By Sathnuwan Dassana
The clock struck 2, and he was late for the event. If it had been any other day, he might’ve come up with a few practical excuses. But it was the 23rd of March, a Sunday, the only day he had no other work.
The sun had shone brightly throughout the day, but by now, the sky was preparing for a shift. And so was he. Knowing that change was in the air, he stepped into the TMLE building. His steps were light, but his thoughts were not.
But soon, all his worries melted away. What he walked into wasn’t tension or formality, just the usual friendly chatter of fellow Gaveliers. The atmosphere was warm and familiar as always. And yes, staying true to the Gavel tradition, the meeting was far from starting on time.
It took another full hour before the event truly began.
Being true to his ever-consistent style, carefree, yet never careless, the outgoing President of Gavel Mora, Udula Abeyshinghe, gave the podium a light, echoing tap with the gavel. With that, he officially started the meeting and handed over control to Pavan Pitiwaduge, the outgoing Vice President of Public Relations.
Without hesitation, and keeping his usual easy-going demeanour, Gavelier Pavan kicked off the Round Robin session. But this wasn’t just any Round Robin; it was the President’s Bash, where everyone got a chance to say whatever they wanted about the president. And as expected… the tsunami hit. One after another, stories, jokes, and emotional moments poured out, each person sharing their memories, inside jokes, and personal experiences with the president many had grown to love.
Then came the knockout moment, the outgoing Vice President of Education, Chemini, presented her take on the president with a slideshow that sent the room into waves of laughter. A brilliant mix of facts, fun, and pure roast, it was informative, yes, but mostly hilarious.
With that, the Round Robin came to a close, waving the green flag to Gavelier Mihiran Wickramarathne, the ever-energetic outgoing Sergeant-at-Arms, to begin the Table Topics session.
Taking on the role of a time traveller, he guided the session with his usual spark. Each topic gently pulled us back through time, to the warmest memories we shared as a club, to the little moments we hadn’t realised we’d grown so attached to, until that moment.
And finally, with hearts full and smiles still lingering on every face, it was time.
Time for the main event, the Gavel Installation.
Carrying the heaviness of emotion within their steps, the two moderators, Hemindi and Dassana, stepped forward to begin the official event.
The first to be invited on stage were Chemini Mallikarachchi and Lakindu Kariyawasam, the outgoing Vice President of Education and the Assistant Vice President of Education, to give a recap of a year that was nothing short of extraordinary. And what a recap it was!
The Edu-duo were masters at lightly tapping on the heaviest memories in everyone’s hearts. Their presentation was calm, heartfelt, and beautifully collaborative. It was clear they weren’t just presenting — they were revisiting a journey they had led with care and passion. With that touching start, the rest of the ceremony began to unfold.
What followed was a flood of recognition: awards, certificates, and a stage full of smiling Gaveliers who had made it all happen. Chapter X, Gavel Orientation, Gavel Awurudu, the 555th Meeting, Speakers Odyssey, Speech Olympiad…
Behind these events stood a group of passionate hands and thoughtful minds, and each of them had their moment of thanks.
After that, the Assistant Treasurer of the club, Sayuni Ranawaka, presented the financial report for the term 2024–2025, giving a detailed analysis of the club’s income and expenses.
And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the announcement of the Gavelier of the Year. This year, the honour went to none other than Sasindi Peris. Celebrating her well-deserved moment, she delivered an inspiring speech, once again proving just how truly worthy she was.
So, finally, it came. The moment when everyone had to show their gratitude with their hands. It was time to admire and appreciate their service. Beneath the rain of applause, the outgoing board received their truly deserving service letters from the outgoing president Udula Abeyshinghe, reminding everyone that no matter how tightly you hold someone’s hand, the moment will come when you must let go.
Proving that again, the one who had steered the ship up until now stepped forward to address all. Once more, for the very last time as the President of Gavel Mora. After speaking words that completed sentences and filled paragraphs, he finally put a full stop to his presidential chapter, making sure everyone’s hearts grew at least twice as heavy.
Before the weight of the moment could settle, the fitting individual, the newly appointed President, Saai Syvendra, walked onto the stage, overflowing the hall with his passionate energy and ever-confident smile and, more importantly, filling every heart with a sense of calmness.
Then, turning a new page and assuring everyone that everything is in safe hands, he welcomed the new board. Together, they stood on stage while inviting all others to stay beside them. Because, after all, this is a family. So everyone came to celebrate the moment and to congratulate them.
After fully embracing the moment and filling each other’s phones with pictures, everyone peacefully left. Not home just yet, but to fill their bellies with food. Because let’s be honest, no celebration is complete without it.
Finally, with bellies full and hearts even fuller from joyful conversations, everyone exchanged their goodbyes. Though their eyes were sleepy, they carried a hint of excitement, a spark of wonder for what the future held. There was nothing to fear — after all, this is the place where fear becomes passion!
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