Sri Lanka Toastmasters Gear Up for Ovation 2026 Powered by Home Lands

District 82 of Toastmasters International is gearing up for Ovation 2026, its flagship annual conference themed Tides of Transformation, scheduled to take place on 16 and 17 May at Shangri-La Colombo. Powered by Home Lands—Sri Lanka’s leading and most trusted property developer—the partnership as Title Sponsor elevates the stature of this prestigious event while reinforcing a shared commitment to empowering communities and fostering personal growth across the country.

Ahead of the conference, District 82 hosted a media briefing on 29 April 2026 at the Emerald Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, offering insights into the organisation’s four-decade journey in Sri Lanka and a preview of what to expect at this year’s event.

Founded in 1924, Toastmasters International is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Sri Lanka became part of this global movement in 1983 with the establishment of the Colombo Toastmasters Club—the first in South Asia. Today, District 82 comprises over 168 clubs and more than 4,000 members across 65 cities, spanning corporate, institutional, and community-based clubs nationwide.

Founded in 1924, Toastmasters International is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Sri Lanka became part of this global movement in 1983 with the establishment of the Colombo Toastmasters Club—the first in South Asia. Today, District 82 comprises over 168 clubs and more than 4,000 members across 65 cities, spanning corporate, institutional, and community-based clubs nationwide.

“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 development, and national representation on a global stage,” said DTM Niroshan Nadarajah, District Director of District 82.

This strong reputation is well earned. District 82 was ranked the Number 1 District in the Toastmasters International network for 2024/2025. Sri Lanka has also produced global achievers such as Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, who won the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2014, and DTM Arunasalam Balraj, who served as Toastmasters International President in 2017/2018—milestones that underscore the district’s global impact.

Reflecting on the organisation’s enduring philosophy, DTM Sudash Liyanage, Past Region Advisor for Toastmasters International, noted:“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 also more confident thinkers and effective communicators in every aspect of life.”

The media briefing also served as the official preview of Ovation 2026. Conference Chair DTM Mario De Silva highlighted a dynamic two-day programme featuring speech contests, keynote addresses, educational workshops, and recognition ceremonies celebrating the district’s top performers.

“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 platform,” he said.

The session was chaired and compered by TM Prasansa Gunawardana, followed by an interactive Q&A with media representatives and concluding with networking and cocktails. The event was organised by Mark and Comm Ltd, the official PR agency for District 82 Toastmasters and Ovation 2026.

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