Sri Lanka's Toastmasters Movement Gears Up for Ovation 2026 powered by Home Lands

District 82 Toastmasters International is gearing up for Ovation 2026, its flagship annual conference themed Tides of Transformation, scheduled for 16 and 17 May at Shangri-La Colombo, powered by Home Lands, Sri Lanka’s No. 1, most trusted, and most innovative developer; joining hands with Toastmasters as the Title Partner for Ovation 2026 not only elevates the status of this prestigious event but also signifies its support for empowering and stimulating the growth of communities in Sri Lanka. 

Ahead of the event, the District hosted a media briefing on the evening of 29 April 2026 at the Emerald Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, for a closer look at the organization, its four-decade journey in Sri Lanka, and what to expect at this year's conference.

Toastmasters International, founded in 1924, is a global nonprofit that helps individuals develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Sri Lanka has been part of this movement since 1983, when the Colombo Toastmasters Club became the first Toastmasters club in South Asia. Today, District 82 is home to over 168 clubs, and over 4,000 members across 65 cities in the country; its reach extends across Sri Lanka through Corporate, Institutional and Community clubs. 

"What sets Sri Lanka apart is not just participation, but passion. Toastmasters here is not an extracurricular activity. It is a platform for personal transformation, leadership grooming, and national representation on a global stage," said DTM Niroshan Nadarajah, District Director, District 82

That standing is well earned. District 82 was recognized as the Number 1 District in the Toastmasters International circuit in 2024/2025. Sri Lanka also produced Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, the first Sri Lankan to win the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2014, and DTM Arunasalam Balraj, who served as Toastmasters International President in 2017/2018, two milestones that reflect the depth of the district's global footprint.

Speaking to the organization's enduring philosophy, DTM Sudash Liyanage, Past Region Advisor for Toastmasters International, reflected on what has kept the movement relevant for over a century.

"The philosophy is simple but powerful. Growth happens through practice, reflection, and community. By creating a safe space to fail, learn, and try again, Toastmasters nurtures individuals who are not only better speakers, but more confident thinkers and effective communicators in every aspect of life," said DTM Sudash Liyanage, Past Region Advisor, Toastmasters International

The briefing also served as the formal platform to preview Ovation 2026. Conference Chair DTM Mario De Silva outlined what attendees can look forward to across two days of high-energy programming, including speech contests, keynote sessions, educational workshops, and recognition ceremonies celebrating the best of the district.

"Ovation is the culmination of a Toastmasters year. It is the stage where the District's best speakers compete at the highest level, where leaders are celebrated, and where the collective journey of District 82 is showcased on one stage," added DTM Mario De Silva, Conference Chair, Ovation 2026

The media briefing was chaired and compered by TM Prasansa Gunawardana, with the floor opened to questions from the media before concluding with networking and cocktails. The briefing was organized by Mark and Comm, the official PR agency managing communications for District 82 Toastmasters and Ovation 2026.

Other notable sponsors for Ovation 2026 includes Premier Sponsor – Janatha Steels, Platinum Sponsor – A J Medichem International (Pvt) Ltd, New Anthoney’s Farms (Pvt) Ltd, Gold Sponsors – Jayes Investment Ltd, Nestle Coffeemate, Zoro Tapes, and Silver Sponsor – Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd.