SPARK, an ambitious Public Speaking (English) Competition organized by the Rotaract Club of Edulink International Campus, held its semi-finals recently. SPARK has been divided into two broad categories: one at school level, extending to three districts in the Western Province; the other at Rotaractor level.
The first round of the contest saw the participation of students from more than 40 schools in the districts involved, while 14 students and eight Rotaractors were selected for the second round. At the conclusion of the semi-finals, the following participants made it to the finals: Sandunlekha Ekanayake (Holy Cross Gampaha) and Thaliba Cader (St Anne’s Wattala) from the Gampaha District; S. H. Malki Piyumika Jayawardhana (Panadura Balika Vidyalaya) and Shehani Senadheera (Leeds international Panadura) from the Kalutara District; Sahan Dharmasena (Royal College) and Mashood Nazraar (Isipathana College) from the Colombo District; and Senuri Suriarachchi (University of Colombo), Samadhi Nisansala Nawalage (CCS) , Mohomed Afnan (CCS), and Rishnie Fernandopule (Rotaract club of Negombo) from the Rotaractors Category.
What is unique about SPARK
Firstly, it is not a conventional speaking contest. The organizers of the show are very much involved with the competitors, which is particularly seen in their grooming sessions of contestants. Moreover, it is touted as an attempt at inculcating lifelong friendships between the organiser and the competitor, something discernibly lacking in most other conventional contests.
SPARK was officially inaugurated on September 27. The Platinum sponsor for the event is SQA, the Gold sponsor Edulink International Campus, the product sponsor Litro gas, the printing sponsor Gunarathne printers and photography partner LetMeKnow.lk. The grand finale will be held on November 11 at the Sports Ministry Auditorium.