District 82 of Toastmasters International will host Ovation 2026, its flagship annual conference themed “Tides of Transformation,” on May 16 and 17 at Shangri-La Colombo, powered by Home Lands as the Title Partner.

“What sets Sri Lanka apart is not just participation, but passion. Toastmasters here is not an extracurricular activity. It is a platform for personal transformation, leadership grooming, and national representation on a global stage,” said DTM Niroshan Nadarajah, District Director of District 82.

Founded in 1924, Toastmasters International in USA,  is a global nonprofit that develops communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Sri Lanka has been part of the movement since 1983, when the Colombo Toastmasters Club became the first Toastmasters club in South Asia.

He noted that while it took more than three decades for women to be admitted to Toastmasters International, they now make up a significant and growing share of the membership.

Today, District 82 includes over 168 clubs and more than 4,000 members across 65 cities, spanning corporate, institutional, and community-based clubs.

District 82 was ranked the Number One District in the Toastmasters International network for the 2024/2025 term.

DTM Sudash Liyanage, Past Region Advisor for Toastmasters International, said, “The philosophy is simple but powerful. Growth happens through practice, reflection, and community. By creating a safe space to fail, learn, and try again, Toastmasters nurtures individuals who are not only better speakers, but more confident thinkers and effective communicators in every aspect of life.”

Conference Chair DTM Mario De Silva said the two-day event will feature high-energy programming, including speech contests, keynote sessions, educational workshops, and recognition ceremonies celebrating the district’s top performers.

“Ovation is the culmination of a Toastmasters year. It is the stage where the district’s best speakers compete at the highest level, where leaders are celebrated, and where the collective journey of District 82 is showcased on one platform,” he said.

Other sponsors for Ovation 2026 include Premier Sponsor Janatha Steels, Platinum Sponsors A J Medichem International and New Anthoney’s Farms, Gold Sponsors Jayes Investment Ltd, Nestlé Coffee-Mate and Zoro Tapes, and Silver Sponsor Maliban Biscuit Manufactories.

The event was organised by Mark and Comm, the official PR agency managing communications for District 82 Toastmasters and Ovation 2026.