water’ were delivered exceptionally well. In addition, the ‘impromptu speech’ segment was also outstanding. The role play was meticulous with the Toastmaster of the meeting, completing the meeting ahead of schedule.

The VP Education of CMA Sri Lanka Toastmasters Club, TM Shermal Fernandopulle, presided over the awards ceremony segment. Adrian Perera, Council Member of CMA congratulated the speech craft participants and shared his experience on speech craft program which had enhanced him to climb the corporate ladder. CMA Council Members Adrian Perera, Ruchira Perera and CMA Consultant Kosala Dissanayake gave away the certificates with TM Shemal Fernandopulle VP Education, TM Anil Indika, President and TM Chandana Samaraweera Charter President of CMA Toastmasters Club in attendance. Keynote speakers, members of CMA Sri Lanka Toastmaster Club, invitees and CMA staff members also participated. The awarding of the certificate segment was conducted by the Course Director Toastmaster Dian Abeyewardene and the ceremony was followed by entertainment provided by the talented speech crafters. A magnificent vote of thanks showering much gratitude on the visionary leadership of Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala and the Council Members of CMA Sri Lanka, the coordinating staff led by Shanthi Maheswaran and the Faculty team led by Course Director, were greatly appreciated. CMA Sri Lanka Toastmasters Club too received a bouquet for their dedication, facilitation and assistance provided throughout the program. 

The next batch for Apex Level and Strategic Level students will commence in May 2019 and all interested in participating are requested to contact the CMA office Shanthi on 0714 70 55 36 or 

email: [email protected].

An early bird discount will be given to those who register on or before 30 April.