The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in severe economic and social impact around the world. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the disruption caused by the pandemic, and many are now at risk of being left behind in education & economic opportunities. The initial impact to Sri Lanka occured on the 21st of March 2020, and immediately the government imposed a total lockdown style curfew across the country. This was a challenge taken by the nation to protect themselves and their loved ones while being quarantined in their homes.
During this time people were spending more time with their families at home, and many companies allowed their employees to work from home. However, this was not a stop to the Toastmasters meetings, as the Toastmasters International took immediate response and introduced the the online meetings platform. This was a great opportunity for the people who had not been attending virtual meeting and were able to participate in the educational
sessions. The COVID-19 pandemic has given all of us a message, on how we have been and how we are now, and very importantly how we are to plan moving forward.
Najeeb Saheel
VP Public Relations – 2019/20
Awakening Toastmasters
