Speech Olympiad

Speech Olympiad (formerly known as ‘Speak Olympiad’)

The Speech Olympiad stands as the flagship occasion hosted by the Gavel Club at the University of Moratuwa. As the sole English language speech competition within the university, it garners participants from all five faculties. Since its establishment in 2005, this event has progressively gained momentum, evolving into one of the most highly anticipated highlights on the university calendar. In an era where effective communication is paramount in any industry, the Speech Olympiad championship has become a coveted goal pursued by all young undergraduates. The enthusiasm instilled by faculty members to engage their students in this competition has led to a consistent rise in participation from all academic departments. While the Speech Olympiad certainly boasts prestige, it transcends mere title-seeking; it provides a platform for personal growth and the potential to ignite transformative change not only within oneself but also among peers.

Throughout the span of the last 15 Speech Olympiad editions, there has been a consistent demonstration of the event’s ability to unveil hidden talents within the university’s undergraduate population. The recipients of awards and the participants who reach the final stages encompass a broad spectrum of backgrounds, highlighting the event’s widespread appeal that transcends various academic disciplines.

The culminating moment of the Speech Olympiad takes place before a capacity crowd, drawing an audience of more than 500 attendees. The spectators include esteemed guests, Toastmasters, faculty members ranging from professors to senior lecturers, as well as students representing all departments and institutes across the university. The victor of this competition secures the title of the university’s premier orator for the year and is honoured by having their name engraved onto the illustrious “Speech Olympiad Challenge Shield”.

Past Winners

• 2005 – Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa
• 2007 – Chamat Arambewela
• 2008 – Nadeesha Perera
• 2009 – Eshan Perera
• 2010 – Pasan Pethiyagode
• 2012 – Sirimevan Jayasundera
• 2013 –Rafidh Rifaadh
• 2014 –Mohamed Yasir
• 2015 – Samadhi Poornima
• 2016 – Kasun Ranasinghe
• 2017 – Dulinda Perera
• 2018 – Asitha Rathnayake
• 2020 – Jayoda Dissanayake
• 2021 – Niruthikka Sritharan
• 2022 – Malintha Fernando

Past Project Chairs

• 2005 –Melinda Yasaranji
• 2007 – Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa
• 2008 – Erangi De Costa & Aravinda Perera
• 2009 – Malaka Gunasekara & Harinda Gunatilake
• 2010 – Chathuranga Kannangara & Niles Perera
• 2012 – Hasini Abeywickrama & Pasan Pethiyagode
• 2013 – Charith Akalanka & Damith Senanayake
• 2014 – Hasindu Siyambalpe & Sirimevan Jayasundera
• 2015 – Merl Chandana & Timal Mohan
• 2016 – Piyumi Bandaranayake & Rochelle Silva
• 2017 – Chathuranga Amunugama, Praveen Kumarasinghe
• 2018 – Harsha Chamara, Kasun Udara Ranasinghe
• 2020 – Nadarasar Bahavan, Hasindri Sankalpana, Kaveesha Yalegama
• 2021 – Nirodha Sampath, Kavishka Cooray
• 2022 – Umesha Thilakarathna, Oshan Yalegama & Inodee Fernando