Omar Hazari Won International Public Speaking Championship
The 19-year-old student from Sri Lanka secured the global title at the Royal Institution in London.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Lecture and Seminars
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Omar Hazari, a 19-year-old student at Royal College, has won the English Speaking Union International Public Speaking Championship. His victory marks the second consecutive year that a participant from Sri Lanka has claimed the prestigious global title.
Why it matters
The annual competition serves as a global stage for youth to demonstrate mastery in public discourse, engaging over 160,000 students from 45 countries. The event highlights the growing emphasis on persuasive communication skills among international youth.
The 2026 event drew 160,000 students from 45 countries and regions. The competition, established by the English Speaking Union in 1980, requires finalists to excel in both prepared and impromptu speaking.
The players
Omar Hazari
He is a 19-year-old student at Royal College who secured the first-place title in the 2026 international competition.
Theodroa Todoran
She is a participant from Romania who placed second in the international public speaking event.
Ian Karlton Muyimba
He is a contestant representing Uganda who earned third place in the competition.
Sashane Dassanayake
He is the 2025 champion who established a recent winning streak for Sri Lanka in this global contest.
English Speaking Union
This educational charity facilitates international communication through programs like the annual public speaking championship.
The details
Contestants were evaluated on their ability to deliver persuasive messages with clarity and originality before a panel of judges. The final event took place at the Royal Institution, where Theodroa Todoran from Romania and Ian Karlton Muyimba from Uganda rounded out the top three.
Timeline
The English Speaking Union established the competition in 1980.
Omar Hazari placed 2nd Runner-up in the national competition in 2024.
Sashane Dassanayake won the International Public Speaking Championship in 2025.
Omar Hazari won the international title on September 20, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The competition follows a pattern set by the English Speaking Union International Public Speaking Championship, which has served as a benchmark for student oratorical skill since 1980. This victory underscores a strong pipeline of competitive talent emerging from Sri Lanka in recent years.
Aspiring speakers can follow the English Speaking Union to track future registration deadlines and eligibility requirements for upcoming global forums. Those interested in the art of debate can look for the organization's planned Commonwealth debating competition announcements.
The takeaway
Developing a balance between structured preparation and the ability to think quickly during impromptu rounds is essential for success in high-level speaking contests. Consistency in performance is a key factor, as demonstrated by the rise of winners who have spent years navigating national and international stages.
Further reading
For more on educational oratorical events, visit the Lecture and Seminars section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FT Sri Lanka.
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