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Friday Dec 13, 2024
Monday, 25 March 2013 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The English Speaking Union (ESU) Sri Lanka Chapter conferred Shehani Rajendra (18) from Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya as the Winner of the final round of the National Public Speaking Contest which was followed by an official ceremony held on 9 March 2013 in Colombo.
Shehani will represent Sri Lanka at the ‘International Public Speaking Competition’, which will be held in London UK from 13 to 17 May 2013. Contestants Ashari Jayawardena and Nuha Bazeer both from Eliizabeth Moir School were selected as the first and second runners up.
The ESU was established by Royal Charter with the Queen as Patron and the Duke of Edinburgh as President, and it brings together and empowers individuals of different languages and cultures. The National Public Speaking Contest organised by the ESU is held in over 55 countries each year.
ESU Sri Lanka Chapter President Upali Ratnayake said: “Our aim is to help Sri Lankan students gain confidence, find their voice and engage in dialogue through the use of English as a shared language. By offering continuous skill training together with key annual ESU events such as the National Public Speaking contest leading to the International Public Speaking Competition held in UK, creates a platform for our students to aspire and grow.
“We provide our students with the necessary skills and confidence to realise their inner potential and reach heights they never thought they could.”
ESU Sri Lanka Chapter has been actively involved in grooming several students and young adults for the professional market, providing trainings and English speaking development which includes verbal and non verbal skills. The ESU uses English as a common language to nurture dialogue, debate ideas and boost confidence.
The vision of ESU is to continue to be recognised for its expertise in providing people, both in the UK and internationally, with the communication skills, confidence and networking opportunities to realise their potential.
ESU endeavours to see that the value of good communication as an essential attribute for individual, community and global development and understanding is publicly recognised and widely integrated into education and social policy.
For over 90 years, the ESU has provided scholarships, bursaries and exchange opportunities for English-speakers around the globe, as well as promoting the skills of public oratory and debating to school and university students worldwide.
With a large program of activities including competitions, scholarships and seminars, the ESU aims to provide individuals from all countries, all walks of life and all abilities with the chance to express.
The students, young adults, teachers and other professionals for whom the ability to communicate effectively in English is a vital skill. The organisation focus increasingly on providing true public benefit by giving ever wider access in schools and elsewhere to the language and communication skills critical to redressing imbalances and disadvantages, whether rooted in ethnic, socio-economic or other causes.
