In a historic achievement for Sri Lanka, Ravi Uduwela from District 82 of Toastmasters International recently made waves by competing in the prestigious 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS). This monumental accomplishment makes him only the fourth Sri Lankan to reach this level, highlighting his exceptional oratory skills and dedication to the art of public speaking.
The World Championship of Public Speaking is the most competitive and revered events in the Toastmasters calendar. Each year, over 30,000 contestants from around the globe vie for the title, progressing through club, area, division, and district levels before reaching the international stage. For Ravi, this journey was not just a personal triumph but also a proud moment for the entire nation, as he carried forward the legacy of Sri Lankan Toastmasters on to the world stage Ravi Uduwela’s inspiring Toastmasters journey to the world championship of public speaking started off in 2015 with the intention of improving soft skills. He not only grew into a world-class speaker but also contributed to the Toastmasters fraternity by voluntarily taking up leadership and mentorship roles. He earned the Distinguished Toastmaster status in 2021, the highest ever recognition given by Toastmasters International.
Ravi’s path to the World Championship was marked by relentless preparation, numerous speeches, and a steadfast commitment to honing his craft. His inspirational Toastmasters journey, as detailed in his winning Semi-Finals speech, ‘Too Far Away,’ began in 2015 when his boss recommended that he join Toastmasters to enhance his soft skills. Fascinated by the program, Ravi took up regular speaking slots at meetings, which over the years assisted him in transforming into a world-class speaker. Whilst growing as a speaker Ravi also gave back to the fraternity by sharing his learnings, actively contributing to various Speech crafts and Youth Leadership programs across the country. Over the years, Ravi has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities by leading from the front. He has served as the President of four different Toastmasters clubs, as a club coach and as a Pathways coordinator. In 2021, he achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster status, which is the highest recognition given by Toastmasters International.”
“In his speeches at the 2024 World Championship, Ravi drew on personal experiences, crafting narratives that resonated with audiences from all walks of life. His winning Semifinals speech, titled ‘Too Far Away,’ was a masterpiece in which Ravi captivated the audience by sharing his life story and how Toastmasters helped shape him into the speaker he is today. His transformation from a shy, introverted kid to a world-renowned speaker was narrated with a masterful blend of humor, emotion, and thought-provoking insights, earning him admiration not only from the hundreds of audience members but also from his fellow contestants. It was not just a display of technical prowess but also a reflection of his profound understanding of the human experience—qualities that are essential in public speaking. The speech was delivered beautifully with class, confidence, and composure which earned him a much deserved spot in the finals of the World championship of Public speaking.
At the World Championship of Public Speaking Finals, Ravi delivered a powerful message in another stellar performance with his speech titled ‘By Your Side.’ He inspired the audience with the idea of ‘going with a guide by your side,’ encouraging listeners to seek and accept support during life’s struggles. In his Finals speech, Ravi also acknowledged the invaluable support he received from loved ones and the Toastmasters fraternity, which helped him achieve such great heights.
Ravi is highly successful not only as a speaker but also in his professional career, where he serves as the Group Chief Strategy Officer at a large conglomerate based in Sri Lanka. With over 18 years of diverse experience, he has worked with leading multinational companies and conglomerates across Sri Lanka and India in areas such as treasury operations, auditing, financial planning, strategic planning, business partnering, and business strategy formulation. An Associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and holder of an MBA from the University of Wales, Cardiff. Ravi is married to a banker, and together they are blessed with a beautiful daughter.
Ravi’s achievement is a source of inspiration for many aspiring speakers in Sri Lanka and beyond. It underscores the power of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. As only the fourth Sri Lankan to compete at this level, Ravi Uduwela has not only brought honor to his country but also set a benchmark for future generations of Toastmasters in Sri Lanka. As he returns to District 82, Ravi’s journey will undoubtedly inspire others to dream big and aim for the highest echelons of public speaking. His legacy serves as a reminder that with dedication and the right platform, Sri Lankans can shine on the global stage, sharing their voices and stories with the world.
