Young Speaker Contest 2016 : An evening of mind-blowing oratorical talents 

Young Speaker 2016, a competition developed by the British School in Colombo in partnership with Adventus Education unveiled for the third time, once again showcasing the talents of budding orators in leading schools in the island. The contestants competed in junior and senior categories and the contestants in the junior category represented Methodist College, Royal Institute International School, Nugegoda, Gateway College, Dehiwela, Colombo International School (CIS) and Burhani Serendib School. The senior category comprised of contestants from the British School in Colombo, Methodist College, Gateway College, Colombo, Lyceum International School, Panadura and Asian International School. 

Judged on a set of criteria to measure intellectual thinking and positive expression in communicating skills, the contestants were judged initially in four Preliminary Rounds leading to the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and the Grand Finale. The finalists were expected to exhibit their strengths in speech and formulation of reasoned arguments through two rounds comprising a prepared speech and an impromptu speech. 

Addressing the competitors at the conclusion of the judging process, Chairman of the Panel of Judges Attorney-at-law Mohamed Adamally commended both Adventus Education and The British School in Colombo for recognizing the increasing importance of effective communication as a paramount soft skill in every sphere of activity. The panel of judges comprised Group Director, The Capital Maharaja Organisation Shan Weerasekera, Head of Sustainable Development, Communications and External Affairs of Holcim (Lanka) Limited Farzana Khan, Enterprise Marketing Manager - South East Asia New Markets of Microsoft Thilanka Abeywardene and CEO Courtalds Sri Lanka Michael Massey. 

As the evening drew to an end, the contestants as well as the audience were awaiting to see the winners of the evening. The best contestants were selected by specifically considering their tone and variation, gestures and movements, uniqueness of the speech, use of quotations and personal references. Upara Cooray from Lyceum International School, Panadura was awarded the best speaker in the Senior category and the award for the best speaker for the Junior category was awarded to Rishane Dassanayake of CIS. 

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the two winners had this to say: 

“I was nervous throughout the entire session but I was positive that I will do my best. I got a lot of support from my friends, family and teachers. Most of my friends came here to cheer for me and I would like to thank them as well. While I was here I made new friends and I think a competition is not only about winning it. Participation is more important than winning I guess. This is the first time that I am participating in a speech contest of such grand calibre and I would also like to congratulate the other contestants for making it to the Grand Finale and winning the contest.” – Upara Cooray, Winner of the Young Speaker Contest, Senior Category 

“It was an amazing experience altogether. I learnt a lot by competing in this contest and most importantly this is the first time that I participated in a speech contest of this calibre. Participating in this competition itself allowed me to develop my oratorical skills. I would like to thank my parents, friends and teachers for supporting me in this endeavour. I was actually very nervous right throughout but I somehow managed.” – Rishane Dassanayake, Winner of the Young Speaker Contest, Junior Category 

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe