A prominent Sri Lankan female social worker was given a special award in recognition of her services to the community by the Serendib Toastmaster Club in Riyadh on Friday.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Vadivel Krishnamoorthy presented a plaque to Dr. Kifaya Ifthikar at the 12th awards night of the Serendib Toastmaster Club and Gavel Club.

The envoy thanked Ifthikar for the services rendered by her personally, as well as with the mission. He added that the community needs such women in the community to work for the welfare of women in line with the vision of the Saudi government, which is keen on empowering women in the Kingdom.

He said: “Speech is more than a tool used for communication. It is a symbol of power, a tool used to lead, influence, and inspire. Speaking is a method of communication that transcends all forms of language, class, and ethnicity. The oldest form of history was told orally, when legends and myths were passed down from generation to generation.”

As an institution, he said Toastmasters is preserving this noble tradition by developing its members’ public speaking skills. By providing a platform for its members to develop their personality including leadership qualities and self-confidence, they are helping individuals achieve their professional and personal goals. Therefore, he added that it is the greatest investment one could make to develop the essential skills to present ones thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way.

“Toastmasters is therefore contributing overall growth of their members and help the development of every individual.”

“Public speaking skills can yield a number of benefits and can open up a whole new world of opportunities. Public speaking does not always mean that one has to give a speech to a large audience. It is the fact that individuals from all walks of life have to speak in public at one time or the other. Reciting a poem in school, taking part in an interview, addressing the staff of a company, or merely sharing your opinions with your family, requires a form of confidence and eloquence that Toastmasters can help you hone. Communication shapes people’s perceptions, by improving our communication skills, we are ultimately able to shape the perceptions of our audience,” he stressed.

On her part, Ifthikar, who has been in the Kingdom for more than a decade pledged that she would continue to do welfare work for the good of the community.

Nirone Dissanayake, president of the Serendib Toastmaster Club, said: “This is the program that hones skills and helps one climb the ladder in any organization.”