Alethea School has achieved a major milestone in the national debating arena after being crowned champions of the All-Island Trilingual Debate Competition, “Clash of Minds” Season 7, organised by Japura Voice of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
The competition concluded on 20 September 2026, bringing together talented young debaters in a platform that celebrated critical thinking, communication skills, confidence and the ability to present compelling arguments.
Representing Alethea School in the English Debate category were Captain Dewsara Kudagamage, Abdullah Ilham, Akindu Gamage and Rumeha Sarah Ousmand. The team delivered a commanding performance throughout the competition, ultimately securing the prestigious island-wide championship for the school.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the Alethean English Debate Team, reflecting the dedication, preparation and teamwork that went into competing at one of the country’s prominent school debating platforms.
Adding another highlight to the school’s success, team captain Dewsara Kudagamage secured two major individual awards in the English Debate category. He was named both Best Debater and Best Presenter, recognising his ability to combine strong argumentation with confident and effective presentation.
Dewsara’s double recognition further strengthened what was already an outstanding campaign for Alethea School, with the captain playing a key role in leading the team through the competition.
Organised by Japura Voice of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, “Clash of Minds” Season 7 provided a competitive platform for young speakers to demonstrate their ability to analyse topics, construct arguments and communicate their ideas effectively.
Debating competitions such as these extend beyond winning a title. They encourage students to develop skills in research, logical reasoning, public speaking and teamwork, while also giving them the confidence to engage with complex issues and defend their viewpoints in a structured environment.
For Alethea School, the Season 7 championship adds another memorable achievement to its journey in debating and public speaking. The combined success of the team and Captain Dewsara Kudagamage’s individual honours made the 2026 competition an especially significant occasion for the school community.
The achievement of Dewsara Kudagamage, Abdullah Ilham, Akindu Gamage and Rumeha Sarah Ousmand also highlights the importance of collaboration in competitive debating. While individual speakers must demonstrate confidence and clarity, success ultimately depends on the ability of a team to prepare together, respond effectively and maintain consistency throughout the competition.
With the All-Island Trilingual Debate Competition 2026 now concluded, Alethea School can look back on Season 7 with an island-wide championship, two individual honours for its captain and a memorable performance from its English Debate Team.
The victory is a proud moment for the entire Alethean community and a testament to the team’s commitment to excellence in debating, communication and intellectual competition.
