Taking a page from Hitler’s Book
In typical Gavel Club fashion, the 5th Installation Ceremony of the University of Colombo Gavel Club unravelled on the 12th of September, at the DHPL Hall, 5.30pm onwards. The registration desk was overflowing with Gaveliers hailing from various clubs who showed up to support the incoming and outgoing Executive Committees, the guests were comfortably seated, the projector was working without a hitch (for the most part) and the incoming Executive Committee, clad in black and teal, were running around like madmen (which may be telling of the year they’ll be facing ahead).
The occasion was graced by Chief Guest Prof. K.R.R. Mahanama, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo; Senior Treasurer and Club Mentor, Dr.DilhariAttygale; Toastmasters Yasir Harris and Dinuk Silva, who acted as Installing Officer and Inducting Officer respectfully; the University of Colombo Gavel family and the extended Gavel family all banded in unison to witness the Installation and Induction Ceremonies.
The show was guided by our wonderful MCs for the evening, GV Sasinidu and GV Uresha, whose perfect anecdotes and quips kept the show lively and entertaining. Adding to the entertainment were the two acts – a dance act by students of the Faculty of Science and a musical act by Euphony, previous winners of Chathurmana. A video presentation encompassing the embarrassing faces of the past year was shown, much to everyone’s delight and some people’s dismay.
Our Chief Guest addressed the gathering and left the audience with inspiring words. Dr.Attygale embarked upon the task of appreciating the outgoing Executive Committee with grace, politeness and heartfelt personal stories – a fitting tribute indeed to the amazing Executive Committee that was bidding us goodbye. Outgoing President and current Immediate Past President Lawan Wijayasooriya delivered a sweet memoir of the past year, ran through the highlights and commended his team for a job well done. He also left the incoming Executive Committee with plenty of advice that they will cherish. Toastmaster Yasir Harris delivered a hearty keynote speech, where he distinguished between interest and commitment, and requested all Gaveliers to be committed to their clubs; his speech was also littered with jokes, which kept the audience at a steady balance of laughter and quiet thought.
Toastmaster Dinuk Silva took the stage to induct the new members of the Gavel Club of University of Colombo – many alumni and current members were looking on, thinking back to the days of their induction and probably feeling a lot older than they actually are. Each member was introduced and applauded; a sense of family was reaffirmed as they and the audience pledged to help each other grow.
The two supplementary officers of the Executive Committee, the Webmaster GV Nethma Dulmini and Club Editor GV Ishani Senadhipathi were then introduced by the MCs and honoured on stage.
In the poignant moment of the evening, Toastmaster Yasir Harris made a joke – a few of them, actually, that did not help the incoming Executive Committee keep a straight, professional face on stage – and the Installation was upon us. After reading an introduction about each role player, he invited on stage Sergeant-At-Arms GV Pasan Senevirathne, Junior Treasurer GV Sachith Rukshan, Club Secretary GV Thanushi Mallikarachchi, Vice President Public Relations GV Kaumadi Jayaweera, Vice President Membership GV Shamla Naleer, Vice President Education GV Nishedha Indraratne and Club President for the term 2019/2020, GV Uditha Weerasinghe, performed the installation ceremony with gusto and officially handed the club over to control of the newly appointed Executive Committee.
What could be regarded the highlight of the night was the moment when our newly appointed President, after honouring the Immediate Past President, delivered his acceptance speech with a quote from the Infamous Adolf Hitler. “Think a thousand times before taking a decision. But, after taking that decision, never turn back, even if you face a thousand difficulties”. If that isn’t telling about the kind of year University of Colombo Gavel can expect, nothing is. In true Presidential fashion, GV Uditha addressed the gathering, expressed his and his Executive Committee’s plans for the term, and handed control over to the MCs.
After honouring GV PabaPiyaratne for completing her CC Manual and handing over gifts to GV Thanushi and GV Rukshan for perfect attendance, the audience was anticipating a feast outside, as Project Chair and Club Editor GV IshaniSenadhipathi, took the stage to deliver the vote of thanks. As she closed off the ceremony with the resounding words “Gavel Never Stops, and Never Will”, the audience rushed off to their favourite part of any Installation – the food and talking. An amazing spread put together by GV Shamla (call her to find out who made those amazing short eats), GV Thanushi and a bunch of our new Inductees was enough to keep spirits high and bellies full. Our photographers from FOS Media suddenly found themselves extremely busy; photos were taken, memories were made and documented, jokes were exchanged and as usual, networking and joint meetings were arranged.
The Executive Committee of Gavel University of Colombo would like to thank everyone who made their Installation a great success, and promise to do their best to keep Gavel a fun, safe and interesting place to spend your Wednesday or Thursday evenings with.
See you at our next meeting!
- GV Nishedha Indraratne
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