The English Speaking Union (ESU) Sri Lanka chapter conferred 17 year-old student Okitha Karunadhara from Elizabeth Moir School, Colombo as the winner of the National Public Speaking Competition 2024 which was followed by a ceremony in Colombo.
The chief guest at the event, Acting Country Director of the British Council Rajitha Mendries, awarded the Dr.T.P. Amerasinghe Challenge Trophy to Okitha. Rajitha thanked the ESU for inviting her and congratulated the winner and wished him the best of luck for the international contest. She also invited the six finalists to the British Council in appreciation of their achievement.
Contestants Sahas Galagamage from Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda and Omar Hazari from Royal College, Colombo were selected as the first and second Runners-up.
Okitha represented Sri Lanka at the International Public Speaking Competition in London UK from May 13 to 17. Representatives from over 55 countries participated in the competition.
The English Speaking Union of Sri Lanka which was founded in 1981 by the late Dr. T.P. Amerasinghe is affiliated with the English Speaking Union International, a Royal Charter based in Dartmouth House, London. Its patron King Charles III, and the President is the Princess Royal, Princess Anne.
ESU Sri Lanka President Upali Ratnayake said, “Our aim is to help Sri Lankan students gain confidence, find their voice and engage in dialogue through the use of English as a shared language. By offering continuous skill training together with key annual ESU events such as the National Public Speaking Contest leading to the International Public Speaking Competition held in UK, creates a platform for our students to aspire and grow.
“We provide our students with skills and confidence to realise their inner potential and reach heights they never thought they could.”
The vision of the ESU is to continue to be recognised for its expertise in providing people, in the UK and internationally, with the communication skills, confidence and networking opportunities to realise their potential.
