The first-ever Sri Lions Netball League tournament, will be held today and tomorrow at St. Joseph’s College Colombo Indoor Stadium, featuring six teams.
Dr. Kelum Sujith, President of Sri Lions, emphasized the organization’s emergence as a leading force in sports since its establishment in 2019. With a focus on ten major disciplines from Cricket to Basketball, Sri Lions caters to the diverse sporting passions of Sri Lankans worldwide.
“We’re set to establish a Netball Academy in Sri Lanka soon. This inaugural Sri Lions Netball League sends a powerful message to all Sri Lankan Netball players about the value of international exposure and the competitive nature of Netball,” said Dr. Kelum
Thilaka Jinadasa, a former National Netball coach and Sri Lanka double international athlete, serves as the Sri Lions International team manager and primary advisor to the Netball League.
The Sri Lions International team, led by former National player Akila Jayawardena, is among the six teams competing in the tournament. Thilaka Jinadasa manages this team, which includes former Sri Lankan player Sureka Gamage and two Malaysian players. Considered favorites to win the tournament, they face tough competition from teams like Maldives Club Matrix, Sri Lanka Schools team, Sri John Kotelawala Defence University team, State Services team led by former Sri Lanka skipper Chathurangi Jayasuriya, and the Nationalized Services Netball Association team.
The final day of the Sri Lions Netball League on Sunday will feature the championship match, with Sports Director General Prof. Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando as the chief guest.
Dhammika Ratnaweera