Shakthi Debater Returns in Grand Style: Over 500 Students Attend Inauguration Ceremony

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A new season of “Shakthi Debater,” the Shakthi TV debating competition aimed at crowning the champions of eloquence among school debaters, is set to begin soon.

The inauguration ceremony of the new season was held today at Stein Studios, Ratmalana, alongside a workshop for participants.

Organised by the Maharaja Media Network through Shakthi TV, the programme provides a national platform for school students to showcase their debating skills, critical thinking, and public speaking abilities.

This season carries added significance, as “Shakthi Debater” broadens its engagement to Sri Lanka’s Tamil-speaking community, alongside its established Sinhala-speaking participants, reflecting a more inclusive platform for young debaters across linguistic and regional boundaries.

Students from all parts of the country took part in the initial selection rounds, with 852 schools participating.

Based on the results, 64 schools have been selected to advance to the studio round of the competition.

Addressing the gathering, Chevaan Daniel, Group Director of Capital Maharaja Group, said the programme is focused on shaping future leaders rather than only developing debating talent. He noted that the platform has consistently nurtured young individuals who have gone on to excel in multiple fields, building confidence, creativity, and leadership qualities.

He further emphasized the importance of critical thinking and the ability to seek truth beyond the source of a message, referencing classical Tamil literature and Thiruvalluvar’s teaching: “ It is not what is said or who says it but wisdom is finding the truth within.

The inaugural season of “Shakthi Debater” will be telecast from July 11, airing every Saturday from 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on Shakthi TV.