NDB launches Toastmasters Club

Tuesday, 24 December 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

NDB held its Charter installation ceremony of the newly formed NDB Toastmasters Club recently. NDB Toastmasters Club initiated with the objective of enhancing public speaking and leadership skills of the employees of the bank, joins the toastmaster fraternity comprising of 14,385 clubs in 124 countries and also became the seventh financial institution club in Sri Lanka. Distinguished Toastmaster and former International Director of Toastmasters International Arunasalam Balraj was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Governor for Division ‘O’ Mahinda Karunakara was the Guest of Honour while the occasion was also graced by distinguished Toastmaster Yusuf Jeevunjee, Lieutenant Governor Education and Training for Division 82 B and Area Governor ‘O’ - 3 of Toastmasters International Toastmaster Sandya Athokorala. Representing NDB were Chief Operating Officer Indrajit Wickramasinghe, Vice President Human Resources Ishani Senaweera and others representing the senior management of the bank. The installation of the charter members and the Charter Executive Committee was carried out by Distinguished Toastmaster Padmini Samarasinghe, Charter President of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Sri Lanka (CIMA) Toastmasters Club. NDB Toastmasters Club was sponsored by Smedley Toastmasters Club and CIMA Toastmasters Club, two well-known clubs in the Toastmasters fraternity. The Charter Executive Committee of the NDB Toastmasters Club comprises of Toastmaster Mahesha Amarasuriya (President), Toastmaster Nishantha Hettiarachchi (Vice President Education), Toastmaster Royston Joseph (Vice President Membership), Toastmaster Gaya Hewawasam (Vice President Public Relations), Toastmaster Carmalie Virangika (Secretary), Toastmaster Anoja Senanayake (Treasurer) and Toastmaster Gamini Dissanayake (Sergeant-at-Arms). Speaking at the ceremony NDB Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Thegarajah stated: “I am delighted to see the birth of the NDB Toastmasters Club. Our staff now have the opportunity of developing their speaking and listening skills, overcoming the fear of public speaking and learn to project thoughts with clarity while also having fun. My best wishes to the NDB Toastmasters Club.” Distinguished Toastmaster Arunasalam Balraj, former International Director of Toastmasters International sharing his views as the Chief Guest said: “Each of us has grown through our experiences in Toastmasters. We have the opportunity to share our story and the benefits with our friends and acquaintances. Team building, interpersonal communication, impromptu speaking and presentation skills are few that any member could master having joined the toastmasters program. I wish the charter President Mahesha Amarasuriya and her dynamic team continued success and happiness in guiding NDB Toastmasters club to be one of the best clubs in District 82.” The theme for the year ‘Breaking Through’ was unveiled by the Charter President Toastmaster Mahesha Amarasuriya, during her acceptance speech. She also mentioned that the executive committee will work towards achieving the Toastmasters International club mission “To provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth” and will focus on a strong foundation for the club, reach out to as many NDB staff members as possible, initiate programs that add value to the members and also focus on encouraging and supporting its members to take part in speech contests and enhance their skills as speakers and leaders. In her speech she acknowledged the tremendous support that was extended to the club by the CEO Rajendra Theagarajah, Vice President Human Resources Ishani Senaweera and the senior management of NDB and the Toastmasters fraternity. The regular education meetings of the club are conducted in a friendly atmosphere that provides a perfect setting to improve communication skills and learn the art of public speaking. The meetings are structured in a way that would add value to each member in terms of hands on experience in public speaking, constructive evaluations, and also the opportunity to listen to award winning public speakers. Additionally, the team of committed and dedicated mentors gives each member guidance and support to develop his/her public speaking skills.