JICA sponsors Baseball Coach for Sri Lanka

In a significant development, Rintaro Tsukamoto has been appointed as the new baseball coach for Sri Lanka as part of the revitalized Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship initiative by the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), as announced by the Sri Lanka Amateur Baseball/Softball Association.

This strategic appointment was made possible through collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies’ External Resources Department (ERD) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. The official welcoming ceremony for the new coaching team was held at the ERD office in Colombo on Tuesday.

Japan, renowned for its baseball prowess and ranked at the top in both men’s and women’s categories worldwide, will now share its expertise with Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has been without a baseball coach for the past two years, primarily due to financial constraints. However, the federation is determined to elevate the sport, beginning at the school level.

Expressing their enthusiasm, the Sri Lanka Amateur Baseball/Softball Association stated that this collaboration signifies a new era in Sri Lanka’s baseball journey, strengthening the bond between the two nations through their shared love for this sport. Coach Tsukamoto brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, poised to contribute to the growth of baseball in Sri Lanka.

Highlighting the crucial role played by JICA, the Sri Lanka Baseball Association pointed out that since 2002, JICA has been the main supporter of Sri Lanka Baseball, continuously providing approximately 16 coaches. Unfortunately, support dwindled following the Easter bomb attack and subsequent economic crisis.

Sources have revealed that Japanese coaches undergo a three-month Sinhala language training program funded by JICA before arriving in Sri Lanka. Upon their arrival, they undergo an additional three months of Sinhala training to ensure they are well-prepared for their coaching responsibilities, all supported by JICA.

Coach Tsukamoto’s appointment as a volunteer coach underscores the commitment of both Japan and Sri Lanka to promote sports diplomacy and cultural exchange. Sri Lanka Baseball eagerly anticipates exciting developments and improvements in their baseball programs under his guidance.