161st Gavel Meeting

The date was 18th of December 2012; the day on
which Gavel family was handed over to another crew to be taken care of.  The installation ceremony was held in a grand
scale at Bolgoda Lake Resort where past and present gavelliers got together
after a while. While sisters and brothers were murmuring their stories since
they met last time the hall was darkened and a video was played. The video was
a small recap of how Gavel had spent its life throughout the last year. It was
crystal clear that the outgoing board had put immense effort to take gavel to
greater heights. The President Niles Perera called his last meeting -161st
Gavel Meeting to order. Everyone stood up for the National Anthem lead by
Hasitha Kulathunga. The president gave a very descriptive speech mentioning
what had been done throughout the last year, the achievements and the
obstacles.

Next, to carry out the proceedings toastmaster for the
special day, Chathuranga Kannanagara was called. Continuing Gavel traditions President
Bash was raised up as the round robin topic. Unfortunately the audience was in lack
of facts to bash the president thus they appreciated his work. Then special
invitees for the day, President -Toastmaster Club IESL Mr. Mahesh Amarasiri, District
Governor Mr. Z. Saleem, President- Toastmaster UOM Dr. Jayathu Samarawickrama
and Staff Advisor – Gavel Club UOM Mr. Indika Sigera were requested to give
voice to their thoughts. Two table topic masters for the day Amila Gamage and
Rajasooriyar Canagasooriyar were invited to the stage with a nice introduction
per each. This table topic session deviated from the conventional one.  There were two bowls, one carrying names of
gavel members and another carrying special topics. A speaker who would take a strip
of paper from bowl one had to build up a story about the particular gavel
member so that the audience could guess the one. A speaker who would take a strip
from bowl two had to deliver a speech on the given topic so that the audience
could guess the topic. It was a really cheerful and an enjoyable session.

Then there was a newly introduced event in the agenda to
recognize Gavelliers who have completed Competent Communicator manual and
Competent Leadership manual.  Being a
legend the outgoing President Niles Prera was offered with two certificates for
completing both the manuals. Another two Gavel legends of the time Pasan
Pethiyagode and Dinesh Kenady were recognized for completing five speeches and
for completing six speeches respectively. The control of the meeting was then
handed over back to the President.

A special session was carried out to recognize club members
who had completed more than three projects of CC manual. Further, members of
the club were recognized for their extra circular activities and achievements
during the past Gavel year. The fact that Gavel members are outstanding in
every territory of fields was proven by their diverse achievements.  Then it was time for one of the most
important items in the agenda of the installation ceremony, declaring the Gavellier
of the year, an award a Gavellier can have once in his/ her life time. Charith
Akalanka was lucky enough to be lined up with previous winners of the award
Harinda, Niles and Kenady.

The event came to its climax. It was time to announce the 8th
President of Gavel Club – University of Moratuwa. Making almost all the guesses
correct Mr. Pasan Pethiyagoda, Champion of the Speak Olympiad 2010 and reserved
finalist of All Island Best Speaker 2012 was appointed as the President for the
year 2012-2013. New President addressed the gathering mentioning he and his board
would try their best to make Gavel stronger. Then he appointed his crew to help
him to take care of the Gavel family in the upcoming year. The control of the
meeting was handed over to the newly appointed Vice President Education –
Hasini Abyewickrama to appreciate the immense effort put by the outgoing board
to write another successful chapter in the Gavel story. The video played next
carried out sweet memories of the past year and it was much appreciated. Tokens
of gratitude were presented for the outgoing board.

Then the meeting was adjourned after inviting the gathering
to enjoy the dinner. After having the dinner an entertainment session lead by
Akalanka was started. Ishan and Thushan were assisting the choir with music while
two singing stars of the club Nirmal and Hasitha were followed by the gavel
fellowship. This marked the end of another wonderful evening with Gavel family.