Chandana Weerasekera became our 8th recipient of the DTM at Canning Vale on Jan 21st 2018. Read all about Chandana’s journey.
My Journey to DTM
Speechcraft was the beginning of my journey in Toastmasters. In 2001, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Sri Lanka Division, invited its members to join a Speechcraft course organised by Colombo Toastmasters Club, which is the oldest Toastmasters club in South Asia. After successfully completing the Speechcraft programme, I joined Colombo Toastmasters Club. There I met lots of wonderful people and in 2006 I had the privilege to start a new Toastmasters club. The name of the club is Ralph Toastmasters, in honour of the founder of Toastmasters, Dr Ralph Smedley. I was honoured to be elected the Charter President. Ralph Toastmasters proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2016, where I was the guest speaker. It was indeed an honour to return to Sri Lanka for the 10-year celebrations of the club that I helped start.
Another milestone of my Toastmasters journey was when I became the Treasurer of District 82 in 2007/08. My mentor and District Governor through this journey was none other than the current International President, Balraj Arunasalam.
The next important milestone in my Toastmasters career was in 2010 when I joined Canning Vale Toastmasters. Canning Vale is my second Toastmasters life. I remember when I started my speeches from the very beginning in Canning Vale. The club members always supported and encouraged me in my Toastmasters projects. Fortunately, Canning Vale also celebrated its 10th anniversary recently and I attended that celebration as well. Another significant event in my Toastmasters journey was when I became the District Treasurer for District 17 in 2014/15.
I would like to thank everyone in Colombo Toastmasters, Ralph Toastmasters and Canning Vale Toastmasters because without their support I would not have achieved my Toastmasters dream of becoming the DTM.