Limits Unbound! – The Finals of SO XVII

By Thilakshan Balakrishnan

The week leading up to the finals of Speech Olympiad XVII saw a buzz of activity– posters springing up left and right across campus, the backdrop slowly coming into life at the Wala canteen, designers tirelessly working on the graphics to be displayed, organizers pulling their hair out trying to get the accounts to tally, and of course, someone running around and around the university premises in search of the elusive “Glue gun”.

At last, the fateful day, the 20th of February, had arrived. At the break of dawn (10 a.m.), a group of sleep-deprived Gaveliers shuffled into the Rupert Peiris Auditorium, ready to power through the final stretch. The air buzzed with last-minute preparations—emcees finalizing their scripts, a group of strong independent men delicately carrying the backdrop into place, designers testing their output on the big screen (only to realise they made a typo), organizers still pulling their hair out trying to get themselves out of this logistical nightmare, and of course, the Finalists having a meltdown over the duration of their speeches.

By 6:00 p.m., the stage was set—so cold that penguins could have called it home. The audience was ready, but in true Gavel tradition, the event ran fashionably late. At 6:30 p.m., emcees Unduli Senadheera and Thilakshan Balakrishnan took the stage, their voices ringing through the auditorium:

“Welcome to the grand finale of Speech Olympiad—where voices break barriers, ideas take flight, and the power of speech is unveiled, unleashed, and unbound!”

Thunderous applause erupted as the Finals of Speech Olympiad XVII officially began. A short promotional video featuring the finalists set the tone for the evening.

Following the National Anthem, Gavelier Saai Syvendra—one of the Co-Chairs of SO XVII, alongside Akindu Kalhan and Sasindi Peiris—warmly welcomed the audience. Having been in the finalists’ shoes just a year prior, he took a moment to relate to their nerves and excitement.

Next, the Guest of Honor, Nestlé Lanka’s Managing Director, Mr. Bernie Stefan, took the stage. He commended the initiative of Speech Olympiad and encouraged the Gavel Club of the University of Moratuwa to continue empowering young voices.

With that, the spotlight turned to the Contest Master for the evening, Gavelier Chemini Mallikarachchi. She explained the rules of the Prepared Speech contest and announced the speaking order:

1. Thulasithan Gnanenthiram
2. Amirthavarshani Ananthan
3. Afrah Rumie
4. Neelayadhakshi Priyadhakshan
5. Aloka Fernando

Gavelier Thulasi opened the round with a heartfelt speech about the girl next door, emphasizing the importance of passing on kindness. Gavelier Amirthavarshani followed with a touching tribute to her grandmother, reminding everyone that presence matters more than presents. Gavelier Afrah shared her journey as an architecture undergraduate, leaving the audience with the thought-provoking quote: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Gavelier Neelayadhakshi, blending humor with emotional depth, explored the topic of “boys” and the pitfalls of judging too quickly. Finally, Gavelier Aloka closed the round with an emotional speech about the loss of his grandmother, urging everyone to cherish the moments they have with loved ones.

As the applause echoed through the hall, it was time to launch the official SO XVII souvenir, The Orator—a testament to the dedication, creativity, and passion that shaped this remarkable journey.

The Chief Guest, DTM Ravi Uduwela, then addressed the audience. He shared his inspiring transformation from a child too afraid to step on stage to a world-renowned public speaker and finalist at the 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking. He urged everyone to seize opportunities and strive for greatness.

Following a tribute to alumni and resource persons who had mentored and nurtured new talent, the Impromptu Speech contest began. The topic: “The Axe forgets, but the Tree remembers.” Each finalist delivered a unique and thought-provoking take—some spoke of resilience, others of how adversity shapes us. Their quick wit and brilliant perspectives left the audience captivated.

More than 70 courageous storytellers had unveiled their voices throughout the preliminary and semi-final rounds of SOXVII. Staff Advisor and Senior Treasurer Dr. Indika Sigera and DTM Shriyanthi Salgadu honored each of them, celebrating their achievements.

As the judges finalized their votes, anticipation filled the air. To ease the tension, the Contest Master interviewed the finalists about their journeys through Speech Olympiad. Each took the opportunity to express gratitude to those who had supported them along the way.

Finally, Gavel Club President Udula Abeysinghe delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the unsung heroes who had brought the event to life.

Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The hall doors swung open, and the judges entered. Conversations died down, and the auditorium fell into a pin-drop silence. Standing tall (with the help of some very high heels), the Contest Master took center stage, holding a piece of paper in her hands.

“In this paper, I now hold the results of the Grand Finale of Speech Olympiad XVII.”

A drumroll of anticipation filled the room. Gavelier Afrah Rumie was crowned Most Popular Speaker, receiving thunderous applause. The Best Impromptu Speaker title went to Neelayadhakshi Priyadhakshan for her insightful take on the topic. But her night wasn’t over yet—she also claimed the Best Prepared Speaker award for her speech, Let’s Wait.

The seasoned veterans, Thulasithan Gnanenthiram and Amirthavarshani Ananthan, secured the titles of Second Runner-Up and First Runner-Up, respectively. However, beyond their accolades, they truly embodied the spirit of Speech Olympiad. Prioritizing mentorship over competition, they dedicated countless hours to guiding juniors who sought their help, often setting aside their own unfinished speeches to uplift others.

Finally, the moment of triumph: Neelayadhakshi Priyadhakshan was crowned Champion of Speech Olympiad XVII. As the previous year’s winner, Lakindu Kariyawasm, handed over the shield, the auditorium erupted into deafening applause.

With closing remarks complete, the extended Gavel family gathered on stage for the traditional group photo, all gesturing toward the Champion, dwarfed by the shield in front of her.

And just like that, a journey that began with a Zoom call on a cold December night came to its triumphant end under the moonlit sky of February. Yet, as the curtains fell on Speech Olympiad XVII, it was clear that this was not an ending, but a new beginning—one of unveiling stories, unleashing voices, and unbounding limits.