242nd Meeting

Following the historic Gavel Avurudu meeting, 242nd gavel meeting was held in the ENTC PG
Seminar room at 5.15pm as usual. The meeting started off with the national anthem led by
Rochelle Silva. An outstanding Gavelier and enthusiastic speaker, the Toastmaster for the day
was Sirimevan Jayasundera.
Focusing on the upcoming long weekend of 4 days, Gaveliers shared their ideal holiday plans in
the round robin session which for some was to study all day and for some others to sleep all four
days straight. Some members said they would spend the holidays engaging in religious activities
for Vesak
Following the round robin session, the Table Topics Master Rochelle Silva introduced the table
topics for the day, encouraging the members with a dash of enthusiasm. The well balanced table
topics consisted of 8 topics in different areas. Gavel members eagerly shared their magnificent
views on different topics. Speaking on whether pressure is precious, Shehan Jayasinghe made a
creative analogy. "If its too much, it can crush you, like a tin can. If it's too less, youll burst
like a balloon. Pressure is precious in right amounts". Another member Insaf Ismath gave a
message of courage and strength regarding the recent disastrous Earthquake in Nepal, taking the
mythical phoenix as an example. Table topics session came to an end after about 14 magnificent
speeches.
The time keepers report and Ah counters report were read following the speeches. The
evaluators Vibhanu Arachchige and Samavath Mallawarachchi provided insightful evaluations
encouraging the speakers further. The control was then given back to the Toastmaster. He said
that he is pleased to see speakers coming to speak on stage despite of feeling nervous when
speaking. He said, encouraging them that in fact its quite natural to feel nervous and with
practice will fade away.
Following the Grammarian's report, Grammar tip of the day was presented pointing out the
difference in usage of the words "Since" and "Because".
The general evaluator made some comments on the meeting in general. The control was given
back to the President. With another bunch of wonderful memories added to the gavel diary, the
members dispersed with renewed enthusiasm only to meet again in a weeks time.

Role players for the day:Toastmaster Sirimevan Jayasundera

Table Topics Master Rochelle Silva
Timer *********************
Ah counter *******************
Grammarian Shehan Avindra
CL evaluator
Table Topics evaluators Vibhanu Osanka Arachchige, Samavath Mallawarachchi
General evaluator *******************

Word of the day:Stupendous: So great in scope, degree, or importance as to amaze

Grammar tip for the day:The difference in usage of the words Since and Because
Since Used to speak about something that started from a point of time in the past
Because Used to imply the cause for something to happen
E.g.:- I am feeling better since I stopped drinking
The above sentence doesnt mean that the reason for you to feel better is stopping drinking. It
just means you are feeling better after you stopped drinking