TEMPLANZA '23 - Grand Finale

Templanza, a public speaking competition with a theme, was organized by the Gavel Club in collaboration with the Leo Club of the Faculty of Science with the goal of encouraging the young voices of the nation to persuade, convert, and compel. The competition was divided into two categories: Inter-University and Inter-School. The theme for the university category was “Overcoming social stigma faced by Sri Lankan youth,” while the theme for the school category was “Education: Your mightiest weapon.”
More than 100 school students and university undergraduates from across the nation participated in the preliminary round, which was held via video submissions. Ten semi-finalists were chosen from each category, guided by the chief judge, DTM Sarma Mahalingam. The school and university categories were then presided over by chief judges TM Praveen Nanayakkara and TM Darren Pullenayegam, respectively. With five finalists in each category, the semi-final round was successfully concluded on January 21^st, 2023.
Five finalists from each category were ready to compete on stage for the title of “The Best Speaker of Templanza” in the Grand Finale of Templanza 2023, held on January 28^th at the New Arts Theatre. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor, Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne, the Senior Treasurer of Gavel UOC, Dr Iroja Caldera, and many other distinguished Toastmasters. The winners were announced as follows: