People’s Bank, one of the leading banks in Sri Lanka, has launched a Toastmasters Club to provide its employees with an opportunity to develop their leadership and communication skills. The installation ceremony for the club was held at the staff training college auditorium on 22nd March 2023.

Toastmasters is a global movement headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, USA, empowering its members to become better communicators and leaders. The People’s Bank Toastmasters Club will enable its members to enhance their soft skills, preparing them for future leadership positions within the bank.

Chairman of People’s Bank Mr Sujeewa Rajapakse was the Chief Guest at the ceremony which was graced by the Past International President of Toastmasters (for the year 2017/18), Toastmaster Balraj Arunasalam as the Guest of Honour. Acting Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of People’s Bank Clive Fonseka, other Toastmasters of D82 including other district officials, members of Toastmasters and members of the sponsor club, The Colombo Toastmasters Club were present at the ceremony along with several special invitees from People’s Bank Corporate Management and Executive Management.

Chairman of People’s Bank Mr Sujeewa Rajapakse addressing the gathering emphasized the importance of improving the soft skills of employees to develop them as the future leaders of the bank. While congratulating the Charter Members and the newly appointed Executive Committee Members of the club, he requested them to make use of this opportunity to improve themselves and other employees of the bank.

The Guest of Honour and the Keynote Speaker of the ceremony Distinguished Toastmaster Balraj Arunasalam the Past International President, in his speech on “Communication for Leadership”, enlightened the audience with the importance of appropriate communication skills to perform as an outstanding leader.

The elected office bearers of People’s Bank Toastmasters Club for the Toastmaster year 2022/2023 - TM Dhunisha Athulathmudali, President, TM Chamari Perera, Vice President - Education,TM Nadeesha Tennakoon, Vice President - Membership,TM Mangala Kariyawasam, Vice President - Public Relations, TM Indrani Rodrigo, Secretary, TM Maagha Senevirathne, Treasurer and the TM Ravin De Silva, the Sergeant At Arms. The People’s Bank Toastmasters Club is now part of the family of Toastmasters International, where leaders are made.