Lankan student bags coveted Toastmasters trophy

Mohammed RASOOLDEEN In Riyadh

Aaqil Imthiyaz Yaseen, a Sri Lankan grade nine student from the British International School in Riyadh, grabbed the much coveted Championship of International Speech and Table Topics speech contest trophy, demonstrating his rhetorical skills in Riyadh recently.

The championship, conducted by Toastmasters Division A and B Joint Conference, was held at the Riyadh Palace Hotel.

The-14-year-old Lankan student mesmerized the audience with his oratorical skills with his speech on Use it, Do not abuse it, which focused on the value of time management.

Aaqil became the Champion of Table Topics (Impromptu Speaking) for the consecutive second year. He represented Serendib Gavel Club, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Aaqil is the grandson of former Chief Education Officer in Sri Lanka late S H M Yaseen who was the All-Ceylon Muslim Teachers Association president.

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development with a total membership of 270,000 around the globe.

Members develop their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 13,000 clubs that make up the Toastmasters global network.