Ahmed A. Jawad, the new Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Kingdom, is a great admirer of Sri Lankan Toastmasters, popularly known in Riyadh as the Serendib Club. Through its member clubs, Serendib Toastmasters helps community members learn the art of speaking, listening, and thinking. The envoy was the chief guest at the induction ceremony of the club's new office-bearers and its 8th anniversary celebrations recently. Sabarullah Khan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Sri Lankan Embassy, was the guest of honor. Jawad underscored the significance of good communication skills required to promote better understanding among people. He also expressed his appreciation for the club members, their commitment and dedication to community service. Sri Lankan community leaders and officials from the Sri Lankan Embassy attended the function. Sankaran Iyer, a guest speaker from the Riyadh Toastmasters Club, and Sameena Mahmood, Serendib's champion speaker, presented their respective winning speeches, while Rushdi Ibrahim encouraged the audience to remain focused to achieve success in communication skills. Serendib Club's outgoing president Riyaz Yoosuf attributed the success of the club to teamwork and encouraged members to strive hard to realize their full potential. Illiyas Abdulsattar is the newly appointed president. Others present at the occasion included M.E.M. Farook, principal of the Sri Lankan International School in Riyadh; A.L. Mohamed Hashim, chairman of the SLISR managing committee; and Nirone Dissanayake, president of the Sri Lankan Expatriates Society (SLES). Neepan Paramajothy won the Toastmaster of the Year award. Sameena Mahmood won an award in the senior category. Serendib Club recognized the services of M.A.A. Marleen, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, by awarding him, posthumously, the prestigious Communication and Leadership award.
