HNB Toastmasters Club celebrates 21st Installation Ceremony with Pirates-Themed extravaganza

HNB Toastmasters Club (TMC), one of the leading corporate clubs in District 82, hosted its 21st Club Officer Installation Ceremony on November 1st, 2024, at HNB Towers.

The spectacular event, themed 'Pirates of the Caribbean', featured a vibrant showcase of artistic talents from staff and club members, including various performances and musical acts that added to the ceremony's proceedings.

In attendance were distinguished guests including HNB Acting CEO Damith Pallewatte as Chief Guest, HNB Chief Human Resource Officer K. Indravasan as Patron, and District 82 Director TM Ganga Fernando. The event was also attended by the District 82 trio, HNB's Corporate and Senior Management, and numerous guests from both the Toastmasters fraternity and the Bank.

The ceremony, renowned as one of District 82's finest installation events, witnessed the induction of a new executive committee for 2024/2025, with TM Don Nilanka Dushmantha taking the helm as President. The leadership team includes TM Thiwanka Fonseka as VP Education, TM Shane Perera as VP Membership, TM Nagajothi Krishnan as VP Public Relations, TM Manjulie De Zoysa as Secretary, TM Shenali Fernando as Treasurer, and TM Ruwanthika Perera as Sergeant at Arms.

"As we celebrate the centenary of Toastmasters International and HNB Toastmasters' own 20-year milestone, we stand at a remarkable intersection of legacy and future potential. Our exceptional journey over the past two decades has created a strong foundation of public speaking excellence within HNB. Looking ahead, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of confident communicators and leaders.

These dual anniversaries represent more than just time – they reflect our enduring commitment to personal and professional development. Through Toastmasters, we've created a platform that transforms individuals into compelling speakers and decisive leaders. This legacy has become an integral part of HNB's corporate culture, fostering an environment where effective communication drives success at every level," said newly installed President TM Don Nilanka Dushmantha.

Beyond the installation ceremonies, the event celebrated the club's remarkable achievements throughout the year, reinforcing its position as a nurturing ground for future leaders. The HNB Toastmasters Club continues to provide a platform for individuals to develop their communication and leadership skills, supporting those who aspire to achieve their personal and professional goals.

HNB Toastmasters’ Installation 2024 included speeches by distinguished guests HNB Acting CEO Damith Pallewatte (top left), and Keynote Speaker DTM Ravi Uduwela, Finalist of Word Championship of Public Speaking 2024 (bottom right), alongside showcasing the artistic talents of staff and club members at the 21st Installation Ceremony

Image Caption : (Standing, left to right):  HNB TMC Immediate Past President TM Lasantha Unawatuna, HNB TMC Vice President Education TM Thiwanka Fonseka, HNB TMC Vice President Membership TM Shane Perera, HNB TMC Vice President Public Relations, TM Nagajothi Krishnan, HNB TMC Club Secretary TM Manjulie De Zoysa, HNB TMC Club Treasurer, TM Shenali Fernando, HNB TMC Sergeant at Arms, TM Ruwanthika Perera.

(Seated, left to right):  Area Director (Area G1) TM Amali De Silva, District 82, Program Quality Director, DTM Niroshan Nadarajah, Toastmasters International - Past International President, DTM Arunasalam Balraj, HNB Toastmasters Club President, TM Don Dushmantha, HNB Acting Chief Executive Officer Damith Pallewatte, District Director (District 82), DTM Ganga Fernando, HNB Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Wijemanne, HNB CHRO / TMC Patron K. Indravasan, Division Director (Division G), DTM Kasun Ilangaratne.