The day that we had eagerly been waiting for had finally arrived! The 9th of March slowly dawned with the sun slowly painting beautiful hues in the sky as our sleepy, but bright-eyed Organizing Committee started to slowly file into the University of Sri Jayewardenepura for a much-awaited day – The Galle Preliminary Round of Speech Master 2024! As the crew was set to overlook the tasks from A-Z at the event itself, we as the Organizing Committee were buzzing with excitement, but also had one goal in the back of our minds- to make sure that the competition goes as smoothly as possible, and to make our beloved Lokkas proud. Therefore, when the bus started to gear up to head to Galle, all of us couldn’t help but feel incredibly excited for what the day ahead was about to bring us. The buzzing, giggling & enthusiastic Gaveliers were officially South bound!
As the journey started, everyone was thrilled to be reunited with the wholesome Gavel family, and as home-made food was passed around, so was the conversation and the laughter. Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete road trip without music and moves, so before long, everybody was up on their feet, laughing and dancing to the upbeat tunes that stripped away any sleepiness that anyone had, and the lively session did not stop until we reached Galle itself! With one goal in our minds, everybody immediately started working together, much like a lively colony of ants- and headed towards where all the action was to take place, Southlands College-Galle!
The journey reached its zenith as the clock struck 8 am, and the bustling energy of Southlands College-Galle welcomed participants from far and wide. Among the throng of eager faces, school-level and university-level students manned the registration desk, their efficiency and warmth setting the tone for the day ahead. This convergence of youthful enthusiasm and administrative prowess laid the groundwork for what promised to be an unforgettable event.
A distinguishing feature of this event was the esteemed presence of Toastmasters serving as judges. With their wealth of experience and expertise, they assumed the crucial responsibility of evaluating performances and providing constructive feedback. Their discerning eye and impartial judgment added a layer of credibility to the competition, ensuring fairness and integrity throughout.
With the stage set and anticipation in the air, contestants took center stage, each armed with their unique perspectives and narratives. From impassioned pleas for social change to humorous anecdotes that elicited laughter, the auditorium pulsed with the cadence of diverse voices and ideas.
Following each riveting performance, meticulous evaluations ensued, providing contestants with invaluable feedback and opportunities for growth. It was a testament to the ethos of Speech Master—fostering excellence through constructive critique and collaboration.
As the day unfolded, excitement peaked with the announcement of contestants advancing to the semi-final round. Cheers erupted, hugs were exchanged, and a sense of camaraderie pervaded the venue, affirming the transformative power of shared achievement.
The culmination of the event was marked by a grand closing ceremony, where accolades were bestowed upon winners and gratitude extended to all who contributed to its success. As participants bid farewell to Galle, their hearts brimmed with pride and fulfillment, knowing they had been part of something truly special.
Reflecting on the day’s events, it was evident that the Galle Preliminary Round of Speech Master 2024 had surpassed all expectations. From the seamless organization to the exceptional caliber of speeches, every aspect of the event contributed to its resounding success. Moreover, the bonds forged, and memories created would serve as a testament to the transformative power of eloquence and camaraderie.
The lovely sea breeze, the old Ceylonese vibe and the alluring gift shops filled with trinkets were enough to keep us wandering around in Galle for much longer, but it was time to head back to Colombo before long. With tired feet, but full and happy hearts, all of us trekked towards the bus to journey back home. Once on the bus, the happy Gaveliers did not let their tiredness stop them from missing out on even a minute of fun! With home-baked cakes, and cool fizzy drinks satisfying our appetite, the bus was buzzing with conversation about the wonderful day that was successfully concluded. Before long, the music started flowing again, and once again everyone was up on their feet, ready to dance away the hours until Colombo made its appearance, beckoning us home. Sure enough, the lovely bunch remained laughing, dancing and wishing everyone a job well done until the university premises were reached at around 7.45 pm in the evening.
It was truly a spectacle to see a set of incredibly competent individuals get together and pull their weight in to make the preliminary rounds a resounding success- and feeling proud to be a part of this incredible team was truly an inevitable feeling. As the day slowly came to an end, hugs and good-byes were shared, with a promise to meet again in the upcoming rounds as well. All in all, the Galle Preliminary Round of Speech Master 2024 was successfully concluded, with memories made to last a lifetime!