GAVEL CLUB

Vision

"To empower undergraduates of The University of Kelaniya to gain recognition as good communicators with strong personalities."

Mission

"Provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop and practice Communication and Leadership Skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth."

Gavel Club, University of Kelaniya

The University of Kelaniya Gavel Club, affiliated to Toastmasters International USA, was chartered in October 2004 and has gained much reputation by becoming the first ever Gavel Club in South Asia.

The initial step towards creating the club was taken by a Speechcrafters’ Educational Programme at the university, initiated under the guidance of Mr. Sujith Bandulahewa, the Charter President of Serendib Toastmasters Club, Prof Kapila Seneviratne and Dr. D.U. Mohan. This successful implementation favoured the goals of the educational and career aspirations and therefore gave birth to the Gavel Club of University of Kelaniya on the 21st of October 2004. The club is currently operated under the patronage of Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya and celebrated its 20th Anniversary on the 21st of October 2024. The Club has grown while offering great services not only to the University of Kelaniya but to the entire University community of Sri Lanka. It has facilitated several opportunities, instructional and educational material to uphold its members’ skills. It also organizes various events focused on the club’s main purposes; communication, language and leadership skills. Though with a short history, the members of the club have gained much prestige in significant events by showcasing their tremendous dedication and talents.

The University of Kelaniya Gavel Club is, first and foremost, a place for anyone who likes to improve their public speaking skills and their English language skills. The Gavel club is not only a place to improve your public speaking skills but also a place to find new friends, make new connections, discover yourself and above all, have a great time. The University of Kelaniya Gavel Club conducts its Weekly Educational Meetings on Thursdays on the 1st and 3rd Week of the Month, and on Wednesdays on the 2nd and 4th Week of the Month from 4pm to 6pm.

The Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club was held on the 4th of September 2025 at MCOM lecture hall- FCMS from 4 PM to 6 PM. The Executive Committee for the Academic Year 2023/2024 was officially elected at this occasion. The meeting was , followed by the presentation of the meeting minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Academic Year 2022/2023. Then the Annual Report of the Academic Year 2022/2023 was presented by the outgoing President, Gav. Nadil Gunaratne.The Financial Report for the Academic Year 2022/2023 was presented by the outgoing Junior Treasurer Gav. Danindu Ransika. Thereafter, the process of electing the incoming Executive Committee was officially conducted. The following Gaveliers were elected to the Executive Committee for the Academic Year 2023/2024:

President – Gav. Jinadari Ranawaka

Vice President – Education – Gav. Charuni Seneviratne
Vice President – Membership – Gav. Nelushi Makulloluwa
Vice President – Public Relations – Gav. Anushka Wijesinghe
Secretary – Gav. Kaumini Gawarammana
Assistant Secretary – Gav. Rizma Uvais
Junior Treasurer – Gav. S. Sathiyabalan
Assistant Junior Treasurer – Gav. Vihanya Mendis
Sergeant-at-Arms – Gav. Yuneth Withanachchi
Immediate Past President – Gav. Nadil Gunaratne

The proceedings were concluded with the speech by the incoming President, Gav. Jinadari Ranawaka, where the plans for the upcoming term were mentioned. The meeting was a modest success, with a substantial number of Gaveliers participating in the occasion.

The proceedings were concluded with the speeches from the Senior Treasurer, Dr. Jehan Senevirathne and the incoming President, Gav. Nadil Gunaratne, where the plans for the upcoming term were mentioned. The meeting was a modest success, with a substantial number of Gaveliers participating in the occasion.

Weekly Educational Meetings

Educational meetings are of high significance in the Gavel club as they nurture speakers to be better versions of themselves in public speaking. The Gavel Club of the University of Kelaniya has weekly educational meetings on a preferable day for Gavel members. Usually, weekly educational meetings are held on Thursdays on the 1st and 3rd Week of the Month,and on Wednesdays on the 2nd and 4th Week of the Month from 4pm to 6pm. They are typically held in the A7 building, in the Faculty of Science. Each educational meeting has a theme dedicated for the meeting which is set by the Toastmaster of the Day and role players like timer, ah counter, grammarian, table topics master, table topics evaluator and general evaluator performs their defined tasks. Taking up these roles are a great opportunity for the members to enhance their listening, time management and critical thinking skills.